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

like

much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke

2024 “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

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your

Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

she awoke, they were at the Fowler

and swapped vehicles for a black

drive, Cecilia sensed

as if her home was

the back, Cecilia took

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

was

in, she found Mark sorting

as he lifted an intimate piece of

approached him, gently taking it from

me handle that,” she

an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

a playful glance, not

the

He genuinely cherished her

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

added to the intensity of their

evident in the way

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a

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

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

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

aware of the nuances of

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

not afraid of you,”

their connection palpable and fervent.

led them to the

clothes were scattered

of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side

weight of their connection but also a desire for

moment, wrapping her close

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

nibble on her shoulder earned him a

just so I can get some rest?” He

jet-lagged, and the

“Rest now.” Despite the

intending

Mark could only smile and reassure

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

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

younger Cecilia might not have given him a second chance.

Mark quietly checked on

warm milk and a cookie

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

and the cookie

pausing between bites, taking a moment of

delicate skin and long

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

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her

Mark

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

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

Mark carried her to

jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his

a soft

Mark, she found herself cuddling a

red rose lay

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with

on cue, the bedroom

said warmly, “Rest if

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at that

holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight in

perceptive as always, caught her

savor last night a bit

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

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

brief moment, she

the bed, hoping to get her

late!” Mark leaned down, planting

emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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