An hour later, the familyâs black Land Rover pulled up at the Fowlersâ residence.
Korbyn, Ceciliaâs father, with a somber expression, swiftly opened the car door and gently lifted Olivia into his arms, checking her over with a grandfatherâs concern.
Korbyn, with a worried look, carefully inspected Olivia.
Satisfied that she was unharmed, his expression hardened as he lectured, âYouâre both too focused on yourselves, neglecting the child.
If youâre longing for romance on your birthday, go book a hotel, or even travel abroad.
Just donât ignore your responsibilities as parents though.
If you want some time alone, weâre more than happy to help take care of them.
â
Mark, exiting the car, presented a polished, elegant demeanor.
With a note of humility, he acknowledged, âYouâre completely right, Iâve been careless.
â
Attempting to ease the tension, Mark offered a cigarette to Korbyn, who responded with a glare, holding Olivia, âHow can I smoke while holding her?â
Realizing his misstep, Markâs smile wavered.
Korbyn, muttering under his breath, chided, âNo sense of appropriateness.
Donât worry, my dear; even if your father neglects you, Grandpaâs here.
I love you.
â
He then walked away with Olivia.
Cecilia, followed by Edwin, alighted from the vehicle, laughing.
âI guess Iâm sidelined now, and so are you.
Dadâs heart belongs only to the kids.
â
Mark responded with a light smile, unfazed.
He understood that Korbynâs invitation meant acceptance into the family, despite any surface tensions.
Lost in thought, Mark barely registered Edwinâs comment.
âDad, Grandpa seems to not really like you.
â
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Before Mark could reply, Edwin darted off.
Holding hands with each other, the couple trailed behind.
Sensing her slight discomfort, Mark quipped playfully about their hand-holding, to which Cecilia didnât respond, merely letting her delicate fingers rest in his dry palm.
In the hall, Korbyn cradled Olivia, showcasing a large jewelry box filled with enormous, colorful diamonds, which Olivia toyed with Like marbles.
Cecilia questioned, slightly bemused, âDad, why give these to her when sheâs still so young?â
Korbynâs expression soured.
âSheâs just playing.
Unlike you, who allowed her to eat a diamond ring.
Thankfully it was small, or it could have harmed her delicate system.
Sheâs more fragile than most.
â
Mark suppressed a chuckle, playfully remarking, âIâll get Cecilia an even bigger ring when I marry her.
â