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

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

too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

being unfaithful, he had options other

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

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

She agreed.

with

were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles for a black

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

such ease, as if her home was

seated at the back, Cecilia took

interjected softly, “Wait till we're

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

he

approached him, gently taking

me handle that,”

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

him with a playful glance, not letting

appreciating the depth of their

physical. He genuinely cherished

the

ambiance of the night added

the way

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a

day?” Cecilia blushed,

had a film to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the air

of push and pull, a game of

of the nuances of their

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

of

intensity, their connection

led them to

clothes were scattered all

Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a

of their connection but also a

moment, wrapping her close and

Cecilia murmured,

shoulder earned him a

about Elaine just so I can get

the night had been

he drew her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering

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

need you here” Mark could

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

relationship, a stability born out

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

her restful slumber, Mark quietly

warm milk and a

especially since he hadn't seen

hand and the cookie in

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

her with sheer admiration and love,

her milk,

her, Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

carried her to

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he

bathed in a soft morning glow when

herself cuddling a peacefully

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom

said warmly, “Rest

school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

it go, she felt

as always, caught her

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

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

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

moment, she

the bed, hoping to

be late!” Mark leaned down, planting

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom,

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