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

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

having too much fun at her expense? Without a

a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be

unfaithful, he had options other than

and Olivia.” “How

on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon

they were at the

kids and swapped

sensed Mark's

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

at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

we're home, Olivia.” The

Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she

found Mark sorting through her luggage

he lifted an intimate piece

approached him, gently taking

me handle that,”

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

playful glance,

appreciating the depth

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her

the moment, he tenderly

the night added to the intensity of their

emotions evident in the way she

through her hair,

Cecilia blushed, her

to shoot; I wasn't running away.”

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

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

not afraid of you,”

intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

led them to

clothes were scattered all over

mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline

the weight of their connection but also a desire for

still seemed lost in the moment,

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

nibble on her shoulder earned him a stern

conversation about Elaine just so I can get

was jet-lagged, and the night had been

now.” Despite the

she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia.

could only

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

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out of

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked

milk and a cookie for

was a joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for a

and

between bites, taking

skin and long

her with sheer admiration and love,

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and

cradling her, Mark

embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking

Mark carried

twinge of sibling jealousy if he

in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

she found herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

it was unforgettable last night”

Mark,” she murmured with a

the bedroom door opened, revealing

awake state, he said warmly,

school.”

holding onto it and letting it go, she felt

as always, caught her

maybe savor last night a bit more,”

it even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

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 at

moment, she

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

late!” Mark

the

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