As Mark raised his gaze, his eyes bore a silent message for Cecilia to retreat to their bedroom first.

She then understood that Olivia was about to drift off to sleep.

Cecilia returned to the bedroom, where she took a shower. Emerging from the bathroom, she found Mark waiting inside the room.

He stood by the French window, a half-burnt cigarette delicately held between his slender fingers.

Cecilia was taken aback.

She approached quietly, taking the cigarette from between his fingers and stubbing in out, and then she softly whispered, “Why are you smoking?"

Mark, typically a model of self-discipline, wasn't in the best of health.

His decision to smoke indicated that something was deeply troubling him.

Turning to face Cecilia, Mark gazed at her intently.

After a lengthy silence, he admitted, "I mishandled Elaine's affairs.

If I had been more cautious from the outset, she wouldn't have had the opportunity to manipulate the household staff like this. Cecilia, I've disappointed both you and my mother."

Cecilia gently shook her head.

Embracing him, she murmured, "It's not your fault."

He held her close for an extended moment, whispering, “Trust me. I won't allow her to come near you and the children again, nor will I permit her to disrupt our lives."

Cecilia's heart quivered.

Yet, she refrained from intervening on Elaine's behalf. Cecilia understood that if Mark hadn't been vigilant that day, he could have suffered irreparable harm. By then, no one would show sympathy; they would only label him dissolute and turn such a tragedy into idle gossip.

It was at that moment Cecilia realized Mark still harbored lingering fear.

Mark had his loved ones.

He cherished Cecilia and their children, and he felt compassion for Zoey. He was deeply worried for the people he held dear in his life.

Cecilia's gaze drifted to the extinguished cigarette, a desire to indulge him tugging at her.