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

much fun at her expense? Without a word,

bit, Cecilia

wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that

was being 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

She agreed.

lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was

they were at the

and swapped vehicles for a black Land

drive, Cecilia sensed

moved with such ease, as if

at the back, Cecilia took the

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

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

Mark sorting through

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

gently taking it from

me handle

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her of

playful glance, not

the depth of their

physical. He genuinely cherished her

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

of the night added to the intensity

evident in the way she

his fingers through her

suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers

wasn't running away.”

a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they

of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

his neck, their Lips meeting in a

not afraid of

with an intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them to the

clothes were scattered all over the

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

weight of their connection but also

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

on her shoulder earned him a

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

jet-lagged, and the

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

Mark thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled

you here” Mark could

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

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out of

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

prepared warm milk

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

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

pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

and long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and

cradling her, Mark comforted the

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

down, she stirred, seeking

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment

a soft morning glow when

herself

rose lay with a cheeky

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

murmured

the bedroom door opened,

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

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

onto it and letting it go,

perceptive as always, caught her

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

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

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

a brief moment, she headed to

adjusted Olivia in the bed,

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

the

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