He extended his arm, allowing her to nestle comfortably beside him.

He opted to share the brighter aspects of his experiences abroad during those two years.

"The snow there was enchanting. From the hospital window, I could catch a glimpse of a majestic mountain range."

He paused as he picked which stories to share.

"I recall one New Year's Eve when I woke up, and Peter brought some pumpkin pies. I had a strong craving for them."

“Did you manage to have some?"

Mark chuckled.

“Yes. Just one bite."

Having said that, Mark abruptly switched off the light.

He slid under her blanket and gently lifted her clothes.

Cecilia swiftly grasped at the sheet.

As Mark got out of the covers, her face flushed crimson and felt feverish. Fortunately, the room was shrouded in darkness.

Mark lay beside her, his fingers delicately tracing her face.

She chided him as a scoundrel.

Yet Mark lowered his voice, laced with an indescribable romance, as he whispered, “I've always wanted to have a taste.”

Cecilia could no Longer endure his teasing.

She turned her back, choosing silence as her response.

His flirtatious nature was rather undeniable.

In the darkness, Mark gazed at her slender shoulder and wore a subtle smile.

He leaned in gradually and tenderly said in a low voice, “Throughout those years, you were what I missed most."