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

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

expense? Without a word,

bit, Cecilia

Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options other than

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

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

were at

and swapped vehicles for a

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

as if

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're

apartment, it was late, but she felt

she found Mark sorting through her luggage in

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

him, gently taking it

handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth of their

physical. He genuinely cherished

the moment, he

ambiance of the night added to the intensity

evident in the way

ran his fingers through her hair, a

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of his

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

dance of push and pull, a game

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

his neck, their

not afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection

passion led them to the

were scattered all over the

his discipline in personal care, had shown

their connection but

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

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

on her shoulder earned him a

want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so

the night had

forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt

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

could only smile and reassure

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

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

on their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

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

prepared warm milk and a cookie

a joy for Mark, especially since

balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

pausing between bites, taking a

delicate skin and long

sheer

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

Mark

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

down, she stirred,

hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

in the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little

was bathed in a soft

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

red rose lay with

Evans, it was unforgettable last night”

murmured with a

the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

said warmly,

dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still

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

as always, caught her

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

teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with mock

by the way,

she headed to

the bed, hoping to get her

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

the bathroom, he

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