Recently back from another city, she had intended to pick up Edwin alongside Mark. However, the incident in the office changed her plans.

Overwhelmed and exhausted, she dialed her driver to fetch Edwin and soon drifted off to sleep.

Mark, having attempted to follow her, was a step behind.

Calls to her mobile and even landlines of known locations yielded no results.

Enlisting his secretary's help, he searched for any hotel check-ins under Cecilia's name.

Coming up empty-handed, a moment of introspection in his car led him to drive to the residence on Gamous Road.

On his arrival, the quiet ambiance of the house greeted him.

A conspicuous red Hermes bag lay on the sofa, easing Mark's anxiety.

He took off his coat and went to the bedroom.

Inside, he found Cecilia, still in her day attire, clutching a doll.

She seemed peaceful, uncovered by the quilt right beside her.

Gently covering her, Mark took a moment to observe her.

They hadn't seen each other for days.

Overcome by the urge to be close, he settled beside her, drawing her into a protective embrace.

Dusk had settled when Mark stirred.

Noticing the unusual warmth emanating from Cecilia, he swiftly felt her forehead.

To his dismay, she was feverish.

Guilt clouded his thoughts, attributing her state to the day's earlier events.

After a quick temperature check, confirming her fever at 38°C, he promptly summoned a private physician.

Upon examining Cecilia, the doctor administered a shot to combat the fever. Assessing her overall condition, he remarked, “She seems fatigued. Best let her rest."