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

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

he having too much fun at her expense? Without a word,

a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options other than

“It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.”

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

were at

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

with such ease, as

the back, Cecilia took

“Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little

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

Mark

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

him, gently taking

me handle that,” she

an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark

with a playful

appreciating the

genuinely

gravity of the moment, he tenderly

ambiance of the night added to the intensity of

the way she met his

fingers through her

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

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

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

of the nuances of their

encircling his neck, their

not afraid of

their connection palpable and

passion led them to

were scattered

emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in

connection but also a desire for some

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

on her shoulder earned him a

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

jet-lagged, and the

her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the

deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending

could only smile and reassure

glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out

Cecilia might not have given

Mark quietly checked on

milk and

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

milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

delicate skin and long eyelashes

sheer admiration and love,

her milk,

Mark

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

down, she

carried her to the master

of sibling jealousy if

room was bathed in a

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

red rose lay with a cheeky

last night”

murmured

bedroom door

said warmly,

school.” Cecilia still clutched the

it go, she felt

perceptive as always,

a bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit

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

let alone savor. And, by the way,

brief moment, she headed

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

“Dad, I'll be late!” Mark

Cecilia emerged from the

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