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.

been informed

mingled, his attention discreetly

past liaison had stirred ample talk, but current company seemed largely

Mark’s gaze was inscrutable.

was taking a fancy to Cecilia, prompting

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

his ease in such scenarios

response, he addressed someone

script with Miss Fowler. Lately, this field intrigues

as the person stood up to make room, and Mark took the opportunity to sit beside her. With eleven people

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

a cigarette between his slender,

features complemented his formidable

one would dare challenge him or pressure him

room buzzed

gentleman offered her a glass of wine, slurring, “A toast from Miss Fowler shall

Her eyes lifted.

the tension between appeasing wealthy patrons and respecting the Fowler name, was

a Fowler daughter entertaining the

meant something to her, and he used to be

expectant eyes of the crowd, Cecilia rose, glass in

a poised

trust you’ll honor

slender hand enveloped hers,

It was Mark.

collective gasp

a lady, and not just any, but a Fowler,

There was no slap,

a silent, intense exchange held

onlookers grasped at once that this was no

Cecilia’s, where an emotional

hushed tone, he asserted, “I’ll drink it for

motioned to take the glass, Cecilia’s reflexes

she knew he couldn’t afford

down the wine

hue

the initial instigator,

had also slighted Mark. Recognizing the gravity of the moment, he was about to say something, but Mark interrupted him. He declared, his voice resonant, “I will fully fund

over potential profit loss, but the realization that he’d

smile, advising, “Mr. Medina, no

his wits, hastily

though cold sweat drenched his

Roger in conversation, he effortlessly took control of the

usurpation

more glasses of

Mark, aware of the history he shared

Mark sought to dissuade her, but he soon relented, allowing her to

wine, of decent quality, wouldn’t induce immediate

half a bottle in the end, sufficient to impair her senses. As they prepared to depart, Mark assured her

though

accompany them but reconsidered, sensing the intimacy of the moment, and instead

ascended slowly, Mark’s gaze rested on the inebriated woman beside him. Her black hair cascaded freely, and she was adorned in

a blend of

Mark felt its feverish

Cecilia’s distressed murmurs, he surmised her emotional turmoil was the impetus

with Thomas,

recognizing their current reality as a divorced pair.

spell of indecision, Mark steered towards the house

to the Evans villa in her current state would

face, he murmured, “We’re heading

the black SUV pulled

her eyes

are we?” she inquired,

noise punctuated the

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

approached, its high

her eyes, discomfort evident as she reclined, her breathing shallow

recall the place we once lived?” she

Mark was enveloped

of her

within Mark

really

he was able

forget about it,” he whispered in her

memories.

and gazed ahead, as though looking

broke on her face, which quickly disappeared as she let out a forlorn

any of it?” she muttered to

said it again, and this time, her

saw that pitiful look on her face. He got off the car, opened the door on her

“No! I won’t go!

don’t want to

chilly wind blew

closer, his face almost touching hers, and said in a hoarse voice, “Where can you

he shut the car door and headed

after drinking. Afraid that she would fall, she wrapped

made its ascent, a glassy

wafted up her nose. They had been in this elevator countless of times already, and it seemed like it was just yesterday when they were still a sweet

memories flashed before her

there were also times she felt like she was

was the great discomfort

alcohol in her system could she dare to bury her face

to roll

she pressed her head on his shoulder even more, feeling

this was more than enough

As they arrived at their apartment, he took out the

the same. Although Mark didn’t live here anymore,

carried Cecilia into the bedroom and gently lay

was soft, her body was much

body in the bed, Mark didn’t want to leave yet. He bent over the

and her breathing was

something adorable with the way her chest

her for a long time. Of course he wanted to hold her. After

gently called

eyes and was greeted by the sight of this large man

look on his face was

their lips were

widened, shocked by the

on. Before she could even resist, he already had her wrists pinned above her head, while the weight of his body

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