Cecilia could only make a guess, but she didn't dare to speak on it.

During the journey back, she remained by Zoey's side; even Olivia sat quietly.

Zoey was willing to share her thoughts though.

She said, "I should have come and paid my respects much earlier.

Maybe we really shouldn't seek help from him in the first place.

It's not fair."

She understood what Zoey meant.

Still, Cecilia remained silent, not daring to utter a word.

Later, when Mark returned home, Cecilia recounted it to him. He removed his coat and settled on the sofa. After a lengthy pause, he drew Cecilia onto his lap.

Resting his chin atop her head, he said tenderly, "My mother is an incredibly determined woman."

He said nothing more.

Without further inquiry, Cecilia clung to Mark, planting a tender kiss on his neck.

She adopted a slightly playful demeanor.

In a hushed tone, Mark inquired, “What are your plans now?"

He longed for her to reside there, but they hadn't remarried yet, and he knew she wouldn't agree.

As anticipated, Cecilia replied softly, "I'll take the children back to my apartment. I'll put my career on hold for now and focus on being with them."

Mark didn't press the issue.

He playfully pinched her nose and suggested, “How about visiting my mother during weekends?"

"Okay." She was quite direct with her response.

She was catching her breath, her face flushing crimson. She was on the verge of gently patting him to release his hold.