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

feel like you could guard

fun at her expense? Without

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

calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?”

unfaithful, he had options other

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

on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast,

She agreed.

jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon fell

they were at the

swapped

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

as if

at the back, Cecilia took

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

apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a quick

she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

him, gently taking it

me handle that,”

her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth of

just physical. He genuinely cherished her

gravity of the moment, he tenderly

ambiance of the night added to the

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met

his fingers through her hair,

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

film to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the air

running away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of

of their relationship, met his

encircling his

of you,” she

intensity, their

led them

scattered

known for his discipline in

weight of their connection but also

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

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

nibble on her shoulder earned him

Elaine just so I

and the night had

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

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

you here” Mark could only smile and

soft moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and

relationship,

younger Cecilia might not have given him a

Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

milk and a

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

in one hand and the

eyes, pausing between

and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration and

finished her

her, Mark comforted the

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

she stirred, seeking the warmth

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her

sibling jealousy if he knew about

a soft morning

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

red rose lay

last night” A blush painted

she murmured with a

bedroom

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at that

holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight in her

always,

savor last night

the covers aside, she

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

a brief moment, she headed to

the bed,

I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting

emerged from the

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