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 back

I feel like you could

expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled

a bit,

would you like to

being unfaithful, he had

and Olivia.” “How about

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

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

awoke, they were at the Fowler

and swapped vehicles for a black

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

with such ease, as if her home was

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front

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

it was late,

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

felt a pang of embarrassment as he

gently taking it

handle that,” she

her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

with a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth

genuinely cherished her

the moment, he

ambiance of the night added

emotions evident in the way

fingers through her

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons

had a film to shoot; I wasn't running

Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they both

of their

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

of

an intensity, their

led them

were scattered all over the

Mark, known for his discipline in personal care,

connection but also

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

playful nibble on her shoulder

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

and the night had been

now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath signaling

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

here” Mark could only smile

glow, and Mark couldn't help but

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

Cecilia might not have given

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

prepared warm milk and a cookie for

joy for Mark, especially since

in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

long eyelashes emphasized her

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from her

cradling her, Mark comforted

embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

red rose lay with

it was unforgettable last

she murmured with

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

he said warmly, “Rest if you need

dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

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

perceptive as always, caught

last night a bit more,” he said

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

Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too

moment, she headed to the

bed, hoping to get her more

be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Olivia's

the bathroom,

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