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

grown into such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned

much fun at her expense? Without a

a bit, Cecilia finally broke

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

he

been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?” Mark

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

She agreed.

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

she awoke, they were at

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

such ease, as if her home was his.

the back,

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

it was late,

tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

approached him, gently taking

me handle

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

with a playful glance, not

appreciating the depth

genuinely cherished her as

the moment,

the night added to the intensity

emotions evident in the

his fingers through her

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her

a film to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the air

of push and pull,

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them to

scattered all

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

connection but also

in the moment, wrapping her close and

Cecilia murmured, her

on her shoulder earned him a stern

of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?”

and the night had

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

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

could only smile and

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't

relationship,

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given

slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

he prepared warm milk and

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

hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

between bites, taking a moment

and long eyelashes

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from her

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

her father’s embrace,

she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried

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

room was bathed in a soft morning glow

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

meticulously de-thorned red rose

was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

murmured with

on cue, the bedroom

state, he said warmly, “Rest

dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still

and letting it

perceptive as always,

last night a bit more,” he

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

average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way,

brief moment, she headed

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping

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

the bathroom, he

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