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

I feel like you could guard

having too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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 on someone like

he had options

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

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 and soon fell

were

swapped vehicles for a black

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

such ease, as if her home was

at the

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

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

in, she found Mark sorting through

pang of embarrassment as he lifted

him, gently taking it from

me handle that,” she

an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

with a playful

paused, appreciating the depth

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

of the moment, he tenderly kissed

ambiance of the night added to the

the way she

her hair,

blushed,

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

Their dynamic was a dance of push and

nuances of their

arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

not afraid of

their connection palpable and

led them to

scattered all

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

felt the weight of their connection but also a

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her

the

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

intending to

need you here” Mark could only smile

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

depth in their relationship, a stability born out

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

quietly checked

warm milk

Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for a few

balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie in the other,

between

skin and long eyelashes

with sheer admiration and love,

as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie

her, Mark

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his

room was bathed in a

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a

red rose lay with a cheeky

unforgettable last

Mark,” she murmured with

bedroom door opened, revealing

he said warmly, “Rest if you

school.” Cecilia

letting it go, she felt a

always, caught

savor last night a bit more,” he

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

moment, she headed

bed,

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

the bathroom,

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