But Laura was Cathy's daughter. She could not bring herself to embrace Laura as her own.

Cecilia had something to say, but Mark silenced her with a gentle finger on her lips.

He prevented her from speaking.

He drew Cecilia in his arms and whispered, "Let's sleep."

Cecilia came to a standstill.

As the night wore on, Mark believed she had dozed off, so he silently got up, leaving his phone behind.

He reached for a pack of cigarettes on the bedside table. As he stepped outside, a cool breeze swept into the bedroom, leaving a touch of chill behind.

Cecilia's cheek rested against the white sheet.

She drew near, blinked her eyes open, wide awake, unable to return to sleep.

She couldn't resist the urge to rise from bed.

She ventured through the darkness wearing her thin pajamas until she eventually located Mark in the study.

A faint spotlight cast a gentle glow on him, resembling a comforting embrace amid the dimly lit night.

Bathed in the soft light, he smoked in silence. His handsome face wore a slight frown as if his thoughts were clouded with sadness.

It was rare for Cecilia to see Mark in such a state.

No matter how challenging the task, he had a knack for effortlessly resolving it.

She cast her gaze downward and drifted into quiet contemplation.

Mark would find contentment if Laura had a bright future but deep regret if her path ahead turned gloomy. Not tending to the sole heir of Paul would weigh heavily on Mark.

Right now, Mark became aware of Cecilia's presence.

His eyes locked onto hers with feelings too deep to decipher, and

Cecilia replied with a smile.