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.”

at her expense? Without a word, Mark

bit, Cecilia

“Where are 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 had

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

She agreed.

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

they were at the Fowler

and swapped vehicles for a black Land

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

with such ease, as if her home

at the

interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled

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

she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the

he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently taking it

me handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth

just physical. He genuinely cherished her

of the

the night added to the intensity of their

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met

through her hair, a hint of

Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

shoot; I wasn't running

of push and pull, a

nuances of

his

of you,”

intensity, their

led them to

were scattered all

of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline

of their connection

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

playful nibble on her shoulder earned

conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her

jet-lagged, and the night had

drew her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat,

intending to check on Olivia.

could

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help

depth in their relationship, a stability

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

restful slumber, Mark quietly

he prepared warm milk and a cookie

especially since he hadn't

in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

between bites, taking a moment of

long eyelashes emphasized

her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love,

soon overtook her as she finished her

cradling her, Mark comforted

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

hesitation, Mark carried her to the

twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about

bathed in a soft

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

de-thorned red rose lay with

unforgettable last night” A blush

Mark,” she murmured with

the bedroom door

he said warmly, “Rest if

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

it and letting it go, she

perceptive as always, caught

more; and maybe savor last night a bit more,” he said

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

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

moment, she

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned

from the bathroom,

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