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.

were incredible

I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at his

too much fun at her expense? Without

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke

the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?”

he had options

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

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

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

were at

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

as

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

“Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her seat, momentarily

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

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

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

gently taking

me handle that,”

pulled her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth

He genuinely

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

night added to the

evident in the way she

his fingers through her hair,

blushed, her fingers

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

Their dynamic was a dance of

of their relationship, met his

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

afraid of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their

them to

were scattered all over

a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care,

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire for

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

Cecilia murmured, her eyes

her shoulder earned him

of our conversation about Elaine just so I

and the night had

embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the

in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia.

Mark could only smile and

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

their relationship, a stability born out

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably tucked

warm milk and

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

one hand and the cookie in the

between bites, taking a

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

she finished her milk, and the remaining

cradling her, Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the

carried her to the

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

room was bathed in a soft

herself cuddling a peacefully

de-thorned red rose

unforgettable last night” A blush painted

she murmured with

the bedroom door

Cecilia's awake state, he said

at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a

always,

and maybe savor last night a bit

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

Last night 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

a brief moment, she headed to the

bed, hoping to

late!” Mark leaned down, planting

emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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