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 back

like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at his

her expense? Without

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

2024 “Where are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?”

unfaithful, he had options other than

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

convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon

she awoke, they were

swapped vehicles for a black Land

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

as if her home was

seated at the

Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little

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

Mark sorting through her luggage in

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently

handle that,”

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

a playful glance,

appreciating the depth of their

just physical. He genuinely cherished her

of the moment, he tenderly

the night added to the intensity

the way she met

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

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the

shoot; I wasn't running

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a

aware of the nuances of their relationship,

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

not afraid of you,” she

intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them

clothes were scattered all

felt a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal

weight of their connection but also

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping

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

nibble on her shoulder

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

and the night

her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady

in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still

Mark could

painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark

their relationship, a stability born

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

while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

warm milk

joy for Mark, especially since

milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

close her eyes, pausing between

and long

her with sheer admiration

her as she finished her milk,

Mark

embrace, Olivia drifted

her down, she

Mark carried

surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

bathed in a

of Mark, she found herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

Mark,” she murmured

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

onto it and letting it go, she felt

perceptive as always, caught

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

possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers

savor. And, by the way, don't flatter

she headed

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

the hall, a voice called out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a

Cecilia emerged from the

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