Time stretched on before a faint smile emerged...

That night, he dispatched a generous message to Cecilia, wishing her luck on her blind date and offering apologies for the incident the previous night.

Cecilia responded with silence.

Reviewing the message, a wave of embarrassment overcame Mark, prompting him to set his phone aside.

Just as he prepared for sleep, the door creaked; a figure tiptoed in, burrowing under the covers and snuggling into Mark's embrace.