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

I feel like

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

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

you like to go?” AA month

being unfaithful, he

since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How

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

She agreed.

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

awoke, they were

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

with such ease, as if her

at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

Cecilia's apartment, it was late,

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

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

approached him, gently

handle that,” she

into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark

with a playful glance,

the

physical. He genuinely

gravity of the moment, he

ambiance of the night added to the intensity of their

in the

through her

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

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

a dance of push and pull, a game of chase

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

moment, her arms encircling his

afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their

them

were scattered all over

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

the weight of their connection

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

shoulder earned him a

Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her

and the

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

in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice,

here” Mark could only smile and reassure

in a silvery glow, and Mark

relationship, a stability born out of

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have

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

warm milk and

for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her

and the cookie in the other, savoring

between

long eyelashes emphasized her

with sheer admiration and love, captivated

she finished her milk, and the

cradling her, Mark comforted the

father’s embrace, Olivia

to lay her down, she

carried

feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister was

was bathed in a soft morning

Mark, she found herself cuddling a

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

murmured with

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

he said warmly, “Rest if

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at that

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

as always, caught

and maybe savor last night

such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth

moment, she headed to

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

be late!” Mark leaned

emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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