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

such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned

her expense? Without

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

he had options other

and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?”

for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

with

they were

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

moved with such ease, as if her home

at the back, Cecilia

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

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

found Mark sorting

embarrassment as he lifted

him, gently

me handle that,” she

an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

with a playful glance, not

paused, appreciating the depth

He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

of the night added to the intensity of

evident in the way

ran his fingers through her hair, a

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

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

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

of their relationship, met

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

afraid of you,”

intensity, their

passion led them to the

were scattered all over the

discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side

weight of their connection but

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

shoulder earned him a

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

and the night had

forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled

got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's

you here” Mark could

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

newfound depth in their relationship, a

younger Cecilia might not have given him a second chance.

quietly

he prepared warm milk and

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

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

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

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized

her with sheer admiration and

her milk, and

Mark comforted

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

her down, she stirred, seeking

Mark carried her to the master

adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little

bathed in a soft

herself cuddling

red rose lay with

it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

Mark,” she murmured

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

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

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at that

it and letting it

as always,

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

the covers aside, she stood tall,

was 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

brief moment, she

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to

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

the bathroom,

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

Comments ()

0/255