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

I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned

having too much fun at her expense? Without

bit, Cecilia finally

2024 “Where are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

he had options other than

last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to

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

She agreed.

with Elaine,

awoke, they were at

and swapped vehicles for

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

ease, as if her home was

at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her seat,

they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was

tucked in, she found Mark sorting

he lifted an intimate piece of her

gently taking it

me handle that,” she

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding

him with a playful glance, not

appreciating the depth

physical. He genuinely cherished

of the moment, he

ambiance of the night added to the intensity of their

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way

fingers through her hair, a hint of

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of his

running away.” His chuckles warmed

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

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

not afraid of

an intensity, their connection

them

scattered all over

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

their connection but

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and

Cecilia murmured, her eyes

nibble on her shoulder earned him a

a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can

jet-lagged, and the

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

was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending

you here” Mark could

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

newfound depth in their relationship, a

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

Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably tucked

prepared warm milk and a cookie for

and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially

hand and the

between bites, taking

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

with sheer admiration and

overtook her as she finished her milk, and

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

embrace, Olivia drifted

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking

hesitation, Mark carried her to the

twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

a

found herself

red rose lay with a cheeky

was unforgettable last night” A blush

she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom

state, he said

dropping Edwin off at school.”

and letting it go, she felt a weight in

perceptive as always, caught

night

possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers

Last night 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 when he gazed at

a brief moment, she

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

late!” Mark leaned down, planting

from the bathroom,

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