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

woman. I feel like you could

at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

he had options other

saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast,

She agreed.

her lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

awoke, they were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles for a

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

as if her

and Edwin seated at the

Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her seat, momentarily

they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was

found Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

gently

handle

her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

him with a playful glance, not letting

the depth of

genuinely

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

of the night added to

evident in the way she met his

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

did you leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers

to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

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

aware of the nuances of their relationship,

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their

of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable

them

clothes were scattered

discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different

of their connection

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

Cecilia murmured,

shoulder

a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can

jet-lagged, and the night had

drew her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the

Mark thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But

here” Mark could only smile and reassure

soft moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at

relationship, a stability born out of growth and

their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia

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

prepared warm milk and a cookie

radiant and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't

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

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

and long eyelashes

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

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

her father’s embrace,

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

Without hesitation, Mark carried

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy

was bathed in a soft morning

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

de-thorned red rose lay with a

was unforgettable last night”

she murmured with a

bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

letting it go, she

as always, caught her

savor last night a

ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she

savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.”

a brief moment, she headed to

bed, hoping to get her

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

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he

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