Releasing Edwin's hand, Cecilia approached the ward window and whispered, “Edwin will recover in three days, and then I'll bring him back to Duefron."

Mark's heart felt a subtle squeeze.

He approached her slowly and gently grasped her slender shoulder from behind.

“What are you implying?"

Cecilia smiled faintly and remarked, "Mark, perhaps I've been overly optimistic. It's become clear to me that Edwin and I are mere extras in the screenplay of your life, taking a backseat to your career."

In a gravelly tone, Mark protested, “That's not true."

His love for her and Edwin was immense.

Edwin was their son, born out of love between Cecilia and Mark.

Cecilia maintained a faint smile as the chilly night caused the window to fog up with water vapor.

Her delicate fingers traced patterns on the glass, and after a long silence, she offered, “Maybe I should leave you alone to handle all these. I'll wait for you in Duefron."

Mark spun her to face him.

Gazing into her eyes, he affirmed, "I will help the Thomas family reclaim the custody of Laura."

Cecilia grinned and asked, “Reclaim custody of Laura? Is that a situation you need to be entangled in? The child belongs to Cathy, and you are not the father. Mark, you know what? The virtuous acts you've undertaken truly worry me. I... I'm utterly insecure.”

Perhaps Cecilia was better off not being in a relationship filled with such insecurity.

Mark enveloped her in his embrace.

Cecilia attempted to wriggle free, but in vain.

She buried her face on his shoulder, weeping uncontrollably.

Mark was filled with regret. In a hoarse whisper, he assured her, "Believe me, Cecilia. My heart isn't with Cathy. You've been the only one in my heart all these years."

Cecilia seemed lost in thought.

Her eyes appeared slightly puffy as she gently shook her head.