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 back

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

fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark

for a bit,

2024 “Where are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time

unfaithful, he had

since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment

She agreed.

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

awoke, they were at

kids and swapped vehicles for

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

moved with such ease, as if

seated at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late,

in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

him, gently taking it from

me handle that,”

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding her of

playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth of

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the moment,

added to the

in the way she met his

through her hair,

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

wasn't running away.” His

a dance of push and

nuances of

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

afraid of you,”

an intensity, their connection

them

clothes were scattered all

Mark, known for his discipline in personal

the weight of their connection but also a desire for

moment, wrapping

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

her shoulder earned him

about Elaine just so I can get

jet-lagged, and the night

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

up, intending to check

could only

the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't

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

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second chance.

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was

he prepared warm milk and a cookie

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

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

pausing between bites, taking

long eyelashes

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from her

Mark comforted the

embrace, Olivia drifted off to

she stirred, seeking the warmth

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her

twinge of sibling jealousy if

was bathed in a soft morning glow when

she found herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

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

school.”

it go, she felt a weight in

as always, caught her

more; and maybe savor last night

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice

average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way,

brief moment, she

bed, hoping to get

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

from the bathroom,

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