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

such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned

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

been driving for a bit, Cecilia

the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month

being unfaithful, he had options other than

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

Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and

awoke, they were at

and swapped vehicles for a

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

ease, as if her home

the back, Cecilia took the

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

was late, but she felt rejuvenated

found Mark

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

gently

handle that,”

her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark

with a playful

the depth of

just physical. He genuinely cherished

gravity of the moment, he

ambiance of the night added to the

emotions evident in the way she

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers

had a film to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His

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

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

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

afraid of you,” she

intensity, their connection

led them to

clothes were scattered all over the

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

the weight of their connection but

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

on her shoulder earned him a stern

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

jet-lagged, and the night

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

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

Mark could

in a silvery glow, and

their relationship, a stability born out of growth

that a younger Cecilia might not have

restful slumber, Mark quietly

milk and a cookie

radiant and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially

hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

and long eyelashes emphasized

her with sheer admiration and love,

finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from her

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

embrace, Olivia drifted off to

tried to lay her down, she

Mark carried her to

twinge of sibling jealousy if

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

found herself cuddling a

a meticulously de-thorned red rose

was unforgettable last

she murmured with a

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

he said warmly,

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

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

as always, caught her

night a bit more,” he said with a playful

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall,

the way, don't flatter

a brief moment, she

Olivia in the bed,

be late!” Mark leaned down, planting

from the bathroom, he looked

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