This is too much."

He extinguished his cigarette as Cecilia glanced down at her ruined couture dress, yet feeling an unexpected contentment.

"Mark, despite everything, today is really special and I am really happy," she murmured.

Mark responded with a tender kiss, "I'm glad you're happy, but we should head home. The kids need a shower. You need one too."

Mark then made mental notes to also washed his car to help him completely forget about this embarrassing night.

Cecilia's laughter rang through the room as she playfully wrapped her arms around Mark's waist.

"I don't want a shower," she protested, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

"This dress is too beautiful; I can't bear to take it off."

Mark responded with a tender, teasing smile, gently pinching her nose.

“Mrs. Evans, you'd look stunning in anything, or nothing at all," he whispered with an affectionate chuckle.

By the time they all arrived back at the apartment, the clock had struck 11 p.m.

They found the dinner they'd left behind cold and uninviting.

Thinking on his feet, Mark contacted the servants at their villa, requesting a fresh, warm meal be prepared and delivered to their current abode. In the meantime, he saw to it that both children were bathed, their laughter and playful splashes echoing in the bathroom.

After ensuring the kids were clean and comfortable, he indulged in a long, relaxing bath himself.

Cecilia, meanwhile, slipped out of her elegant haute couture dress, folding it carefully. She decided to have it professionally cleaned and laundered, preserving its beauty and the memories of the day. In its place, she chose a long, flowing dress, its simplicity and comfort perfect for unwinding after the eventful day.

Cecilia was determined to preserve the dress.

Sitting at the dinner table, she was greeted by the aroma of steaming hot food.

Central to the spread was a bowl of noodles, painstakingly prepared by Zoey.

Aware of Cecilia's aversion to scallions, Mark patiently removed them from her portion, exhibiting remarkable patience. As the clock chimed twelve, breaking the stillness of midnight, he leaned in, whispering, “Happy birthday, Cecilia"

Cecilia savored the noodles in modest, thoughtful bites.