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

a strong woman. I feel like you could

Without

a bit, Cecilia finally broke

you like to go?” AA month without him made

Mark was being unfaithful, he had

and Olivia.” “How about we pick

Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

she awoke, they were at the

kids and swapped vehicles for

their drive, Cecilia sensed

such ease, as if her home

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

“Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled

apartment, it was late, but she felt

Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

gently taking it

me handle that,”

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

him with a playful

the depth of their

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

night added to the intensity of their

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she

ran his fingers through her hair,

Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the

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

was a dance of push and pull, a

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

his neck, their Lips

of you,”

with an intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them to

scattered all

felt a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal

felt the weight of their connection but

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping

sleepy,” Cecilia

her shoulder earned him a

Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue and slight

the night

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

was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled

could only smile and reassure

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

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

Cecilia might not have given

while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

he prepared warm milk and a

especially since he hadn't seen her

milk in one hand and the cookie in the

pausing between bites, taking a moment of

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized

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

her as she finished her milk, and the

cradling her, Mark

embrace, Olivia drifted off to

down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when

Mark, she found herself

meticulously de-thorned red rose

it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with

cue, the bedroom

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest

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

and letting it go,

perceptive as always, caught

savor last night a bit more,” he said

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

alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when he gazed at

moment, she

the bed, hoping to

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

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom,

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