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

such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me

Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

bit, Cecilia finally broke

“Where are 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

unfaithful, he had

and Olivia.” “How about we pick

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

she awoke, they were at the

kids and swapped vehicles for a

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

such ease, as if her

at the back, Cecilia took

for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little

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

she found Mark sorting through

he lifted an intimate piece of her

approached him, gently taking

handle that,” she

her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark

with a playful glance, not

the depth

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

of the moment, he

added to the intensity of

in the way she

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint

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

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

Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase

of their relationship, met

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their

of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their

led them to

were scattered

known for his discipline in personal care, had

felt the weight of their connection but also a

the moment,

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

her shoulder

a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can

and the

forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt

she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on

could only

moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark

depth in their relationship,

a younger Cecilia might not have given him a

early morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

he prepared warm milk and

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

balanced the milk in one hand and the

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

skin and long

her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love,

soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

cradling her, Mark

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

she

carried her to the master

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

bathed in a soft morning glow

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

de-thorned red rose lay

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

she murmured with

on cue, the bedroom door

state, he said warmly, “Rest

at school.” Cecilia

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

perceptive as always,

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

the covers aside, she stood

was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter

moment, she headed to the

the bed, hoping to

“Dad, I'll be late!” Mark

emerged from the bathroom, he

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

Comments ()

0/255