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.

were incredible back

grown into such a strong woman. I feel like you

much fun at her expense? Without

for a bit,

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

being unfaithful, he had

saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's

She agreed.

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

awoke, they were at the

swapped vehicles for a

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

as

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in

was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

as he

him, gently

me handle that,” she

into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding her

a playful glance, not letting

the depth

physical. He genuinely cherished her

the gravity of the moment, he

added to the intensity of their

evident in the

her hair, a

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

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

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

Cecilia, well aware of the nuances of

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their

not afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them to

clothes were scattered

known for his discipline in personal

weight of their connection

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

Cecilia murmured, her

shoulder earned him a stern

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

and the

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

she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check

could only smile

and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the sight

their relationship, a stability born out of growth

a younger Cecilia might

early morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly

warm milk and

and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't

balanced the milk in one hand and the

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

and long eyelashes emphasized her

father, watched her with sheer

her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

hesitation, Mark carried her to

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he

a

she found herself

red rose

unforgettable last night” A blush painted

murmured

cue, the bedroom door

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly,

at school.” Cecilia still clutched

it and letting it go, she felt

perceptive as always, caught her

maybe savor last night a bit more,” he said with a

possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the

night? Last 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

moment, she headed to the

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

called out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a

the bathroom, he

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