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

strong woman. I feel like

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

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia

like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options other

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

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon fell

she awoke, they were at the

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

such ease, as if her home was his.

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

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

Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she

Mark

of embarrassment as he lifted an

him, gently taking it

handle that,”

pulled her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

interrupted him with a playful

appreciating the depth

He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

the night added to the intensity

the way she

back, Mark ran his fingers through her

suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

running away.” His

Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a

nuances of their relationship,

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

of you,” she

with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them to

clothes were scattered all over the

mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely

of their connection but also a

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

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

shoulder

of our conversation about Elaine just so

was jet-lagged, and the night

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

she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's

you here” Mark could only smile

room in a silvery glow, and Mark

their relationship, a stability

he realized that a younger Cecilia

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

prepared warm milk and a cookie

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

in one hand and the

pausing between bites,

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration and

overtook her as she finished her milk,

cradling her, Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

Mark carried her to the

the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about

bathed in a soft morning

of Mark, she found herself

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

last night” A blush painted

murmured

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

he said warmly,

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

it go, she felt

perceptive as always,

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

Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with

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 soft warmth when he

brief moment, she headed to

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

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

the

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