Mark picked up the call, exchanged a few words, and then stepped out onto the terrace.
Even from inside the room, Cecilia could faintly hear their conversation.
The call centered on Laura, who was adopted by Peter and his wife, residing in Duefron.
Laura didnât speak, but her hearing was unaffected.
She attended a regular school.
However, she recently had a dispute with a classmate, resulting in a fall down the stairs and a leg injury.
Peter was in search of a reliable doctor.
After ending the call, Mark proceeded to make several more phone calls, evidently assisting in the quest for a doctor.
Cecilia listened to Markâs conversations in silence.
She had anticipated a heightened emotional reaction upon hearing about Lauraâs situation again, but, in reality, her inner turmoil remained quite subdued.
It could have been the result of the changing circumstances or the fact that Cecilia had weathered even more harrowing experiences that had steeled her resolve.
Mark remained on the phone for roughly ten minutes before returning to the bedroom.
Olivia was peacefully asleep in her motherâs embrace.
Meanwhile, Cecilia maintained a steady gaze on Mark.
He appeared somewhat anxious, and after a moment, he motioned toward his phone, explaining, âPeter needs my assistance with an issue.
â
âIs it related to that girl?â Cecilia inquired straightforwardly.
Mark met her eyes and eventually nodded.
Wary of her potential anger, he approached and gently caressed her head.
Cecilia sat up.
She suggested, âMy mom knows an excellent orthopedist.
Iâll ask her to send me that doctorâs number.
â
Markâs body tensed involuntarily.
He found it hard to believe.
Cecilia lowered her head and tenderly stroked the child in her arms.
Speaking softly, she confided, âMark, I may not be fond of that child, but most of our disagreements stem from you.
I donât have to single out a child specifically.
Moreover, Laura is under Peterâs care now.
Peter and his wife arenât young anymore.
I donât want to see them burdened with too much worry.
â
Mark remained silent, gently touching Oliviaâs face.