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

woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia

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

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her

he had options other

Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?” Mark

Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids.

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

she awoke, they were at the

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

as

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front

Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.”

the time they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

were tucked in, she found Mark

a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently

me handle

an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

a playful glance, not letting

appreciating the depth

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

the

ambiance of the night added to the

the way she

through her hair, a

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers

I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

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

of their relationship, met his gaze with

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

not afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable

them

were scattered all over

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

of their connection

seemed lost in the moment,

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

on her shoulder

just so

the night

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

she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness,

Mark could only

room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

a newfound depth in their relationship,

Cecilia might

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

prepared warm milk and

especially since

in one hand and the cookie in the

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

she finished her milk, and the remaining

her, Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he

a soft morning

of Mark, she found herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with a

cue, the bedroom

state, he said warmly, “Rest

off at school.” Cecilia

it and letting it go, she felt

as always,

savor last night a bit more,” he

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way,

she headed to

the bed, hoping to get her more

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

Cecilia emerged from the

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