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 back

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

expense? Without a

bit, Cecilia finally

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

was being unfaithful, he had options other than

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

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

She agreed.

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

were at the Fowler

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

with such ease, as if her home was his.

seated at the back, Cecilia

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

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

kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her

as he lifted an intimate

him, gently

me handle

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

interrupted him with a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the depth of their

He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he

night added to the intensity

the

Mark ran his fingers through her hair,

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

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

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

of their relationship, met his gaze

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

not afraid of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them to the

scattered all over the

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

weight of their connection but also a desire for

moment, wrapping

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

Elaine just so I can

and the night had been

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

slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check

need you here” Mark could only smile and

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

relationship, a

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second chance.

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

milk

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

hand and the cookie

pausing between bites, taking a moment of

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized

sheer admiration and love, captivated

her as she finished her

cradling her, Mark

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

hesitation, Mark carried her

adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

was bathed in a soft

Mark, she found herself

de-thorned red rose lay with

last night” A blush painted

Mark,” she murmured with

bedroom door

said warmly, “Rest if

at school.” Cecilia

and letting it go, she

always, caught

night a bit

it even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

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 gazed

brief moment, she headed

in the bed, hoping to get

the hall, a voice called out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark

the bathroom, he

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