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

I feel like you could guard

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

a bit,

would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

unfaithful, he had options other than

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

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

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon

they were

kids and swapped

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

such ease, as if her home was his.

seated at the back,

“Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The

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

she found Mark sorting through her

a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

gently

me handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

with a playful glance, not letting him

the depth of

genuinely cherished her as

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

of the night added to the

emotions evident in the way she met

fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in

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

film to shoot; I wasn't running away.”

dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a

nuances of

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

not afraid of you,” she

intensity, their

them

were scattered all over the

known for his discipline

connection

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and

Cecilia

her shoulder earned

conversation about Elaine just so I can get some

the night had

whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable

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

need you here” Mark could only smile

glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

their relationship, a stability born

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia

her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on

milk and

a joy for Mark, especially since

milk in one hand and the cookie in the other,

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

long

father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her every

she finished her milk,

her, Mark comforted the

in her father’s embrace, Olivia

tried to lay her down, she

Mark carried her to the

of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his

a soft morning

of Mark, she found herself cuddling

meticulously de-thorned red rose

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

Mark,” she murmured with

bedroom door opened, revealing

state, he said

I'll be dropping Edwin off at school.”

between holding onto it and letting it go,

perceptive as always, caught her

bit more; and maybe savor last night a

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with

was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.”

she headed to

bed, hoping to get her

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

from the

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