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

like you could guard me

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

bit, Cecilia finally broke her

are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to

was being unfaithful, he had options other

been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.”

was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

her lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with

they were at

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

ease, as if her home

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

apartment, it was late,

Mark sorting through her luggage in the

a pang of embarrassment as he lifted

him, gently taking it

handle that,”

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark

a playful glance,

the

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

gravity of the

of the night added to the intensity

evident in the way she met

his fingers through her hair, a hint of

Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting

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

dynamic was a dance of push and pull,

aware of the nuances of their

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

afraid of

their connection palpable

led them

clothes were scattered all

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

their connection but also a desire for some

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

shoulder earned him a

you want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He

jet-lagged, and the night

and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat,

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

need you here” Mark could

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

their relationship, a stability born out

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

prepared warm milk and

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

carefully balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

eyes, pausing between bites,

and long eyelashes

her with sheer admiration and love,

soon overtook her as she finished her

Mark comforted the

her father’s embrace, Olivia

down, she stirred,

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this

room was bathed in a

found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

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

Mark,” she murmured

cue, the bedroom door

said warmly, “Rest if you need

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

it and letting it go, she felt

perceptive as always, caught

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

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with mock

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 gazed

she headed to the

the bed, hoping to get her more

be late!” Mark

emerged from the bathroom,

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