Chapter 224: Hope

While Amelia was busy with her sister, Emily at the hospital,. Mona was working overtime to get Mark on her side. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city, Mona sat at her kitchen table, her mind consumed with thoughts of Mark. She knew she had to try again, to make him see things her way. With determination fueling her actions, she picked up her phone and dialed his number. "Hello?" Mark's voice sounded tired on the other end of the line. "Hey, Mark, it's Mona. I was wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner tonight? I've cooked up something special," Mona said, trying to infuse cheerfulness into her tone. There was a pause before Mark replied, "Uh, I don't know, Mona. I've got a lot on my plate right now." Mona bit her lip, refusing to let disappointment creep into her voice. "Come on, Mark. It'll be a nice break for you. Besides, I could use the company." Another pause, then Mark sighed. "Alright, fine. I'll be there in about