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

like you could guard me

expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats with

driving for a bit, Cecilia

headed?” Gripping the 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 someone

was being unfaithful, he

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

was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

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

she awoke, they were

and swapped vehicles for a black Land

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

such ease, as if her

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

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

was late, but

Mark sorting through her luggage in

as he lifted

gently

me handle

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth of

wasn't just physical. He genuinely

gravity of the moment,

ambiance of the night added to the intensity of their

in the way she

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

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

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

dynamic was a dance of

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

his neck, their Lips meeting in

not afraid of you,” she

their connection

led them to the

clothes were scattered all over the

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

weight of their connection but also a

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

her shoulder earned

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

jet-lagged, and the night had

now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath signaling

quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But

Mark could

silvery glow, and

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

realized that a younger Cecilia might

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

prepared warm milk and a cookie for

joy for Mark, especially

the milk in one hand and the

between bites, taking a moment of

and long eyelashes emphasized

being her father, watched her with sheer

soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

father’s embrace,

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking

hesitation, Mark carried her

jealousy if he knew about this special

bathed in a soft morning glow

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured

bedroom door opened, revealing

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a

always, caught her

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

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

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 when he gazed at

moment, she

bed, hoping to

called out, “Dad, I'll be late!”

the

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