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

I feel like you could guard me now.”

at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia

inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't

unfaithful, he had options

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

it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with

she awoke, they were at the

and swapped vehicles for a black Land

their drive, Cecilia sensed

as if her home was his.

the back, Cecilia

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

they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but

in, she found Mark sorting through her

as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently taking

handle that,”

pulled her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark

interrupted him with a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the depth

genuinely cherished her as an

gravity of the moment,

of the night added to the intensity of their

the way she met his

fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of

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

of push

Cecilia, well aware of the nuances of their

arms encircling his

afraid of you,”

intensity, their

led them

clothes were scattered all

emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a

their connection but also a desire for some

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a stern

replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can

jet-lagged, and the night had been

“Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against

deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending

Mark could only smile and reassure

soft moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark

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

their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

prepared warm milk and

for Mark, especially since he

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

she'd close her eyes, pausing between

delicate skin and long

with sheer

finished her milk,

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

father’s embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

Mark carried her to

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if

in a soft morning glow

herself cuddling a peacefully

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

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

murmured with

on cue, the bedroom door

he said warmly, “Rest

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

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

always, caught

a bit more; and maybe savor last night a

ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

way,

moment, she headed to

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

be late!” Mark leaned

emerged from the bathroom,

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