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.

incredible

feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia

he having too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats with

a bit, Cecilia

2024 “Where are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted

he had options other than

been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?”

convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

were at the

and swapped vehicles

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

such ease, as if her home was

the

“Wait till we're home,

time they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

him, gently

me handle that,” she

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark

him with a playful

the depth of their

He genuinely cherished her

the moment,

of the night added to

emotions evident in the

his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of

wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed

was a dance of push and

of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

afraid of

their connection palpable and fervent.

them

scattered all over

his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side in

connection but also a desire for

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

you want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her

the night had

forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the

up, intending to check on Olivia.

need you here” Mark could only

the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a

younger Cecilia might not have given

continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

he prepared warm milk and a cookie

Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for

one hand and the cookie in the

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

her father, watched her with sheer admiration

her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from her

Mark

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

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

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

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

room was bathed in a soft morning glow

herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

unforgettable last night” A

murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door opened,

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest

I'll be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

it and letting it go, she felt

always, caught her

night a bit more,” he said

teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's

brief moment, she

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

“Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft

the

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