Mark propped himself against the headboard and asked his son, “Why did you come back? I'm fine. I'm in great spirits!"

Sitting at the bedside, Edwin sliced an apple and said, "You played a trick on Dylan by faking that medical report, but now it seems like the joke's on you. You really need to take care of yourself and stop drinking!"

Mark felt a retort bubbling up.

However, noticing Cecilia quietly wiping away tears made him anxious.

Yet, with the children around, he couldn't comfort her the way he did in private. He scanned the room, cleared his throat, and said, “Edwin, you're right. I'll give up drinking. I can't stand the thought of your mother worrying constantly."

Edwin offered him the apple slices and asked, "Really?"

Mark looked at him and responded, "When have I ever broken a promise?"

Edwin nodded and said, "That's a promise then. By the way, I heard from Olivia that you're planning to move back to Duefron with Mom? So you're leaving Czanch for good?"

Mark's cheeks warmed.

With Olivia and Dylan absent, he said, "It's all Dylan's fault. He's always at our place and refuses to leave. It's starting to stir up gossip. So, moving back to Duefron seems like the best solution."

He added, "Dylan has offered us to stay at his place. Your mother and I will live there for a bit. If we grow tired of his house, we'll stay with you."

Edwin was both amused and moved.

Mark didn't want to trouble his children, so he decided to move back to Duefron, even though Czanch had a nicer environment for his retired life. Edwin couldn't resist expressing his gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Dad!"

But Mark brushed it off, saying, "No need to thank me. I met your mother in Duefron. My mother has passed, but Cecilia has her family and friends there. She might be missing her hometown."

Cecilia was touched.

She had always assumed Mark's decisions were for the children, but it warmed her heart to know he considered her feelings too.

On that note, Mark said casually, “I'm going to stop drinking. I'm serious. I don't want you worrying."

He took his wife's hand.

He reflected internally. Cecilia was far beyond his league-so young, wealthy, and beautiful, whereas he was much older. If he passed away, she would be left alone. That thought pushed him to take better care of himself.

Edwin sat quietly, feeling moved.