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

having too much fun at her expense? Without

been driving for a bit, Cecilia

you like to go?” AA month without him made

being unfaithful, he had options

and Olivia.” “How about we pick them

was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

were at

swapped vehicles for a black Land

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

with such ease, as if her home

the back, Cecilia took the front

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

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

tucked in, she found Mark sorting

felt a pang of embarrassment as he

approached him, gently

handle that,” she

into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

playful glance,

appreciating the

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

night added to the intensity of their

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met his

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

Cecilia blushed, her

film to shoot; I wasn't running away.”

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

of you,”

an intensity, their

them to the

clothes were scattered all over the

his discipline in personal care,

of their connection but also a

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I

the night

Despite the lingering

deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check

could only smile and reassure

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

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out of growth and

younger Cecilia might not

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

prepared warm milk and a cookie for

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

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

pausing between bites, taking a moment

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized

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

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

her, Mark comforted the

father’s embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

Mark carried her

feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if

in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

red rose

it was unforgettable last night” A blush

Mark,” she murmured

bedroom

said warmly, “Rest if you

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

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

perceptive as always, caught her

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

ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall,

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

brief moment, she headed to

bed,

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on

from the bathroom, he

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255