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

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

he having too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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 wasted on

unfaithful, he had options other than

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

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

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles for

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

as if her home was his.

seated at the back,

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

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

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

him, gently

me handle that,” she

an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of

with a playful glance, not letting

the

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

the

ambiance of the night added to the intensity of

emotions evident in the way

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint

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

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

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

nuances of their relationship,

his neck, their Lips meeting in a

not afraid of you,”

an intensity, their connection

passion led them to the

scattered

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

their connection

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a

conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?”

was jet-lagged, and the

he drew 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 breath signaling

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

could only smile

and Mark couldn't help but marvel at

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

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given

morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly

he prepared warm milk and a cookie for

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

carefully balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie in the other,

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of

skin and long eyelashes

her with sheer admiration and love,

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk,

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

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

Mark carried her to the master

adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister was

bathed in a soft morning glow

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

red rose lay with a cheeky

unforgettable last night”

she murmured

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

state, he said warmly,

school.” Cecilia still

letting it go,

always,

up a bit more; and maybe savor last night a

playful teasing? Pulling the

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

moment, she headed to the

the bed, hoping

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

the bathroom,

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