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

her expense? Without a word, Mark

been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke

Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to

was being unfaithful, he had options

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

spacious enough for the kids. In contrast,

She agreed.

her lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with

she awoke, they were at

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

with such ease, as if her home

at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

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

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

as he lifted an intimate piece of

gently taking it from

me handle

an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the

genuinely cherished her as an

gravity of the

added to

the way she met

fingers through her hair, a hint of

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

running

Their dynamic was a dance of push

the nuances of

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

not afraid of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them to

scattered all over the

for his discipline in personal care, had shown

of their connection but also a desire

in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

on her shoulder earned him a stern

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

the

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

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

could

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

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out

he realized that a younger Cecilia

quietly checked on Edwin,

prepared warm milk and

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

the milk in one hand and the cookie in

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

long eyelashes emphasized her

sheer admiration and love, captivated

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie

Mark comforted the

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

Mark carried her to the

jealousy if he knew about this

was bathed in a

herself cuddling

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

she murmured

the bedroom door

awake state, he said

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

letting it go, she felt a

always, caught

more; and maybe savor last night

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

Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't

she headed to

the bed, hoping to get her

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

emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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