Her lips curved into a slight smile.

Keen on surprising her, Charlie playfully teased as he opened the door.

"Guess who's inside? Isn't it your dear Uncle Mark that you've missed so much?"

Cecilia almost chided Charlie.

But retreating would seem petty.

As the door opened, the room buzzed with energy. Mark was in the midst of a game, Flora leaning close, whispering something.

His smile was carefree, almost roguish.

Cecilia took it all in at a glance, and then turned to leave.

Charlie was frantic, spilling apologies.

“Cecilia! No, wait! Oh, damn it, Cecilia, you've got it all wrong about Mark. He's so reserved now; he doesn't even hang out with women. He doesn't have the energy for dalliances."

His voice boomed, catching everyone's attention.

Cecilia quickened her pace, thinking that Mark was nothing but a libertine. It didn't matter who he was with.

She believed it didn't concern her.

She didn't want to even spare him a glance.

Yet, despite her resolve, her eyes welled up involuntarily.

Mark had pursued her relentlessly, had been intimate with her recently, and had even berated her for going on a blind date.

And what was he doing now?

She was merely meeting new people and talking to them, while he was in close quarters with another woman.

Mark's cards clattered to the floor as he sprinted after Cecilia. A flustered Charlie attempted an apology.

“I'm sorry, Mark. I meant well, but it just backfired. I never anticipated Flora would be so impulsive."