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

feel like you

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

for a bit, Cecilia finally

are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options other

Olivia.” “How about we pick them

was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

were

kids and swapped vehicles for a

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

ease, as

at the back, Cecilia took the

till we're home, Olivia.” The

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated

kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her

as he lifted an intimate

gently

me handle that,”

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

him with a playful glance, not

the

He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

added to the intensity of

in the way she met

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a

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

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

away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a

the nuances of

his neck, their Lips meeting in a

not afraid of

intensity, their

them to

were scattered all over

known for his discipline in personal

the weight of their connection but also a desire for some

moment,

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

shoulder earned him

so I can get

and the

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

got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's

need you here” Mark could only smile and

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

relationship, a stability born

a younger Cecilia might not have given

morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly

prepared warm milk

especially since he hadn't seen

one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

sheer admiration and love, captivated

her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

to lay her down, she stirred, seeking

hesitation, Mark carried

jealousy if he knew about this special treatment

bathed in a soft morning glow when

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

it was unforgettable last night” A

murmured with

cue, the bedroom door opened,

said warmly, “Rest if

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

onto it and letting it go, she felt a

perceptive as always, caught

night a bit

the covers aside, she stood tall,

remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't

she headed to

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping

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

the

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