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

her expense? Without

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

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 someone

being unfaithful, he had options other than

Edwin and Olivia.” “How

spacious enough for the kids. In

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine,

were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles for

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

as

the back, Cecilia took the front

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

was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

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

he lifted an intimate

approached him, gently taking it

me handle that,”

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

a playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the depth of

He genuinely cherished her as

the gravity of the moment,

added to the intensity

evident in the way she

through her hair, a hint of confusion in

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

running away.” His

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

nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

arms encircling his neck, their Lips

not afraid of

their connection palpable and

them to the

were scattered

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

connection but also a desire for some

however, still seemed lost in the moment,

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

nibble on her shoulder earned him

so I can get some rest?” He

jet-lagged, and the

now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her

up, intending to check on

here” Mark could only smile and reassure

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

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

Cecilia might not have

continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on

prepared warm milk

radiant and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially

the milk in one hand and the cookie in the

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

skin and long eyelashes

with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk,

her, Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

Mark carried her to the

jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister was

in a soft morning glow when

herself cuddling a

de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with

bedroom door opened,

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly,

at school.” Cecilia still clutched

letting it go, she felt a weight in her

as always,

a bit more; and maybe savor last night a

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

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

she headed to the

bed, hoping to get her

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

the

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