He counseled, "You're still such a child at heart. Your mother and I, your brother, and Rena always indulged you. Now you're getting married. Remember, after marriage, mutual understanding is the key."

Cecilia's voice quivered.

“Dad, I understand."

Korbyn's affection for Cecilia was deep and unique. Recalling Mark's affection for Olivia stirred memories of his own devotion to Cecilia.

Her sick nights comforted by his presence, his constant worries about her boyfriends in her teenage years.

Her imminent marriage was a poignant milestone.

Cecilia, embracing Korbyn, acted playfully spoiled.

Korbyn, teary-eyed, reminded, "Make sure to visit us often, even after marriage."

"We will," Mark assured, though they all knew that as the Linchpin of the Evans family, he would eventually return to Czanch to oversee the family's affairs.

In a year or two, once Mark had firmly established his career, he planned to move back to Czanch with Cecilia and their children. This impending relocation meant that if Korbyn wished to see them afterward, he would need to travel by private plane, a realization that filled him with a sense of melancholy.

Unable to hold back his emotions, Korbyn excused himself to smoke, a clear sign of his distress.

Juliette and Mark understood his need for solitude but didn't voice iS Cecilia playfully called out, "Dad, you're not going off to cry alone, are you?" Korbyn, lighting a cigarette, half-jokingly urged Mark, “Marry her soon, and she'll be your problem. Such a troublesome little girl!"

Mark, embracing Cecilia tenderly, appreciated her attempt to lighten Korbyn's mood.

She might seem childish to others, but Mark saw her maturity, treasuring this insight into her character.

Later, Waylen returned, but Rena was absent.

The men delved into wedding discussions, with Cecilia, the bride-to-be, left out.

Unperturbed, she amused herself with the splendid diamonds.

In the bright sunshine, Olivia came to her, captivated by the sparkling stones.

Selecting a cinnamon-colored Padparadscha, Cecilia promised, “When you grow up, you can wear this."

Olivia looked up, not fully grasping the sentiment.