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 of

Mark mingled, his attention discreetly remained on

had stirred ample talk, but current company seemed largely oblivious to their

Mark’s gaze was inscrutable.

it appeared Mark was taking a fancy to

Fowler is no ordinary woman. Mr. Evans might

chuckle was low, his

he

my prospects, I’d relish an opportunity to discuss the script with

available as the person stood up to make room, and Mark took the opportunity to sit beside her. With eleven people squeezing into ten seats, the proximity

Cecilia, acutely aware of the softness of her waist, though his expression revealed

held a cigarette between his slender, pale fingers, not for smoking but perhaps as

handsome features complemented his formidable

dare challenge him or pressure him into smoking or

room buzzed

her a glass of wine, slurring, “A toast from Miss Fowler shall guarantee funding for the

Her eyes lifted.

the tension between appeasing wealthy patrons

a Fowler daughter entertaining the

Cecilia would have declined without hesitation, but Simon’s faith and validation meant something to her, and he used to be such a big help to her

of the crowd, Cecilia rose,

a

I trust you’ll honor

a slender hand enveloped hers,

It was Mark.

gasp filled

casually touch a

There was

a silent, intense

at once that this

gaze locked with Cecilia’s, where an emotional storm seemed

tone, he asserted,

take

knew he couldn’t afford even

gulped down the

a rosy hue

initial instigator,

gravity of the moment, he was about to say

potential profit loss, but the realization

Lack of immediate action. Instead, Mark offered a subdued smile, advising, “Mr. Medina, no need to vie with me this time. Aim for the

his wits, hastily

in relief, though cold sweat drenched his

Roger in conversation, he effortlessly took control of

apparent usurpation irked

more glasses

aware of the history he shared

but he soon relented,

wine, of decent quality, wouldn’t

impair her senses. As

though hesitant,

Peter made a move to accompany them but reconsidered, sensing the intimacy

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

profile was a blend of sophistication

face, Mark felt

he surmised her emotional turmoil was the impetus behind her

with Thomas, was she

twinge of anguish gripped Mark, but he steeled himself, recognizing their current reality as a divorced pair. Despite the

of indecision, Mark steered

Evans villa in her current state would only distress Edwin and earn

face, he

the black SUV pulled up at the apartment’s

at the halt, her

we?” she

punctuated

his seat belt, leaning across to do the same for her, his voice a soft murmur,

vehicle approached, its high beams

shielded her eyes, discomfort evident as she

place

Mark was enveloped by her

of her

desire within Mark

really

able

about it,” he whispered in

their most precious memories.

her hand and gazed ahead, as though looking at something

smile broke on her face, which quickly disappeared as

the point of remembering any of it?” she muttered

it again, and this time, her voice

on her side, and bent down to pick her up. At this point, she wasn’t completely inebriated yet and still had some

“No! I won’t go!

don’t want to go

chilly wind

touching hers, and said in a hoarse voice,

shut the car door

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

made its ascent, a glassy look

of times already, and it seemed like it was just

memories flashed before her eyes, Cecilia’s

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

common denominator between those two states was the great discomfort she

alcohol in her system could she dare to

to roll

shoulder even more, feeling embarrassed as she sobbed like

enough to make Mark’s

opened. As they arrived at their apartment, he took

live here anymore, he still

bedroom and

was soft,

bent over the bed

were closed, and her

the way

Of course he wanted to hold her. After

gently called her

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

his face was

were locked

eyes widened, shocked by the

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

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