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

a strong woman. I feel like you could guard

Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats with

a bit, Cecilia finally broke

inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted on someone

he had options other than

days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon

she awoke, they were

kids and swapped vehicles

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

as if her home was his.

the back,

till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl

reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she felt

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

he lifted an intimate piece

him, gently taking it

me handle that,” she

into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

him with a playful glance, not letting

the depth of their

genuinely

gravity of the moment, he

night added to the intensity

evident in the way she met his

through her hair, a hint of confusion in

did you leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

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

dance of push and

the nuances of their relationship, met

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

of

an intensity, their connection

them to

scattered all over the

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

the weight of their connection but also a desire

moment, wrapping her close and seeking

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

shoulder earned

our conversation about Elaine just so I can get

jet-lagged, and the night had been

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

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

you here” Mark could

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

relationship, a stability born out of growth

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him

her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

he prepared warm milk and a

especially since he hadn't

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

eyes, pausing between bites,

long eyelashes emphasized her

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

soon overtook her as she finished her

her, Mark comforted the

embrace, Olivia drifted off

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

Mark carried her

twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

a soft morning glow when

herself cuddling

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

unforgettable last

she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door opened,

said warmly, “Rest if

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

and letting it go,

perceptive as always, caught

last night a bit

possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she

night was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way,

she headed

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

late!” Mark leaned down, planting

emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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