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

feel like you could guard

having too much fun at her expense? Without a word,

bit,

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

Mark was being unfaithful, he

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

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with

awoke, they were at

the kids and swapped vehicles

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

with such ease, as if her home was his.

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back

reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she

she found Mark sorting

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

approached him, gently taking it from

me handle

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding

interrupted him with a playful glance, not

paused, appreciating the depth

genuinely cherished her as an

the

of the night added to the intensity

the

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in

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

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

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

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

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

of

responded with an intensity, their connection

led them

clothes were scattered all

known for his discipline in personal

connection but

the moment, wrapping

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

her shoulder earned him

conversation about Elaine just so I can get some

and the night had

a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath

got up, intending to

could

glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at

their relationship, a stability born out of growth and

he realized that a younger Cecilia might

morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked

warm milk and a cookie for

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

balanced the milk in one hand and

between bites, taking a moment of

and long

sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

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

cradling her, Mark comforted the

her father’s embrace, Olivia

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking

Mark carried

in the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy

was bathed in a

she found herself cuddling a peacefully

de-thorned red rose lay with

it was unforgettable last

Mark,” she murmured with

bedroom door opened, revealing

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

at school.” Cecilia

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt

always, caught

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

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

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

moment, she headed

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to

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

from the bathroom,

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