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

grown into such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned

having too much fun at her expense? Without a

bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

being unfaithful, he had options other than

been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

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

She agreed.

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

she awoke, they were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles

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

with such ease, as if

seated at the back, Cecilia

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

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

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

as he lifted an

approached him, gently taking

me handle that,”

into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

a playful

appreciating the depth of their

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

of the moment,

the night added to

emotions evident in the way she met his

his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

did you leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed,

I wasn't running away.”

dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase

nuances of their relationship,

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

afraid of you,”

intensity, their connection

led them to

clothes were scattered

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

connection but

lost in the moment, wrapping her

Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned

of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He

and the night had

a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the

quietly got up, intending to check

need you here” Mark could only smile and reassure

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

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

Cecilia might not have given

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

warm milk and a cookie

lively, was a joy for Mark, especially

balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie

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

skin and long

with sheer

finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

cradling her, Mark comforted the

embrace, Olivia

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking

hesitation, Mark carried her to

the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy

in a soft morning glow

found herself

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

murmured with

bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you need

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at that

and letting it

perceptive as always, caught

savor last night a

the covers aside, she stood tall,

way,

moment, she headed to

adjusted Olivia in the bed,

I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft

emerged from the bathroom, he

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