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 back

grown into such a strong woman. I feel like you could

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

for a bit, Cecilia finally

headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month

he had options other than

saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?” Mark

on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with

they were at

swapped vehicles for a black

sensed Mark's

moved with such ease, as if her home was his.

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

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

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

found Mark sorting through her luggage in the

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

gently taking it

handle that,”

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

interrupted him with a playful

paused, appreciating the depth

physical. He genuinely cherished her

the

the night added to the

evident in the way she met

her hair, a

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

had a film to shoot; I wasn't running

of running away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his

the moment, her arms encircling his neck,

afraid of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their connection

them to the

scattered all over the

felt a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different

connection but also a desire for some

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

nibble on her shoulder

about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed

was jet-lagged, and the night had

he drew her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled

was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still

need you here” Mark could only smile

soft moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark

relationship, a stability born out of growth

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

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on

milk and a cookie

for Mark, especially since he

balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

and long eyelashes

father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

finished her milk, and the remaining cookie

her, Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace,

down, she

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

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

in a soft morning

found herself

red rose lay with

unforgettable last night” A blush painted

she murmured

cue, the bedroom door opened,

he said warmly,

Edwin off at school.”

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight in

always, caught her

night a bit more,”

playful teasing? Pulling the covers

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

brief moment, she

in the bed,

hall, a voice called out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a

from the bathroom, he looked

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