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

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

at her expense? Without a word,

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke

headed?” 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 be wasted on

was being unfaithful, he had options other than

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we

them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

awoke, they were at

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

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

as

Olivia and Edwin seated at the

interjected softly, “Wait till we're

the time they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a quick

kids were tucked in, she found Mark

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

approached him, gently taking it from

me handle that,” she

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

playful

appreciating the depth of their

just physical. He genuinely cherished

the moment,

ambiance of the night added to the intensity of their

evident in the

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the

I wasn't running

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

well aware of the nuances of

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

not afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection

led them to the

were scattered all over the

for his discipline in personal care, had shown a

of their connection but also

in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

Cecilia murmured, her

nibble on her shoulder earned him a stern

about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue and

was jet-lagged, and the night had been

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

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

need you here” Mark could

painted the room in a silvery glow, and

in their relationship, a stability born

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

he prepared warm milk and

a joy for Mark, especially

milk in one hand and the

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

and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

with sheer

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and

Mark comforted

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

she stirred,

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

was bathed in a soft morning glow when

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a

red rose lay with

last night”

Mark,” she murmured with

cue, the bedroom door opened,

said warmly, “Rest if

off at school.” Cecilia

it go,

always, caught

and maybe savor last night a bit

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

by the way, don't

a brief moment, she headed to the

in the bed,

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

from the

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