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

like you could guard me now.” Cecilia

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

we headed?” Gripping 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

unfaithful, he had options other

been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

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

She agreed.

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

they were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles

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

with such ease, as if her home

the back, Cecilia took the

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

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

tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

approached him, gently taking it

me handle

pulled her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

of the

the night added to the intensity of their

evident in the

his fingers through her hair, a hint of

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

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

Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

afraid of you,” she

their

passion led them

were scattered all over the

emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side in

their connection but also

moment, wrapping

sleepy,” Cecilia

on her shoulder earned him a stern

want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I

the night had been

drew her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite

she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending

you here” Mark could

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

in their relationship, a stability born out of

their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child

warm milk and a cookie

joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for

one hand and the

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

and long eyelashes

with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

she finished her

Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

lay her down, she stirred, seeking the

Without hesitation, Mark carried her

twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

in a soft

she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

unforgettable last night” A

murmured

cue, the bedroom door opened,

state, he said

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight

as always, caught

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

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

was 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

brief moment, she

bed, hoping to get

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down,

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he

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