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

into such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me

too much fun at her expense? Without a

bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options

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

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

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was

she awoke, they were

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

with such ease, as if her home was

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

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

was late, but she

the kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her

he lifted an intimate piece

gently taking it from

handle that,”

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

interrupted him with a playful

paused, appreciating the depth

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

the gravity of the moment, he

of the night added

the way

ran his fingers through her

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

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

of push and pull,

well aware of the nuances of their relationship,

into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

afraid of you,” she

with an intensity, their connection

passion led them

clothes were scattered all

felt a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely

their connection but also a

in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

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

shoulder earned him a stern

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

was jet-lagged, and the

kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite

up, intending to check

you here” Mark could only smile

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the

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

Cecilia might not have given him a

continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked

milk and a

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

balanced the milk in one hand and

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

and long eyelashes emphasized

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

she finished her milk, and the remaining

Mark comforted the

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

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

jealousy if he

room was bathed in a soft

she found herself cuddling

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

last

Mark,” she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door

he said warmly,

school.” Cecilia still

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

always, caught

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

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

the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when he gazed at

she

the bed, hoping to

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

from the bathroom, he

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

Comments ()

0/255