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

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

expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

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

was being unfaithful, he had options other

aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.”

for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space

She agreed.

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

they were at the

and swapped vehicles for a black Land

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

ease, as if her

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back,

Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're

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

found Mark

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an

approached him, gently taking it from

me handle that,” she

an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

him with a playful glance, not letting

the depth of their

just physical. He genuinely

the gravity of the

added

evident in the way she met his

ran his fingers through her hair, a hint

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers

a film to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

running away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push

of their relationship, met his gaze with

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

not afraid of

intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them

scattered all

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

connection but also

in the moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

nibble on her shoulder earned him a

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

was jet-lagged, and the night had

into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled

he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness,

here” Mark could only smile and

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but

depth in their relationship, a

he realized that a younger Cecilia might

her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

he prepared warm milk and a cookie

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

carefully balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie

between bites, taking a moment

long eyelashes emphasized her

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love,

overtook her as she finished her milk, and the

Mark comforted

embrace, Olivia drifted off to

lay her down, she stirred, seeking

hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

found herself cuddling a peacefully

a meticulously de-thorned red rose

last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

she murmured with

the bedroom door opened,

he said warmly, “Rest

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight in

always, caught

savor last night

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

savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held

brief moment, she headed to the

Olivia in the bed, hoping to

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

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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