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

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

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

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

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

Mark was being unfaithful, he

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head

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

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon

she awoke, they were at the Fowler

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

with such ease, as if her home

the back, Cecilia took the

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

apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

found Mark

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

gently taking it from

handle

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her

playful

appreciating the depth of their

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

ambiance of the night added to the

evident in the

his fingers through her

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

shoot; I wasn't running away.” His

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and

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

his

of

an intensity, their connection palpable

led them to

scattered all

emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal

weight of their connection

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

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get

was jet-lagged, and the night had

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

deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia.

you here” Mark could only smile

moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability

that a younger Cecilia might not

Mark quietly checked

prepared warm milk and a cookie

for Mark, especially since

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

her eyes, pausing between

long

father, watched her with sheer admiration and

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

cradling her, Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

her down, she stirred,

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

in the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy

was bathed in a

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a

de-thorned red rose lay with

last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

murmured with a

the bedroom

he said warmly, “Rest if

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

it go, she felt a weight in her

always,

maybe savor last night a bit more,” he

such playful teasing? Pulling the

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

brief moment, she

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed,

voice called out, “Dad, I'll be late!”

from the bathroom,

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