Mimicking Markâs tone, Zoey gestured near her ear, âOh, someone phoned me last night, claiming he wouldnât return home⦠Needed to âtake careâ of Cecilia, he said.
Worried Iâd fuss over a drunken Cecilia showing up here.
â
Edwin nearly choked on his ice cream.
Peter, just entering, was seized by laughter.
Zoey shot her son a sardonic glance.
âLook at yourself.
Is wooing the woman you fancy more challenging than your former job? At Least you applied intellect in your professional duties.
With Cecilia, it seems youâre all talk, no heart.
Consider your age, and hers.
â
In the past, Mark might have mocked himself.
But today, irritation got the better of him; he remained silent and retreated upstairs to his study.
Zoeyâs gaze lingered on Markâs retreating figure.
Drawing close, Peter whispered, âHe was rejected.
Cecilia paid him no mind.
â
âI see,â Zoey affirmed, nodding.
âItâs no wonder she ignores him.
Does he still consider himself the young, charming man he once was?
Heâs not the only one entitled to cast judgment.
Canât he also be on the receiving end?â
Edwin bobbed his head in agreement.
Despite her sharp tongue, Zoey prepared a bowl of wontons and took it to the study later that night.
Mark sat, engulfed by gloom, in his study.
Zoey entered, placing the bowl before him, her voice softening.
âHave some.
You seem like you havenât had the appetite for anything all day.
â
Mark whispered a âmomâ under his breath.
Sensing his low spirits, she patted his hand, reassuring, âShe holds you in her heart, albeit with resentment With a rueful smile, Mark acknowledged, âI know.
â
Zoey gestured to the bowl, philosophizing, âJust like eating preferences vary; some relish coriander, others donât.
Love mirrors this.
Conflicting desires mean paths not taken together.
Recall your treatment abroad.
You pushed her away, fearing she wouldnât be able to bear the worst.
But did you ever consider her wishes? Her strength? Mark, you possess strength but are often blinded by self- interest.
â
Mark consumed his dinner in silence, albeit only half.
Zoey playfully swatted him, chiding, âGo apologize to her, now.
Sheâs avoided visiting because of your spat.
â
Mark unwrapped a mint candy.