"You said you didn't want to," she reminded him softly.

Mark chuckled.

"Maybe the seafood put me in the mood."

He would have continued, but given that she was on her period, he didn't want to push her.

Instead, he lay beside her on the sofa for some quiet conversation.

Cuddled in his arms, Cecilia admired Mark's visage.

His features were refined yet strong, usually gentle but intimidating when angered.

“Aren't you swamped with work?" she asked softly.

Eyes closed, he began caressing her back.

"There's a lot to be done, but I couldn't help myself. I missed you."

Taking a tender bite at his chin, Cecilia murmured, "I've missed you too."

She'd already decided that, after wrapping up her current project, she'd step back from acting. Whether she won awards or not didn't matter. She would focus on simply endorsements and fashion engagements. She wanted to nurture her family, to care for Mark.

Though often said as a joke, the reality was that Mark indeed wasn't getting any younger, and neither was she.

She understood that love required sacrifices, not whimsical actions.

But she chose not to share these thoughts with him just yet.

Contemplating this, Cecilia began to feel a slight drowsiness creeping in. When Mark tried to coax her into taking a shower, she resisted, unconsciously adopting a child-like tone.

"Uncle Mark, I'm so sleepy. You're so lenient with Edwin and Olivia, but so strict with me," she murmured with a pout.

Leaning in, Mark gave her a teasing nibble.

"That's because they don't share my bed."

Under the dim ambiance, Cecilia's eyes locked onto Mark.