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

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

expense? Without a word, Mark

bit,

steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time

he had

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

for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

they were

kids and swapped vehicles for a black

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

ease, as if her

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

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

it was late, but she felt

found Mark sorting

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

him, gently taking it

handle

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her

interrupted him with a playful glance,

appreciating the

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he

the night added to

emotions evident in the way she met his

through her hair,

leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

film to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His

was a dance of push and pull,

of their

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

afraid of

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and

passion led them to

clothes were scattered all

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

their connection but also a

seemed lost in the moment,

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

shoulder earned him a stern

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

the

Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady

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

could only

in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

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

a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably tucked

warm milk and

Mark, especially since he hadn't

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

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

skin and long

father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from her

cradling her, Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

lay her down, she stirred, seeking

Mark carried her to the

jealousy

was bathed in a soft morning

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a

de-thorned red rose lay with

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

Mark,” she murmured with

the bedroom door opened,

he said warmly, “Rest

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

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

perceptive as always,

last night a bit more,” he said with a playful

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

to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.”

moment, she headed

in the bed,

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

the bathroom,

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