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

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

expense? Without a word,

a bit,

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

being unfaithful, he had options

since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to

the house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's

She agreed.

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

they were at the

the kids and swapped vehicles for a

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

as if her home was

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front

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

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

tucked in, she found Mark

he lifted an intimate piece of

approached him, gently taking it

handle that,”

her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned,

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished

gravity of the

ambiance of the night added to the intensity of their

in the way she

his fingers through her hair, a hint

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the

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

of push and pull,

of the nuances of

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck,

of you,”

their connection palpable

them to the

were scattered

for his discipline in personal care, had

the weight of their connection but also a

however, still seemed lost in the moment,

Cecilia murmured,

shoulder earned him

want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can

the night had been

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

intending

you here” Mark could only smile

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

depth in their relationship,

a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second chance.

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

milk and a cookie for

joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her

and the cookie in the

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

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

her as she finished her milk, and the remaining

her, Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew

a soft morning glow when Cecilia

she found herself cuddling a peacefully

red rose lay with a

was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door opened,

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you need

school.”

between holding onto it and letting it

always, caught

up a bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit more,” he said with a

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

Last 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 brief moment, she headed to the

the bed, hoping to

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

from the bathroom,

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