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

I feel like

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

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia

the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without

he had options other than

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

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

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was

she awoke, they were at the Fowler

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

as if her home was his.

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

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

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

Mark sorting through her luggage

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently taking

me handle

her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

interrupted him with a playful glance,

appreciating the depth of

genuinely cherished her

the moment, he

of the night added to

the way she met his

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint

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

I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the

was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they both

of the nuances of their relationship, met his

arms encircling his

afraid of you,”

their connection palpable and

them to

clothes were scattered all over the

Mark, known for his discipline in personal

of their connection but also

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

her shoulder earned

of our conversation about Elaine just so

was jet-lagged, and the

“Rest now.” Despite

intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with

could only

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

relationship, a stability born out of growth

that a younger Cecilia

while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on

he prepared warm milk

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

and the

between bites, taking a

long eyelashes emphasized

watched her with sheer admiration and

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

Mark

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

tried to lay her down, she

carried her to the master

feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

in a soft morning glow

herself cuddling

de-thorned red rose lay

it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

Mark,” she murmured with a

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

said warmly,

at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

holding onto it and letting it

always,

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

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

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

brief moment, she headed to the

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

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

the bathroom, he

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