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

a strong woman. I feel like you could guard

expense? Without

been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke

you like to go?” AA month without

unfaithful, he had options

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

it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided

She agreed.

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

awoke, they were

the kids and swapped

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed

moved with such ease, as if

at the

Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.”

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

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

of embarrassment as he lifted

approached him, gently taking it from

handle

her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding her of their

with a playful glance, not

paused, appreciating the depth of

genuinely cherished her

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

night added to the intensity of their

emotions evident in the way

his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion

Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting

wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the air

dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a

of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

of

with an intensity, their connection palpable and

them to

clothes were scattered all over the

a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side

the weight of their connection but also a desire

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

on her shoulder earned

want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get

was jet-lagged, and the night had

“Rest now.” Despite

intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still

could only

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

newfound depth in their relationship, a stability

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

her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

warm milk and

Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her

balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

father, watched her with sheer admiration and love,

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

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

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

hesitation, Mark carried her to

surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy

was bathed in a soft

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

a meticulously de-thorned red rose

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

she murmured

bedroom door

awake state, he said

at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

letting it go, she felt

perceptive as always, caught

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

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

let alone savor. And, by the way,

a brief moment, she headed to the

Olivia in the bed, hoping

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

the bathroom, he looked

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