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

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

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

driving for a bit, Cecilia

you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted on

unfaithful, he had options other

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

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

she awoke, they were

and swapped

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

as if her

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

beckoned for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little

Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she felt

the kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in

he lifted an intimate

approached him, gently taking it from

me handle

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

a playful glance, not letting

appreciating the

genuinely cherished her as

the moment, he tenderly

the night added

in the

through her hair, a

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons

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

Their dynamic was a dance of

nuances of their relationship,

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

not afraid of

responded with an intensity, their connection

led them

clothes were scattered all over the

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

the weight of their connection but also a

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

on her shoulder earned

Elaine just so I can get

jet-lagged, and the night had

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

got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness,

here” Mark could

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

depth in their relationship, a stability born out of growth and

younger Cecilia

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

milk and a cookie for

especially since he

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

pausing between bites, taking a

long eyelashes

her with sheer

soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining

cradling her, Mark comforted the

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

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

Without hesitation, Mark carried

of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

a soft morning glow when

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a

rose lay with a cheeky

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

murmured

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

he said warmly, “Rest if

dropping Edwin off at school.”

onto it and letting it

as always, caught

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

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

night? Last night was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much,

she headed to the

in the bed, hoping to get her more

be late!” Mark leaned

from the bathroom,

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