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

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

having too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month

he had

mused aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How

it wasn't spacious enough

She agreed.

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

they were at

swapped vehicles for a black

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

such ease, as

seated at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a quick

in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the

he lifted an

gently taking

handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned,

a playful glance, not letting him

the

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

the

added

evident in the way

his fingers through her hair, a hint

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

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

dance of push and pull, a game

nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck,

afraid of you,” she

intensity, their connection palpable and

passion led them to

clothes were scattered all over

felt a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in

the weight of their connection but also a desire

in the moment, wrapping her

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so

and the

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

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

Mark could

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

in their relationship, a

on their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

warm milk and a

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

one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

and long eyelashes emphasized

her with sheer admiration and

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

Mark comforted the drowsy

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

down, she stirred, seeking

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

bathed in a soft morning glow

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

last night”

Mark,” she murmured with

bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

he said warmly, “Rest if you need

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

letting it go, she felt a weight

perceptive as always, caught her

last night a bit more,” he said

ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

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

voice called out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Olivia's

emerged from the bathroom, he

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