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

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

fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled

been driving for a bit,

to go?” AA month without him made

unfaithful, he had options

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

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

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon

awoke, they were at the Fowler

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

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

moved with such ease, as if her home was

at the back, Cecilia took the

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

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

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

of embarrassment as he

gently taking it

handle that,” she

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding

a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the

He genuinely cherished her

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

the night added to

reciprocated, emotions evident in the

through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of his

wasn't running away.” His chuckles

Their dynamic was a dance of push

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his

his neck, their Lips meeting

of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them to

were scattered all over

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

felt the weight of their connection

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and

sleepy,” Cecilia

on her shoulder earned

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

and the night had been

embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her

quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But

here” Mark could only smile and

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

relationship, a stability born out

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

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

he prepared warm milk and

for Mark, especially since he hadn't

the milk in one hand and the cookie in the

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration

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

her, Mark comforted the

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

down, she stirred, seeking the

Mark carried her to the master

adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if

bathed in a soft

herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

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

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight

as always, caught her

savor last night a bit

such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with mock

the way, don't flatter

brief moment, she

Olivia in the bed,

I'll be late!”

from the bathroom,

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