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 back

strong woman. I feel like you

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

bit, Cecilia finally broke her

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

he had options other than

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

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

She agreed.

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

were at the Fowler

kids and swapped vehicles for

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

as if her home was his.

the

softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

in, she found Mark

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

approached him, gently taking it from

handle that,” she

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark

with a playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the depth of

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the moment, he

the night added to the

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she

fingers through her hair, a

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

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

a dance of push

of the nuances of their relationship, met

the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

of you,”

intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them to

scattered all

discipline in personal care, had

felt the weight of their connection but also

moment, wrapping

sleepy,” Cecilia

shoulder earned him a

about Elaine just so I can get some rest?”

was jet-lagged, and the night had

now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt

Mark thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia.

here” Mark could only

glow, and Mark

in their relationship, a stability born

Cecilia might not

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

prepared warm milk and a

Mark, especially

in one hand and the

close her eyes, pausing between

delicate skin and long

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

finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

her, Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

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

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

a soft morning

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

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

Mark,” she murmured

the bedroom door opened, revealing

he said warmly, “Rest if

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

onto it and letting it go, she felt

perceptive as always, caught

savor last night a bit

even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the

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

moment, she headed to

adjusted Olivia in the bed,

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

Cecilia emerged from the

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255