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

Without a word,

for a bit, Cecilia finally

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

was being unfaithful, he had options other than

aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up

it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

her lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with

she awoke, they were at

and swapped vehicles for a black Land

drive, Cecilia sensed

as if her home was his.

at the back, Cecilia took the front

Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.”

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

in, she found Mark sorting

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

him, gently taking it

me handle

an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the depth of

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the moment, he

of the night added to the intensity of their

in the way she met

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

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

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

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

of the nuances of

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

of you,”

intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them

scattered all over

Mark, known for his discipline in

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire for some

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

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

nibble on her shoulder earned him

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

the night

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

intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's

need you here” Mark could only smile and reassure

painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the sight

their relationship,

realized that a younger Cecilia

quietly

prepared warm milk and

was a joy for Mark, especially since

hand and the cookie in the other,

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

with sheer

she finished her milk, and

her, Mark comforted the

in her father’s embrace,

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

carried her to the master

surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if

room was bathed in a soft morning glow

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a

red rose lay with a

it was unforgettable last night”

murmured with a

cue, the bedroom door opened,

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if

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

holding onto it and letting it

always, caught

night a bit more,” he said with a

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

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

she

in the bed, hoping to get her

be late!” Mark leaned down,

the bathroom,

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