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.

were incredible back

feel like you

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled

a bit, Cecilia finally broke

like to

being unfaithful, he

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

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

She agreed.

her lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with

she awoke, they were at the

swapped vehicles for a black

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

ease, as if her home

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

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

apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a quick

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

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

him, gently

me handle

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

with a playful

paused, appreciating the

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished

gravity of the moment, he

night added to the intensity of their

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met

ran his fingers through her hair, a hint

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

to shoot; I wasn't running

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase

the nuances of their relationship, met

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

not afraid of

with an intensity, their

passion led them

clothes were scattered all over the

Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a

their connection but also a

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

her shoulder

a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue and slight

and the

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

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

here” Mark could only smile

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

depth in their relationship, a stability born out

that a younger Cecilia might not have

slumber, Mark quietly checked on

prepared warm milk and a

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

hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration

her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie

her, Mark comforted

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

she stirred, seeking the warmth of

carried her to the master

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

a soft morning

she found herself cuddling a peacefully

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

Evans, it was unforgettable last night”

Mark,” she murmured with a

bedroom

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you need

I'll be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

it go, she felt a weight

always,

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

the

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

moment, she headed to the

the bed, hoping to

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

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he

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