“Look at yourself. Is wooing the woman you fancy more challenging than your former job? At Least you applied intellect in your professional duties. With Cecilia, it seems you're all talk, no heart. Consider your age, and hers."

In the past, Mark might have mocked himself.

But today, irritation got the better of him; he remained silent and retreated upstairs to his study.

Zoey's gaze lingered on Mark's retreating figure.

Drawing close, Peter whispered, "He was rejected. Cecilia paid him no mind."