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

into such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard

he having too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

was being unfaithful, he had options

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

house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

awoke, they were at the Fowler

fetched the kids and swapped

began their drive, Cecilia sensed

as if her

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

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

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

in, she found Mark

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

gently

handle that,” she

an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark

interrupted him with a playful

appreciating the depth of

wasn't just physical. He genuinely

of the moment, he tenderly

the night added

in the

Mark ran his fingers through her hair,

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

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

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

of the nuances of their relationship,

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their

not afraid of you,”

with an intensity, their connection palpable and

led them to the

scattered all over the

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

the weight of their connection but also a desire for some

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

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

shoulder

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

was jet-lagged, and the night

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

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

need you here” Mark could only smile and reassure

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

in their relationship, a

on their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given

while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly

he prepared warm milk

radiant 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, savoring each

between bites, taking a

long eyelashes

her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

her as she finished her

her, Mark comforted the

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

lay her down, she stirred,

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

a soft morning

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

rose lay with

it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

murmured

the bedroom door

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

school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

letting it go, she felt a weight

always, caught

a bit more; and maybe savor last night

such playful teasing? Pulling the covers

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

brief moment, she headed to

bed, hoping

be late!”

Cecilia emerged from the

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