He looked back at her, a soft smile playing on his lips, tinged with a hint of melancholy.

She sensed the weight of his thoughts.

At that moment, an indescribable ache gripped Cecilia's heart.

It was as if the confident and composed Uncle Mark she had admired had disappeared.

He was just an ordinary man now.

He couldn't even admit to feeling jealous.

Cecilia's voice caught in her throat.

“I'm going back. Please take care of yourself."

Mark inquired, “When is your next prenatal check-up? I'll come with you."

Cecilia looked up at him.

She spoke softly.

"Thursday, two weeks from now, at nine in the morning."

Mark remained silent. He simply brushed his fingers gently through her hair, reminiscent of the past... At that moment, Mark seemed both like a guardian and a lover.

No promises were exchanged between them.

She didn't assure him she would remain by his side once he recovered.

And he didn't bring up the topic of remarriage.

Their two children became their sole link.

Cecilia exited the ward. A wave of sadness washed over her, and she wandered to the end of the corridor, standing there alone.

For a long time, she let her tears flow freely.

Due to Mark's illness and the transformations this affliction had wrought upon him...