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

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

much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

he had options

Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head

Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

with

awoke, they were at the

and swapped vehicles for a black

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

ease, as if her home

Edwin seated at the back,

beckoned for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her seat, momentarily

was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

tucked in, she found Mark sorting through

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

him, gently taking

handle that,”

her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

with a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth of

genuinely cherished her

the moment, he tenderly kissed

added to

evident in the way

fingers through her

you leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of his

wasn't running

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

aware of the nuances of

into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their

not afraid of you,” she

intensity, their connection palpable and

led them

scattered all over the

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

their connection but also a

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

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned

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

was jet-lagged, and the night had

“Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt

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

you here” Mark could only smile and reassure

room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't

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

realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

warm milk

especially since he hadn't

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

her eyes, pausing between

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

watched her with sheer

overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

her, Mark comforted

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking

Mark carried her

of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

room was bathed in a soft

of Mark, she found herself cuddling

de-thorned red rose lay with a

it was unforgettable last night” A

murmured with a

the bedroom door

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

off at school.”

letting it go, she felt a weight in her

perceptive as always, caught her

more; and maybe savor last night a bit more,” he

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

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

a brief moment, she headed to the

bed, hoping

late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he

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