Once Cecilia was settled in the car, Peter made a move to accompany them but reconsidered, sensing the intimacy of the moment, and instead closed the car door behind Mark.

As the window ascended slowly, Mark's gaze rested on the inebriated woman beside him. Her black hair cascaded freely, and she was adorned in a simplistic long dress, clutching an overcoat.

Her profile was a blend of sophistication and innocence.

Touching her face, Mark felt its feverish heat.

Hearing Cecilia's distressed murmurs, he surmised her emotional turmoil was the impetus behind her excessive drinking.

Having severed ties with Thomas, was she nursing a heartache?

A twinge of anguish gripped Mark, but he steeled himself, recognizing their current reality as a divorced pair. Despite the uniqueness of this solitary moment, it felt illicit.

After a spell of indecision, Mark steered towards the house on Gamous Road.

Taking her to the Evans villa in her current state would only distress Edwin and earn Zoey's ceaseless chiding.

Gently caressing Cecilia's face, he murmured, “We're heading home."

Thirty minutes elapsed before the black SUV pulled up at the apartment's entrance.

Cecilia stirred at the halt, her eyes fluttering open to unfamiliar surroundings.

“Where are we?" she inquired, disoriented.

A noise punctuated the silence.

Mark released his seat belt, leaning across to do the same for her, his voice a soft murmur, "It's the place we once called home."

Another vehicle approached, its high beams intrusive.

Cecilia shielded her eyes, discomfort evident as she reclined, her breathing shallow and visibly alluring.

“Why don't I recall the place we once lived?" she probed.

In the closeness, Mark was enveloped by her scent.

It was a unique blend of her natural fragrance mingled with floral notes.