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

woman. I feel like you could guard me now.”

fun at her expense? Without

a bit, Cecilia

to go?” AA month without him made her

was being unfaithful, he

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

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

she awoke, they were

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

such ease, as if her home was

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're

was late, but she felt rejuvenated

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

gently taking it

handle that,”

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

playful glance, not

appreciating the depth

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

night added to the intensity of their

evident in the way she met

through her hair, a hint

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

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

of push and pull, a

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

not afraid of

an intensity, their connection

led them

scattered all over

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

connection but also a desire for some

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

nibble on her shoulder

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

and the night

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

intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness, halted

you here” Mark could only smile and

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

in their relationship, a stability

on their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

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

he prepared warm milk and a cookie for

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

in one hand and the cookie in the other,

pausing between bites, taking a

and long eyelashes

sheer admiration and love, captivated

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie

cradling her, Mark comforted

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the

hesitation, Mark carried her

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

was bathed in a soft morning glow when

she found herself cuddling a peacefully

rose lay with

it was unforgettable last

she murmured with

on cue, the bedroom

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

Edwin off at school.”

and letting it go, she felt

as always,

a bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit

it even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall,

remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth

moment, she

in the bed, hoping to get her more

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

the bathroom,

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