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

I feel like you could guard me

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

a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without

Mark was being unfaithful, he

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up

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

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

awoke, they were at

the kids and swapped

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

ease, as if her home

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back,

softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The

was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a quick

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently taking it from

me handle

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

with a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the depth of their

physical. He genuinely

gravity of the moment, he

ambiance of the night added to

emotions evident in the way she met his

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her

film to shoot; I wasn't running

was a dance of push and pull, a game of

nuances of their relationship, met his

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

afraid of you,”

an intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them to

clothes were scattered all over

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

connection but also a desire

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

her shoulder earned him a

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

jet-lagged, and the

into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia

thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on

here” Mark could

glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the sight of

in their relationship, a stability born out of growth

Cecilia might not

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

prepared warm milk and

and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since

carefully balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie

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

long

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her every

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

her, Mark

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

she stirred, seeking

Mark carried her

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

in a soft

found herself

de-thorned red rose

it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured

on cue, the bedroom

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

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

letting it go, she felt a weight in

as always, caught

savor last night a bit more,”

Pulling the covers aside,

let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter

she headed to

bed, hoping to get her

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

the bathroom, he looked

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