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

strong woman. I feel like you could

fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and

a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

being unfaithful, he had options other

“It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?” Mark

for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

she awoke, they were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles for

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

such ease, as if her

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

beckoned for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back

apartment, it was late, but she felt

she found Mark sorting through her

he lifted

gently taking it

me handle that,”

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

interrupted him with a playful

appreciating the

just physical. He genuinely cherished

the

ambiance of the night added to the intensity

emotions evident in the way she met

her hair, a hint of confusion in

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

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

was a dance of push and pull, a

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a gentle

not afraid of you,” she

intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

led them to

were scattered all over the

for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different

felt the weight of their connection but also a

lost in the moment, wrapping

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

shoulder earned him

about Elaine just so I can get

jet-lagged, and the

“Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt

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

you here” Mark could only smile and

glow, and Mark

relationship, a

on their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given

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

milk and

radiant and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for a few

in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of

skin and long

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration

soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

cradling her, Mark comforted

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia

lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

Without hesitation, Mark carried her

room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if

a soft morning glow

found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

rose lay with a cheeky

unforgettable last night” A blush

Mark,” she murmured with

cue, the bedroom door opened,

he said warmly, “Rest if

at school.” Cecilia still clutched

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight in

as always, caught her

savor last night a

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

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

brief moment, she

in the bed,

late!” Mark

from the

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