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 back

such a strong woman. I feel like you could

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats with

been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without

unfaithful, he had

Olivia.” “How about we pick them

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

She agreed.

lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine,

she awoke, they were at the Fowler

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

with such ease, as if

seated at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

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

tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

of embarrassment as he lifted

approached him, gently

handle that,” she

her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

with a playful glance, not letting

the depth of their

genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he

of the night added

in the way

his fingers through her hair, a

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of his

I wasn't running away.”

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

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

into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their

of you,”

their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them to

were scattered

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

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire for

moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a stern

so

the

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

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

need you here” Mark could only

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

was a newfound depth in their relationship,

Cecilia might

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child

prepared warm milk and

and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for a few

one hand and

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

delicate skin and long

sheer admiration and love, captivated

overtook her as she finished her milk, and the

her, Mark comforted

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

Mark carried her to the

of sibling jealousy if he knew

was bathed in a

she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

meticulously de-thorned red rose

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with

bedroom door

he said warmly, “Rest if you

school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

holding onto it and letting it go, she felt

always, caught

last night a bit

teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall,

And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much,

moment, she

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping

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

from the bathroom,

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