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.

were incredible

feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at

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

bit, Cecilia

you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that

he had options other

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

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

She agreed.

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

they were at

fetched the kids and swapped

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

with such ease, as if her

the back, Cecilia took the front

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

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

in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

gently

me handle

her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding

him with a playful glance,

the depth

He genuinely cherished

the gravity of the moment, he

the night added to the intensity of their

in the way she

ran his fingers through her

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

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

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

aware of the nuances of their

the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

not afraid of

their connection palpable and

them to

clothes were scattered all over the

his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side

weight of their connection

in the moment, wrapping her close and

Cecilia murmured, her

on her shoulder earned him a stern

our conversation about Elaine just so I

was jet-lagged, and the night had

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

in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check

Mark could only smile

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

newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born

younger Cecilia might not have

her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

warm milk and a cookie

was a joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen

hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

between bites, taking

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

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

she finished her milk, and the remaining

her, Mark comforted

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

she stirred, seeking the warmth

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

bathed in a soft morning glow when

herself

red rose lay with

unforgettable last night”

murmured with

the bedroom door opened, revealing

state, he said

at school.” Cecilia still clutched

it and letting it go, she felt a weight

as always, caught

savor last night a bit more,”

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

was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a

she headed to the

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

late!” Mark leaned down, planting a

emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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