Hesitant, Peter trailed off, embarrassment coloring his pause.

Mark unwrapped a candy, his smile cryptic.

Then, Peter shifted topics.

“There’s a dinner party tonight, Edwin’s with you. Planning on canceling?”

Mark considered it.

However, upon reviewing the document, he inquired, “Wasn’t this an investment-related dinner? Summon Maria.”

Peter stepped out to fetch one of Mark’s secretaries, Maria Manson.

Shortly, Maria appeared, a smile playing on her lips.

“Mr. Evans, tonight’s host is Mr. Simon Lewis, a big name in the showbiz. He’s anxious about funding for his project. He’s even managed to invite the play’s leading lady-stunning and from Duefron’s elite. She rarely makes such appearances.”

Mark’s curiosity piqued.

Upon inquiry, Maria confirmed, “The actress is Cecilia Fowler.”

Peter’s gaze met Mark’s.

Dispassionate, Mark instructed, “Inform Simon I’ll be punctual.”

Maria nodded and exited.

Peter’s smile was sly.

“Perfect. The dinner has multiple investors.

You could play Cecilia’s guardian angel.”

Mark’s attention was anchored to the document.

After a pause, he murmured, “In Duefron, she’s untouchable.”

Mark’s intent was singular: to see Cecilia, even just from afar.

Come afternoon, his tasks completed, Mark collected Edwin.

To make up for his absence for the night, he suggested dinner out.

Children typically favored fast-food like fried chicken, a preference Mark was willing to indulge.

Yet, Edwin declined the fried chicken.

Grasping Mark’s hand, his brow furrowed, Edwin declared, “I want rice.”

Mark was baffled by the child’s preference for such simplicity.

Patting Edwin’s head tenderly, he proposed, “I can watch you eat the fried chicken.”

“But I want the rice,” Edwin clarified, blushing.

Mark smiled, acquiescing to the child’s peculiar request.

“Alright, let’s find you a restaurant.”

He drove Edwin to a well-regarded establishment, bustling with patrons.

Edwin relished the meal.

As Mark mentioned he’d drop Edwin off before attending an evening event, the boy’s demeanor shifted, his focus now solely on his plate.

Mark found Edwin’s temperament reminiscent of Rena’s.

He cajoled softly, “Your mother will be at the event, too. Don’t you want us to meet?”

Edwin did, undoubtedly.

But restrained, he sidestepped.

“I have a heap of homework tonight.

I can’t accompany you. You might as well just go to the event.”

Mark’s smile returned.

Post-dinner, they drove back to the villa where Zoey anticipated Edwin’s arrival.

As Mark made to leave, Zoey approached him, her words firm.

“No alcohol for you. Keep an eye on Cecilia; ensure she’s treated right.”

Mark offered a reassuring smile.

“No need to worry, Mom.”

Zoey hesitated, her initial words dying on her lips, and instead, she exhaled a sigh.

“I’ve prepared your favorite snack. Some wontons with coriander.”

A moment of surprise flickered across Mark’s face.

Finally, he responded softly, “I’ll bring her back.”

He slid into his vehicle, the robust SUV offering an expansive view of the crimson horizon.

A craving for a cigarette tugged at him.

Yet, he refrained.

His health necessitated abstention from all harsh substances, tobacco and alcohol included. While such restrictions could render life lackluster for some, he found solace in Cecilia and their two beautiful children…

A gentle warmth touched Mark’s features.

Upon his arrival at the club, the evening vibrancy was palpable.

Peter awaited him at the entrance.

As the vehicle halted, Peter leaned in, his voice a whisper.

“Cecilia’s here. She’s unaware you’re coming.”

A smile tugged at Mark’s lips.

Together, they ventured into the private dining area, already occupied by a dozen individuals.

Except for the film crew, there were five investors.

Upon entry, Mark’s presence caught the attention of an acquaintance who initiated light conversation. It was Mark’s voice that caused Cecilia to divert her attention from her phone, her gaze Lifting.

It was him.

hadn’t been informed

Mark mingled, his attention discreetly

but current company seemed largely oblivious

Mark’s gaze was inscrutable.

was taking a

Fowler is no ordinary woman. Mr. Evans might not stand a chance

was low, his ease

he addressed someone

script with Miss Fowler. Lately, this field intrigues me to make

to make room, and Mark took the opportunity to sit beside her. With eleven people squeezing into ten seats, the proximity was

against Cecilia, acutely aware of the softness of her waist, though his expression revealed nothing of his

in the evening’s mingling, he held a cigarette between his slender,

features complemented his

challenge him or

buzzed

glass of wine,

Her eyes lifted.

in the tension between appeasing wealthy patrons and respecting

of a Fowler daughter entertaining the investor was

declined without hesitation, but Simon’s faith and validation meant something to her, and he used to be such a big help to her career… If her accepting the wine could secure the investment, pride had no

the expectant eyes of the

a

I trust you’ll honor

she prepared to sip, a slender

It was Mark.

gasp filled

audacity to casually touch a lady, and not just

Nothing happened next. There was no slap, no

a silent, intense

once that this was no

where an emotional storm seemed to

a hushed tone, he asserted, “I’ll

as he motioned to take the glass, Cecilia’s reflexes kicked

fragile health, she knew he couldn’t

down

hue post-drink, rendering

instigator, found his

the gravity of the moment, he was about to say something, but Mark interrupted

profit loss, but the realization that he’d crossed Mark, a man renowned for his

but wary of the terrain, Roger observed Mark’s Lack of immediate action. Instead, Mark offered a subdued smile, advising, “Mr. Medina, no need to vie with me this time. Aim for the next project. Simon has an

his wits, hastily

in relief, though cold sweat drenched

Mark engaged Roger in conversation, he effortlessly took control of the

usurpation irked

silent protest, she consumed several more glasses of

darted towards Mark, aware of the

her, but he soon relented, allowing her

wine, of decent quality, wouldn’t

senses. As they

though

was settled in the car, Peter made a move to accompany them but reconsidered, sensing the intimacy of the moment, and instead closed the car

woman beside him. Her black hair cascaded freely,

was a blend of

her face, Mark felt its

Cecilia’s distressed murmurs, he surmised her emotional turmoil

Thomas, was she nursing

Mark, but he steeled himself, recognizing their current reality as a divorced pair. Despite the uniqueness of this solitary moment, it felt

spell of indecision, Mark steered towards the house on Gamous

state would

face, he murmured, “We’re

elapsed before the black SUV pulled up at the

stirred at the halt, her eyes fluttering

are we?”

noise punctuated the

to do the same for her, his voice a soft murmur, “It’s the place

approached, its high beams

eyes, discomfort evident as she reclined, her

don’t I recall the place

the closeness, Mark was

a unique blend of her natural fragrance

within Mark

this moment, Mark really

he was able to

it,” he whispered

most precious memories.

her hand and gazed ahead, as though looking at

while, a smile broke on her face, which

remembering any of it?” she

again, and this time,

door on her side, and bent down

“No! I won’t go!

want to

gust of chilly wind blew past

and said in a hoarse voice,

a strong kick, he shut the car door and headed towards the

after drinking. Afraid that she would fall, she wrapped her arms around Mark’s neck and

ascent, a glassy look once

elevator countless of times already, and it seemed like it was just yesterday when they were still a sweet couple who

memories flashed before her eyes, Cecilia’s eyes

felt completely wasted, but there were also times she felt like

common denominator between those two states was the great discomfort she

had alcohol in her system could

roll down

his shoulder even more, feeling embarrassed as

this was more than enough to make

doors opened. As they arrived at their apartment, he took out

live here anymore,

carried Cecilia into the bedroom and

was soft, her body was much

bent over the bed

eyes were closed, and

something adorable with the way her chest

wanted

he gently called her

was greeted by the sight of this large man whose eyes were burning with

his face was

lips were locked

shocked by the suddenness

turned on. Before she could even resist, he already had her wrists pinned above her head,

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