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

like you could guard me now.”

at her expense? Without a word,

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

was being unfaithful, he had options other than

since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to

for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids.

She agreed.

her lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

she awoke, they were

swapped

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

ease, as if her home

at the back,

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

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

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through

as he lifted an

him, gently taking it

me handle that,”

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting him

the depth of

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

the gravity of the

of the night added to the intensity of

in the

fingers through her hair, a

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed,

I wasn't running away.”

dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they

of their

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

not afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and

them to the

were scattered all over the

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

their connection but also

however, still seemed lost in the moment,

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

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a

our conversation about Elaine just so I can get

jet-lagged, and the night had been

now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath signaling

she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check

you here” Mark could only smile

and Mark couldn't help but

their relationship, a stability born out

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given

early morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

he prepared warm milk and

especially since he hadn't

and

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

skin and long eyelashes

with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her every

as she finished her

cradling her, Mark comforted the

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia

lay her down, she stirred, seeking

carried

in the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

bathed in a soft morning

she found herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

last

murmured with

on cue, the bedroom

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

and letting it go,

perceptive as always, caught her

more; and maybe savor last night a

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

way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when

a brief moment, she

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to

I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a

from the bathroom, he

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