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

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

bit, Cecilia finally broke her

2024 “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

he

last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head

convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was

they were at the

and swapped vehicles for a

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

such ease, as if her

seated at the back, Cecilia took the

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

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

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

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

gently taking it

handle that,” she

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding her of

playful

appreciating the depth

just physical. He genuinely

the moment,

added to the intensity of their

evident in the way she met

fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in

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

wasn't running

running away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they

of

the moment, her arms encircling his

of you,”

with an intensity, their connection

them

scattered

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

connection

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

her shoulder earned him

replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue

was jet-lagged, and the night

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

he quietly got up, intending to check on

here” Mark could only

the room in a silvery glow, and Mark

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

a younger Cecilia might not have given him

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

prepared warm milk

especially since he hadn't seen her for

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

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

Mark

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

she stirred, seeking

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

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

a soft morning glow when Cecilia

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

rose lay with a

last

she murmured with

bedroom door opened,

state, he said warmly, “Rest

at school.” Cecilia

holding onto it and letting it

as always, caught her

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

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping

just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.”

moment, she

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

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

the

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