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

expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats with

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

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

unfaithful, he had

and Olivia.”

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

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and

they were at the

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for

drive, Cecilia sensed

with such ease, as if her home was his.

the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

Mark sorting through her luggage

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

approached him, gently taking

me handle that,”

pulled her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

with a playful glance, not

paused, appreciating the depth of

wasn't just physical. He genuinely

the moment, he tenderly kissed

ambiance of the night added to the

the way she met his

ran his fingers through her hair,

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

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

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

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met

his neck, their Lips meeting in a

afraid of you,”

with an intensity, their

them to

clothes were scattered all over the

mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in

connection but

still seemed lost in the moment,

Cecilia murmured, her

on her shoulder earned him

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

jet-lagged, and the night had been

Despite the

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

need you here” Mark could only smile and reassure

in a silvery glow, and

depth in their relationship, a stability born out of growth and

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given

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

he prepared warm milk and a

especially since he hadn't seen her for a few

one hand and the cookie in the other,

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

skin and long eyelashes

father, watched her with sheer

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and

cradling her, Mark comforted

her father’s embrace, Olivia

she stirred, seeking the warmth of

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

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

a soft

of Mark, she found herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

was unforgettable last

Mark,” she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

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

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

always, caught

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

it even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers

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

brief moment, she

in the bed, hoping to get her more

be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss

from the bathroom, he looked

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