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 me now.” Cecilia frowned at his

her expense? Without

a bit, Cecilia finally broke

the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted on someone

unfaithful, he had options other

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

the house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

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

they were at the

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

as

the

Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her seat, momentarily

Cecilia's apartment, it was

found Mark sorting through her luggage

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

gently taking it

me handle that,”

into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the

genuinely cherished her as

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

added to the intensity of

emotions evident in the way she met his

through her hair,

you leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

running away.” His chuckles warmed the air between

away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and

nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

his neck, their Lips

afraid of you,” she

with an intensity, their connection

them to

were scattered

for his discipline in personal care, had

felt the weight of their connection but

lost in the moment,

Cecilia murmured, her eyes

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a stern

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

the night

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

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

need you here” Mark could

and Mark

their relationship,

realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

prepared warm milk and

especially since he

in one hand and

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

long eyelashes emphasized her

her father, watched her with sheer admiration

as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

cradling her, Mark comforted the

embrace, Olivia drifted off to

her down, she stirred,

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if

bathed in a soft morning glow when

herself

de-thorned red rose

Evans, it was unforgettable last

Mark,” she murmured

on cue, the bedroom door

awake state, he said warmly,

Edwin off at school.”

and letting it go, she felt a weight in

as always, caught

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

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

just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when he gazed at

moment, she headed to

bed, hoping to get her more

late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss

emerged from the bathroom,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255