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

woman. I feel like

at her expense? Without a

bit, Cecilia finally

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

unfaithful, he

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your

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

She agreed.

and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine,

she awoke, they were at

and swapped vehicles

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

such ease, as if her home was his.

the back,

but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home,

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

the kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

embarrassment as he lifted an

him, gently taking it from

me handle that,” she

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

interrupted him with a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the depth

genuinely cherished her

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

of the night added

emotions evident in the

through her hair, a hint of confusion in

leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of his

running away.” His chuckles warmed

dance of push and pull, a game

aware of the nuances of their

into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

of you,”

an intensity, their connection

led them

clothes were scattered all over the

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

of their connection but also a desire for some

the moment, wrapping her close

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

nibble on her shoulder

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

was jet-lagged, and the

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

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

could only smile and

and Mark couldn't help

relationship,

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

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

warm milk

was a joy for Mark, especially

balanced the milk in one hand and

pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

skin and long

her with sheer admiration and love,

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

Mark comforted

her father’s embrace, Olivia

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred,

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried

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

in a soft morning glow when

she found herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

last night” A

murmured with

the bedroom door opened,

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at that

between holding onto it and letting it go,

always, caught

maybe savor last night a bit more,” he

possible to ignore such 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 a soft warmth when

she headed

the bed, hoping

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

from the bathroom, he

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