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

into such a strong woman. I feel like you could

Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

Mark was being unfaithful, he

last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space

She agreed.

lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon fell

they were at

kids and swapped vehicles for a

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

moved with such ease, as

at the

we're home, Olivia.” The little

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

tucked in, she found Mark sorting through

as he lifted an intimate piece

approached him, gently taking it from

handle

pulled her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

him with a playful glance, not letting him

paused, appreciating the depth of their

He genuinely

of the

added to the intensity of

the

fingers through her hair,

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the

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

of push and pull, a game of chase

Cecilia, well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

not afraid of you,” she

intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

led them

clothes were scattered

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

connection but

moment, wrapping her close and

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

on her shoulder earned

just so I can get some rest?”

and the night

now.” Despite the lingering summer

he quietly got up, intending

Mark could only smile and reassure

soft moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out

that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a

slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child

milk and a

Mark, especially

milk in one hand and the cookie in the other,

between

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

her father, watched her with sheer

she finished her milk, and

cradling her, Mark

embrace, Olivia drifted off

her down, she stirred, seeking

hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if

bathed in a soft morning glow

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

rose

was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with

on cue, the bedroom door

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if

dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

and letting it go, she felt a

always, caught

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

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the

night was just average. Not 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

a brief moment, she headed

in the bed, hoping to get her more

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

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom,

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