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

feel like

having too much fun at her expense? Without

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted on

he had options

Olivia.” “How about

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was

awoke, they were at the Fowler

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles

Cecilia sensed

as if her home

at the back, Cecilia took the

beckoned for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home,

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

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

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

approached him, gently

handle that,”

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the

physical. He genuinely

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

night added to

evident in the way she met

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion

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

running away.” His chuckles warmed the

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

the nuances of

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck,

afraid of you,”

intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them

were scattered all

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

connection but also a desire

moment,

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

shoulder earned him a stern

you want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He

was jet-lagged, and the

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

was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending

Mark could only

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

newfound depth in their relationship,

that a younger Cecilia might not have given him

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

milk and a cookie

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

in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

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

and long eyelashes emphasized

sheer admiration and love, captivated

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

cradling her, Mark comforted the

her father’s embrace,

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

carried her

sibling jealousy if he knew

room was bathed in a

herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

was unforgettable last

she murmured

the bedroom

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly,

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

it go, she felt a

always,

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

teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much,

she

Olivia in the bed, hoping to

I'll be late!” Mark

from the

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