Mark's hands formed into tight balls.

His usually kind expression turned stormy, yet he kept his anger in check.

"Just give me some time to sort it out."

Cecilia was about to respond when his phone interrupted with its ring.

Mark's brow creased in annoyance, but he took the call.

Cathy's voice came through, explaining that Laura was struck with severe pneumonia, her temperature soaring to 40 degrees, causing convulsions.

Mark unbuttoned his shirt and spoke in a hushed tone.

"I'll be right there."

After the call, Mark said softly to Cecilia, "I'll head there to check on her."

Cecilia faced him with a serene expression.

She questioned him, "The child belongs to Cathy. Doesn't that child have her grandparents? Mark, why do you have to meddle in her affairs?"

Cecilia's heart wasn't vast enough for such generosity.

Being generous would only bring her pain in the end.

After a quiet moment, Mark admitted, "I owe Paul a big one."

He changed his shirt and assured Cecilia to rest, promising to take her and Edwin back to Duefron tomorrow morning.

Cecilia turned away from him, saying nothing.

Despite her silence, Mark departed. Soon after, the sound of the car engine echoed from the yard.

Tears rolled down Cecilia's face. She wept quietly.

But she had grown beyond her innocence. She wouldn't permit herself to weep for an extended period.

Restlessness kept her awake.