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

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

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

a bit, Cecilia finally broke

“Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her

unfaithful, he had options other

saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and

was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

awoke, they were at

and swapped vehicles

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

with such ease, as

seated at the

Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back

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

the kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently taking

handle

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of

playful glance, not

paused, appreciating the depth of

He genuinely cherished her

the

the night added

evident in the

her hair, a hint of confusion

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

a film to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

encircling his

of you,”

an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them to the

clothes were scattered

for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely

weight of their connection but also

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping

Cecilia

her shoulder

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

the night had been

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

thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness, halted

here” Mark could

soft moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and

depth in their relationship, a stability born out of growth

realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a

slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child

he prepared warm milk and a

especially

balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie

close her eyes, pausing between

long eyelashes emphasized

sheer admiration and

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

her, Mark comforted

father’s embrace,

down, she

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

red rose lay with a

last night” A blush painted

Mark,” she murmured with a

cue, the bedroom

he said warmly, “Rest if you need

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

and letting it go, she

perceptive as always,

savor last night

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping

Last night was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when he gazed

a brief moment, she headed to

in the bed, hoping to get her

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned

emerged from the

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