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

strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.”

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

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?”

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options other

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

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

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

awoke, they were at the Fowler

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

such ease, as if her

and Edwin seated at the back,

but Mark interjected softly, “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 felt rejuvenated

found Mark sorting through her luggage in the

he lifted

gently taking it

me handle that,”

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

with a playful glance,

appreciating the

genuinely cherished

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

ambiance of the night added to the intensity

in the

fingers through her

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

to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His

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

of their relationship,

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

not afraid of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable

led them to

clothes were scattered all over

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

weight of their connection but also a desire for some

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

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a stern

Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed

the

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

got up, intending to check on

Mark could only

glow, and Mark couldn't help

in their relationship, a stability born out of growth and

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a

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

he prepared warm milk and

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

hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

eyes, pausing between

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

watched her with sheer admiration and

finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

Mark

securely in her father’s embrace,

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

Without hesitation, Mark carried her

of sibling jealousy if he

a soft morning glow when Cecilia

herself

rose lay

it was unforgettable last night” A blush

she murmured

cue, the bedroom door opened,

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

school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

letting it go, she felt a weight

perceptive as always, caught

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

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

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

brief moment, she headed to

in the bed, hoping to get

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

the

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