As he observed the things she was carrying, he gently suggested, "Go to my place and stay there for a while."

Cecilia shook her head.

Mark understood her thoughts, so he refrained from pressuring her "You can go to your parents' place then. Edwin will be taken care of."

Cecilia shook her head again.

Standing by the window, she said softly, “Mark, I want to start a new life."