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

strong woman. I feel like you could

fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

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

was being unfaithful, he

and Olivia.” “How about we pick

Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was

were at the

and swapped

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

moved with such ease, as if her home was his.

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back,

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

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

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

approached him, gently taking

handle

into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

with a playful

paused, appreciating the depth of

genuinely cherished her

the moment, he

night added

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers

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

dynamic was a dance of push

of their relationship,

the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

not afraid of you,”

intensity, their connection palpable

them

were scattered all over

discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side in

the weight of their connection but also a

the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

her shoulder

you want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so

and the night

embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the

intending to check

could only smile

glow, and Mark couldn't help

relationship, a

that a younger Cecilia might not have given

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

warm milk

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

one hand and the

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration

she finished her milk, and the

Mark

embrace, Olivia drifted off to

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the

carried her to the

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

a soft morning

herself cuddling

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with

the bedroom door opened,

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

at school.”

letting it go, she felt a weight in

always,

savor last night a bit more,”

playful teasing? Pulling the covers

And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when he

moment, she headed to

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping

the hall, a voice called out, “Dad, I'll be late!”

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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