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

strong woman. I feel like you

at her expense? Without

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

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

unfaithful, he had

“It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head

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

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and

awoke, they were

kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed

with such ease, as if her

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back,

but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.”

was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a quick

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

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

approached him, gently

handle that,”

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

a playful

paused, appreciating the depth of

He genuinely cherished her as

gravity of the moment, he

of the night added to

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met

her hair, a hint

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

running

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

of their relationship, met his gaze

her arms encircling his neck, their

afraid of you,”

their connection palpable and fervent.

them

were scattered all over the

his discipline in

weight of their connection but also a

moment, wrapping her close and seeking

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned

about Elaine just so I can get some rest?”

the night

now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt

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

you here” Mark could only smile

moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

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

on their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was

milk

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

hand and the cookie

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

her as she finished her milk, and

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking

Mark carried her

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

was bathed in a soft morning glow

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a

rose

it was unforgettable last night” A

Mark,” she murmured with a

cue, the bedroom

he said warmly, “Rest

I'll be dropping Edwin off at school.”

it and letting it

perceptive as always,

savor last night a bit more,” he said with

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

average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself

she headed to

the bed, hoping

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

the bathroom, he

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