He wore a focused expression, but that changed as soon as he ended the call.
Spotting Cecilia and the kids, a gentle warmth spread across his features.
âCome here,â he beckoned softly.
Little Olivia, with her innocent and limited grasp of the world, toddled over.
Struggling to climb the tall bed, she faltered.
Not missing a beat, Mark scooped her up, planting a ki*s on her forehead.
Edwin, older and with a touch more insight into grown-up affairs, entered with a hint of a scowl.
âHey, dad,â he greeted Mark, but then fell quiet.
Mark, sensing something amiss, inquired, âEverything okay?â
Meeting Markâs gaze briefly, Edwin murmured, âNow that youâre grown-up, can you, I donât know, take care of yourself? So mom doesnât have to fret so much?â
A chuckle escaped Mark, though a tender sentiment swelled within him.
With a voice gentle as a whisper, he teased, âWorried about me, huh?â
Flushing, Edwin retorted, âI am not.
â
Recognizing the boyâs feelings but choosing to leave them unspoken, Mark ruffled Edwinâs hair, suggesting, âHungry? Get Peter to show you where to grab a bite.
The treats here rival those at Yarmose.
â
But Olivia seemed glued to the spot, not keen on heading out.
Cecilia watched as Olivia snuggled into Markâs chest, claiming her usual spot right against his slim midriff.
Edwin, however, had other ideas; lifting Olivia, he declared in a rough tone, âTime for breakfast.
No breakfast means no lunch.
â
Amidst Oliviaâs protests and tears, her brother led her away.
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The ward settled into a hushed stillness.
A nurse approached, expertly setting up an IV bag for Mark before leaving just as swiftly.
Drawn to his side, Cecilia delicately held Markâs hand, tracing the numerous puncture marks.
Her voice just above a whisper, she asked, âAre you in pain?â
Resting, Mark lifted his gaze to meet hers; a moment passed before he murmured, âAre you worried for me?â
Ceciliaâs nod was almost imperceptible.
She took a seat beside him, wrapping her arms around him in a slow embrace.
His warmth was familiar, but she knew he had endured much the previous night.
His health was fragile; had he not been so attentive, she couldnât bear to think of the outcome.