Mark directed his gaze towards Cecilia, his voice barely above a whisper as he suggested, "Shall we step inside?"

Bowing her head, Cecilia silently complied, entering the house.

But as soon as she crossed the threshold, he firmly grasped her wrist, compelling her into the confines of the bathroom.

The door closed, enclosing them in a small space.

Pressed against the wall, her back against its surface, Cecilia found herself cornered by Mark, who positioned his arm above her head. The faint scent of tobacco emanating from him momentarily distracted her, causing a lapse in her concentration...

A prolonged silence ensued, both parties lost in their own thoughts.

After what seemed like an eternity, Cecilia, her voice quivering, finally broke the stillness, pleading, “Please release me."

Mark continued to scrutinize her, lowering his voice as he responded, "I waited for you throughout the entire night yesterday."

Cecilia abruptly met his gaze.

Her eyes welled up with tears, poised to cascade down her cheeks with every blink.

Thus, she dared not blink.

She was determined not to shed tears in his presence. The aftermath of their breakup had inflicted immense suffering upon her and crying in front of him now felt inconsequential.

Mark, too, bore his own hardships.

His eyes shifted briefly towards the door before returning to lock onto her face. Softly, he inquired, “Why haven't you returned home for two years?"

A faint smile graced Cecilia's lips as she responded, “What concern is it of you, Mr. Evans? If I had chosen not to return surely I must have been occupied elsewhere... What right do you have to meddle in my affairs?"

Occupied...

Mark's eyes revealed an enigmatic depth.

His hand reached out, tenderly grazing her face, evoking a shudder throughout her entire being.

Even her teeth chattered involuntarily.

“Do my touches repulse you? Have you found someone else?" he queried in a subdued tone.

A pallor swept across Cecilia's face.

Gazing intently at him, she clenched her teeth and replied, her words tinged with defiance, "Yes."