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 back

I feel like you could guard

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled

a bit, Cecilia finally

we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be

was being unfaithful, he

aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to

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

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

they were at the Fowler

had fetched the kids and swapped

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

as if her

the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a quick

the kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

of embarrassment as he lifted

approached him, gently taking it

handle

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark

with a playful glance,

the

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

gravity of the

added to the intensity

in the way she met

his fingers through her hair, a hint of

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

shoot; I wasn't running

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

the nuances of their relationship, met

his neck, their Lips meeting in

not afraid of you,”

their

passion led them to

were scattered all

a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal

felt the weight of their connection

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

her shoulder earned him a

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

and the night had

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

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

need you here” Mark could

glow, and Mark

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

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

he prepared warm milk and a cookie for

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

one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

eyes, pausing between

and long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and love,

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

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

Mark carried her

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

in a soft

herself cuddling a

de-thorned red rose lay with a

unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured

the bedroom door opened,

state, he said warmly, “Rest

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a

as always, caught

and maybe savor last night a bit

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

And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too

brief moment, she headed

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned

from the bathroom, he looked

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