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

like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at

expense? Without a

for a bit, Cecilia finally

Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA

being unfaithful, he had

mused aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?”

for them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

her lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine,

she awoke, they were

and swapped vehicles for a black Land

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

as if her home

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

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

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

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

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

gently taking

handle that,” she

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

playful glance, not letting

appreciating the depth

physical. He genuinely

gravity of the moment, he

night added to the intensity of

the way she met his

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair,

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

running away.”

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

of the nuances of their relationship, met his

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his

of you,” she

their

passion led them to

scattered all

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

the weight of their connection but also a desire for

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

Cecilia

shoulder earned

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

the

her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against

up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness, halted

Mark could only

and Mark couldn't help but

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

younger Cecilia might not

slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

he prepared warm milk and a cookie

and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially

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

pausing between bites, taking

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her every

overtook her as she finished her

her, Mark

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

Mark tried to lay her down, she

carried

feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

room was bathed in a soft

she found herself cuddling a

rose lay with

it was unforgettable last

murmured

bedroom

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

off at school.” Cecilia

and letting it go, she felt

perceptive as always, caught her

maybe savor last night a bit more,” he

the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping

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

moment, she

in the bed, hoping to get her more

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

emerged from the

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