Mark's tone held a hint of gentleness, as if he were coaxing her.

“Your brother mentioned that you haven't been faring well."

Cecilia closed her eyes slightly and uttered, "I am doing fine now.

A heavy silence enveloped them...

After what felt Like an eternity, Mark spoke up again softly.

"I am in Duefron. Could we meet? In that apartment."

Cecilia's patience finally reached its limits.

“Meet? Mr. Evans, what do you take me for?

Am I some delectable dish that you grew tired of but now suddenly remember? Or am I one of your many lovers? I am not a whore, Mr. Evans!"

Mark's breath caught for a moment.

Despite everything, his voice remained tender.

“Cecilia, all I am suggesting is for us to meet and have a meal together."

Exerting control over her emotions, Cecilia responded in a gentle voice, "Mr. Evans, I will not go back there again."

With that, she abruptly ended the call.

In the middle of the night, she found solace in shedding tears alone on the balcony, her sorrow lingering for an extended period.

She couldn't pinpoint when exactly she developed an attraction towards Mark. It could have been while observing him diligently working at the hospital, smoking alone late at night, or witnessing his profound loneliness...

She referred to him as Mr. Evans at first, and then gradually Uncle Mark.

She dreaded the possibility of Mark blaming her brother for what happened to Rena back then. Hence, she constantly trailed after Mark, trying to cheer him up him with her presence.

After a considerable period of time, he permitted her to stay by his side.

He was a habitual night owl. Sometimes, when drowsiness overcame her, she would doze off on the sofa in his office. One night, upon waking up, she found him gently tucking a blanket around her. In the warm glow of the lamp, his features appeared exceptionally captivating. Unable to resist, she called out to him, "Uncle Mark."

Eventually, they shared a kiss.

Mark was significantly older than her, a mature man who possessed the ability to effortlessly captivate a woman.