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

I feel like you

Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats with

bit, Cecilia finally

calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?”

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options

Olivia.” “How about

spacious enough for the kids.

She agreed.

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

were at the

kids and swapped vehicles

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

such ease, as if her home was his.

Edwin seated at the

Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home,

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

tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

embarrassment as he

him, gently taking it

me handle

an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

him with a playful glance, not letting

appreciating the depth of their

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he

added to the intensity

evident in the

her

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the

shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

a dance of push and pull,

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

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

of

with an intensity, their connection palpable and

led them to the

clothes were scattered all over

his discipline in personal care, had

weight of their connection but also a desire for

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

her shoulder

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

jet-lagged, and the

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

got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's

could only smile and reassure

the room in a silvery glow, and Mark

newfound depth in their relationship, a

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

slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

he prepared warm milk

for Mark, especially

hand and the cookie in

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of

long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

hesitation, Mark carried

jealousy if he knew about this special

a

she found herself cuddling a

de-thorned red rose lay with

it was unforgettable last night” A blush

Mark,” she murmured with

the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

Cecilia's awake state, he said

school.” Cecilia still clutched the

onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight

perceptive as always, caught

maybe savor last night a bit more,”

the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with

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 soft warmth when he

she headed to the

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

out, “Dad, I'll be late!”

emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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