He kissed her passionately, his tongue delving into her mouth, hoping that the kiss would rekindle her affection for their past.

But Cecilia felt nothing but disgust.

Mark's strength surpassed hers, and she couldn't break free, so she stopped struggling.

She allowed him to kiss her.

The aftermath of their kiss left her skin flushed.

The warmth of their entwined bodies grew intense.

Suddenly, Mark pulled away.

Holding Cecilia in his arms, he buried his face in her neck, his voice strained.

"Cecilia, you're unwilling to react at all? You truly won't allow me to make amends for you two?"

"No." Her voice quivered.

Mark didn't release her.

He simply held her close, absorbing her warmth.

He suddenly recalled something.

That New Year's Day several years back, he had brought Cecilia a gift, something girls her age loved.

Someone confessed his love to Cecilia at the Fortune Square.

Behind them, fireworks illuminated the sky.

Her face had been so youthful and radiant at the time, and her eyes had shone with affection when they locked onto him across the crowd.

Now, she was a mature woman.

But between them... Things had come to this point seemingly of no return.

Mark's voice quivered.