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

like you

expense? Without a word, Mark

been driving for a bit, Cecilia

steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't

unfaithful, he

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

convenient for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

they were at

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

with such ease, as if

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

“Wait till we're

was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

the kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through

he lifted an intimate

gently

handle that,”

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

playful glance,

the depth of

genuinely

the moment, he tenderly

added to the intensity of

the way she met his

fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

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

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

was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase

of

into the moment, her arms encircling his neck,

afraid of

their

led them to the

clothes were scattered all

for his discipline in

of their connection but also

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

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

nibble on her shoulder earned him a stern

a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can

jet-lagged, and the

Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath

thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending

you here” Mark could only smile and

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

a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

warm milk and

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

milk in one hand and the cookie in the other,

between bites, taking a

and long

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love,

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

cradling her, Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

she stirred, seeking the warmth

Without hesitation, Mark carried her

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

herself cuddling a

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

it was unforgettable last

she murmured

the bedroom door opened, revealing

he said warmly, “Rest if you

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

holding onto it and letting it go,

as always, caught her

up a bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit more,” he said with a

even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the

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

she headed to the

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Olivia's

from the bathroom,

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