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

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

having too much fun at her expense? Without a word,

bit, Cecilia finally broke

steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

he

I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

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

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

awoke, they were at the Fowler

and swapped

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

moved with such ease, as if

Edwin seated at the back,

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

the time they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but

Mark

of embarrassment as he

him, gently taking

handle that,”

pulled her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark

with a playful glance, not

appreciating the depth of their

He genuinely

gravity of the moment,

of the night added to the

evident in the way she met his

his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

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

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

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

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their

of

their connection palpable and

them to

were scattered all over

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

felt the weight of their connection but also a

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

on her shoulder earned him a stern

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

jet-lagged, and the

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

quietly got up, intending to check

here” Mark could only smile

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

in their relationship, a

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

he prepared warm milk and a cookie

radiant and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since

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

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

delicate skin and long

her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

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

Mark

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this

a soft

she found herself cuddling a

de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

it was unforgettable last night” A blush

Mark,” she murmured

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

state, he said

I'll be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight

as always, caught her

more; and maybe savor last night a bit

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers

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

she

bed, hoping to

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

emerged from the

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