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

strong woman. I feel like you

too much fun at her expense? Without a

bit, Cecilia

2024 “Where are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time

he had options

saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we

Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

awoke, they were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles for a black Land

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

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

and Edwin seated at the back,

“Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her seat,

Cecilia's apartment, it was late,

kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through

he lifted an intimate piece of her

approached him, gently

me handle that,” she

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

a playful glance, not letting him

paused, appreciating the depth of their

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her

the

of the night added

in the way she met his

his fingers through her hair, a hint of

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons

wasn't running away.” His chuckles

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

aware of the nuances of their

arms encircling his neck, their

afraid of you,” she

an intensity, their connection palpable and

led them to the

scattered all over

known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire for some

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

on her shoulder earned him a

about Elaine just so I can get some rest?”

and the night

her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady

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

you here” Mark could

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

a newfound depth in their relationship,

Cecilia might not have given

Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

warm milk

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

and the cookie in the other,

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

long eyelashes emphasized her

her father, watched her with sheer

her milk, and the remaining cookie

her, Mark comforted

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

to lay her down, she stirred,

Mark carried her

feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if

was bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

last night” A blush

she murmured with a

the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

said warmly, “Rest

at school.” Cecilia

between holding onto it and letting it go,

as always, caught her

and maybe savor last night a bit

ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

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

in the bed, hoping to get her

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

emerged from the bathroom, he

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