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

I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned

expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

a bit, Cecilia finally broke

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

unfaithful, he had options other than

aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

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

She agreed.

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

were at

kids and swapped vehicles for a black

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

as if her home was

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

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

Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but

kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting

he lifted an

him, gently

handle that,”

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

with a playful glance, not letting

appreciating the

just physical. He genuinely cherished

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

the night added to the intensity

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a

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

I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the air

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

nuances of their relationship, met his

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

not afraid of you,”

an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them to the

scattered

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

connection

lost in the moment,

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

nibble on her shoulder earned him a

our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some

the night

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

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

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

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia

her restful slumber, Mark quietly

prepared warm milk and a

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

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

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

delicate skin and long eyelashes

her father, watched her with sheer admiration

her

cradling her, Mark comforted

her father’s embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

Without hesitation, Mark carried her

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

a soft morning glow when

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

rose lay with a cheeky

was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with a

the bedroom door opened,

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

dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

and letting it go,

as always,

last night a bit more,” he said with a playful

teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

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

a brief moment, she headed to the

in the bed,

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

emerged from the bathroom,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255