As they settled in, Edwin broached the topic of his future aspirations with his mother. Cecilia, engrossed in her flowers, paused upon hearing the news.

“I promise, I'll visit at least twice annually," Edwin reassured.

“It's just six or seven years abroad."

Cecilia arranged the flowers in the vase, lost in her thoughts.

After a moment, she murmured, "When you chose to stay in Duefron, I was supportive. It's close, and your grandparents and uncle are there to look after you. We could visit anytime. But leaving the country for years? Edwin, your father's years are advancing, and so are Zoey's."

Words escaped Cecilia as she distractedly fiddled with the vase's rim.

Edwin grasped the underlying sentiment.

The weight of Mark's age pressed on him; it spurred his urgency to mature. Being the heir to the Evans legacy, the responsibilities had always lain on Mark's shoulders until Edwin was ready.

Edwin yearned to shoulder these responsibilities sooner.

But voicing such sentiments wasn't easy for a 16-year-old.

The room's mood grew tense, an unfamiliar sensation for them.

Olivia sensed the shift and gently pulled on Edwin's sleeve. He responded with a reassuring pat on her head.

“It's okay," he said softly.

Not wanting to upset Cecilia further, Edwin offered her a tissue. She declined, and he hesitated before suggesting, “Should I get dad to comfort you?"

Cecilia's reaction was a mix of embarrassment and mild irritation.

Edwin, with a light nudge, directed his sister, "Fetch dad, let him know mom's upset."

Olivia quirked an eyebrow and asked, “Should I tell him you made mom cry?"

Edwin smirked, crouching to meet her level.

“Say what you must."

With a peck on her mother's cheek, Olivia darted out.