Propping himself up, he allowed her gaze to roam over him. Curiously, she traced the contours of his face, her fingers gently brushing against his nose.

Sensing a hint of tension in him, Cecilia quipped, “Who knew a man's nose was off-limits?"

Mark, with eyes that seemed to carry the weight of a thousand tales, said, "Well, now you do."

Seeing the playful rebuke in his eyes, she restrained her mischief.

As she started to rise, an unexpected pain in her stomach caused her to gasp.

Concern immediately clouded Mark's face.

“Are you having menstrual pains?" he asked gently.

"It's the second day today," she admitted, "It's been a bit more intense this month."

Without a word, Mark fetched a cushion for her, readied a bath with just the right temperature, and laid out her pajamas.

Effortlessly, he scooped her up and carried her toward the bathroom.

The tenderness of his actions tugged at her heartstrings.

"I can walk, you know," she teased, her voice a melodious whisper against his ear.

Mark chuckled.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

Resting her head on his chest, Cecilia tuned in to the steady rhythm of his heart.

Setting her down, Mark looked into her eyes.

"I won't help you take off your clothes then, or you will probably say that I take advantage of you.”

With a playful wink, he stepped outside.

Grateful for the privacy, especially during such a personal time, Cecilia showered, feeling revitalized afterward.

As she stepped out, a distinct aroma filled the room.