Yet, his fondness for Olivia now took precedence...

Sensing her unease, Mark kissed her reassuringly.

“Don't worry. I'm with you. Should your father decide we need reprimanding, I'll be right beside you."

Cecilia couldn't help but retort with a mix of humor and scorn, "Look at you! Once so formidable, now you're almost meek before my father."

Mark responded while softly caressing her waist, "I have my reasons.

After all, I'm deeply in love with his daughter."

The reality of their life together, marked by the birth of their two children, loomed large in his heart.

Cecilia's frustration showed in a flushed face.

“You're impossible," she chided, though her tone lacked true severity.

Mark's smile was tinged with a hint of affectionate resignation.

“In all likelihood, your father probably just wants to see the kids and uses this as an excuse to make us come over."

Underneath it all, Mark harbored a more significant intent. He was planning to propose the marriage to Cecilia's parents, a gesture that signified his deep commitment and love for her.

Cecilia rose and headed off to refresh herself.

Meanwhile, Mark stood up too, giving the bed sheet a quick dust-off before getting ready to make the bed.

His attention was drawn to the stains on the sheet, causing a hint of warmth to color his handsome face.

Deciding it needed changing, he whisked the old sheet away and fetched a clean one from the wardrobe.

Just as he finished tucking in the new sheet, the bedroom door swung open.

In walked a little girl, wordlessly wrapping her arms around Mark's leg.

He gazed down to find Olivia leaning against him, silent, her brow creased and eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Feeling a tug at his heart, Mark gently scooped her up in one arm and sat on the bed's edge, trying to soothe her.