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

like you could

her expense? Without a word,

driving for a bit, Cecilia

are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him

he had

“It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

wasn't spacious enough

She agreed.

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

awoke, they were at the Fowler

fetched the kids and swapped

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

such ease, as if her home was his.

the back, Cecilia

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

the time they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

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

he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently taking

me handle that,”

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned,

a playful

the depth

genuinely cherished her as an

the moment, he tenderly

added to the intensity of their

in the way she

his fingers through her

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

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

was a dance of push and pull, a

aware of the nuances of their

the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their

afraid of

intensity, their connection

them to the

scattered all over

known for his discipline

weight of their connection but also a desire for

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

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

was jet-lagged, and the night had been

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

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

could only smile and

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

newfound depth in their relationship, a

that a younger Cecilia might not have

morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

prepared warm milk and a cookie for

joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen

carefully balanced the milk in one hand and

pausing between bites, taking a moment

long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

father, watched her with sheer admiration

her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

Mark comforted the

in her father’s embrace,

down, she stirred,

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little

bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

she found herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

it was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with a

the bedroom door opened,

awake state, he said warmly,

I'll be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

it and letting it go, she felt

perceptive as always,

night a bit more,” he said with a playful

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the

alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.”

she headed to the

bed, hoping

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

from the bathroom,

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