The surgery Edwin underwent was minor and non-invasive.

The procedure was brief, taking less than an hour. Such surgeries, though small, could still strain the body. Edwin looked pale as he was wheeled out.

Edwin was an attractive boy.

Upon spotting Mark, tears welled up in his big eyes, and he affectionately called Mark, “Daddy.”

A pang of guilt struck Mark. He leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on Edwin, and with a rough voice, inquired, “Are you in pain?"

Edwin initially denied feeling any pain.

Then, he appeared to recall something, pressing his lips together in silence.

Mark, feeling a sting of hurt, caressed Edwin's hair and murmured, “Rest your eyes and sleep well. Daddy's right here.”

Edwin obediently shut his eyes.

Due to Mark's unique status, the hospital had thoughtfully arranged the finest ward, one as clean as a suite in a hotel.

Mark worried Zoey might not handle it well, so he suggested she head home first.

“You can head back and get some rest. When Edwin awakens, I'll arrange for the driver to fetch you."

Zoey was perceptive. Recognizing the strained relationship between

Mark and Cecilia, she agreed to leave and purposely created space for them.

After a few moment, Zoey left.

The doctor and the nurse completed their ward visit and departed. As for Peter, he remained in the adjacent small meeting room, hesitant to disrupt them.

A delicate tension filled the air.

Cecilia, with a warm cloth, tenderly cleaned Edwin's face.

She sat motionless, lost in thought.

Mark crouched before Cecilia, gently taking her hand, whispering, "Cecilia, we need to talk."