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

grown into such a strong woman. I feel like you

at her expense? Without a word, Mark

a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

being unfaithful, he had options other

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

it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon

awoke, they were at the

swapped vehicles

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

with such ease, as if

and Edwin seated at the back,

but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

she found Mark sorting through her luggage

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

gently taking it

handle

her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

with a playful glance, not

paused, appreciating the depth

genuinely

the moment,

of the night added to the

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met his

his fingers through her hair,

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

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

dynamic was a dance of push and

nuances of their relationship, met

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

afraid of

an intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them

clothes were scattered

for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire for some

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping

Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue and slight

the night had been

forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia

intending to check on

could only smile

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

relationship, a stability born out of

realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was

milk and a

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

one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

she finished her milk, and the remaining

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

embrace, Olivia

she stirred, seeking the

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew

was bathed in a soft morning

of Mark, she found herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush

Mark,” she murmured with a

cue, the bedroom door

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest

off at school.” Cecilia

it go, she felt a weight

as always, caught her

last night a bit

Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall,

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

brief moment, she

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to

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

Cecilia emerged from the

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