Chapter 2021 No one had the audacity to protest Mark's exit, though they exchanged light banter.

But then, a defiant voice chimed in, “Mr. Evans, if you're Leaving early, shouldn't you at least down three drinks as penalty?” A hush settled over the room.

ALL eyes fixed on Elaine, whose demeanor oozed confidence.

She obviously did it out of her jealousy of Cecilia. The evening had been going smoothly until Cecilia's arrival, which meant Elaine missed out on quality time with Mark.

The tension was palpable.

Cecilia gently moved Mark aside and stepped forward.

Elaine's face hinted at anxiety, but she stood her ground, believing she held the upper hand over Cecilia.

After all, Elaine received professional training as an actress, while Cecilia started as a nobdy.

Besides, being a decade younger than Cecilia, Elaine was convinced of her allure, especially since she had confirmed Mark's single status.

Cecilia approached Mark's seat, gracefully lifted the goblet he used, and took a whiff.

It was just water.

She tilted her head back, consuming its contents.

The onlookers, puzzled by her actions, turned to Peter for clarity.

He seemed poised to intervene until a subtle glance from Mark halted him.

Cecilia set down the goblet and reached for a bottle of strong alcoholic drinks.

A stunning 20-carat ruby shimmered on her finger as she poured a generous amount into a glass.

Elaine remarked with a hint of mockery, “Miss Fowler, quite the direct approach. Planning to down three glasses on Mr. Evans's behalf?” Cecilia scanned the room, replying with a soft chuckle, “Who mentioned I'd be the one drinking? Mark doesn't indulge. I noticed some folks stepping in for him earlier. So, the person who took his place will drink what I pour.

Elaine's confidence wavered.

She'd been the one drinking for Mark, trying to impress.

Although Mark had seen her, he hadn't intervened.

Tension filled the room.

Chapter 2022 The man accompanying Elaine tried to mediate.

“Miss Fowler, please —" But Cecilia countered, “Wasn't this her idea?” She glanced around the room, smiling, “Or does anyone want to see me finish these three glasses?” No one dared challenge Cecilia, leaving Elaine cornered.

The man turned to Elaine, trying to keep his composure.

“Elaine, you acted without thinking. It's your turn to drink up for Mr. Evans.” Eyes teary, Elaine protested, “Why should 12” Cecilia set the glass down, asserting, “Because I am a Fowler.” Without another word, she exited, the remnants of the drink swaying in the glass.

Mark chuckled softly.

“Pardon me." “Mr. Evans.” Elaine's voice halted him.

Pausing, Mark responded coolly, “Miss Shaw, one important lesson in life is to learn one’s limits.” He departed soon after, leaving a hushed room behind.

A voice broke the silence.

“Just one drink should suffice.” But the liquor, a reminder of Cecilia's bold move, tasted especially sharp.

Elaine had made her mark in the entertainment world, and with Chandler's support, she acted with authority. This incident, however, had deeply humbled her.

Her eyes held a sorrowful tint.

That night, someone had offered to help Elaine, but pride kept her from accepting.

Cecilia hurried on.

Mark had to pick up his pace to keep up. He chuckled, grabbing the edge of her dress.

“You sure move quickly in those heels.”

Chapter 2023 But she remained unmoved, marching to her bright red sports car and hopping in.

Mark slid into the passenger seat beside her.

Clicking her seatbelt, Cecilia glanced at him.

“Don’t you have your own car, Mr. Evans?” Mark reclined casually, feigning helplessness, “Driving’s become so tiresome lately. I thought I'd let the younger generation take the wheel.” Cecilia couldn't help but retort, “Lazy much?" Mark's gaze lingered on her, the weight of their month-long separation heavy on his heart.

Her lingering frustration evident, Cecilia playfully nudged him with her foot.

“Shouldn't you be back there, playing the doting knight to Elaine? Why are you following me?” Elaine had nearly slipped Mark’s mind.

After a couple of playful nudges from Cecilia, Mark teasingly grabbed her ankle.

Cecilia's cheeks flushed.

“What do you take me for, a dancer? That hurt! Now let go of my leg" Her leg ached, almost as if she'd strained it.

Mark, sensing her genuine discomfort, quickly released and began to massage her leg.

After a moment, Mark leaned in, planting a gentle kiss, “Better now?” Cecilia responded with silence, her annoyance palpable.

Mark brushed her cheek softly.

were incredible back

a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at

he having too much fun at her expense? Without a word,

a bit, Cecilia

the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made

unfaithful, he had options other

Olivia.” “How about we pick

was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine,

she awoke, they were at the

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

ease, as if her home

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

found Mark

embarrassment as he

him, gently taking

me handle

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting him

the depth

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

gravity of the moment, he

the night added to

evident in the way she

fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in

day?” Cecilia blushed,

shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the

a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they both

of their relationship, met

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

afraid of you,” she

their connection

them to

scattered all over the

his discipline in personal care, had shown a

weight of their connection

in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

on her shoulder earned

so

and the night had been

kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled

Mark thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on

could only

and Mark couldn't help

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born

their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably tucked

warm milk

Mark, especially since he

and the cookie in the other,

between bites, taking a moment of

long eyelashes

with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

in the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment

was bathed in a

herself cuddling

red rose lay with a cheeky

unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with

cue, the bedroom

he said warmly, “Rest if you

dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

letting it go, she felt a weight in her

always, caught her

last night a bit more,” he said with a playful

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with

night? Last night was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't

a brief moment, she headed

bed,

late!” Mark leaned down, planting a

the bathroom,

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