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

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

he having too much fun at her expense? Without

driving for a bit,

are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without

unfaithful, he had options other than

and Olivia.”

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

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

were at the

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

sensed

moved with such ease, as if her home

seated at the back,

Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The

Cecilia's apartment, it was

Mark sorting

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

him, gently taking it from

handle

her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting him

the depth of their

just physical. He genuinely cherished her

of the

of the night added to the

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

running away.” His chuckles

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

nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their

not afraid of

their connection

passion led them to

clothes were scattered all over the

Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different

weight of their connection but also a desire for

the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

shoulder earned him a

conversation about Elaine just so I can

the night had been

now.” Despite the lingering summer

in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But

could

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at

relationship, a stability born out of growth

their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second chance.

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

prepared warm milk

and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since he

balanced the milk in one hand and

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

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

she finished her milk, and the remaining

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

embrace, Olivia

down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if

bathed in a soft morning glow when

herself cuddling a peacefully

rose lay with

unforgettable last

she murmured with

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

state, he said warmly, “Rest if

off at school.”

letting it go, she felt a weight in

perceptive as always, caught

and maybe savor last night a

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

by the way,

moment, she headed to

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Olivia's

Cecilia emerged from the

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