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

into such a strong woman. I feel like you

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and

a bit, Cecilia

2024 “Where are we headed?” 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 be wasted

he had options

last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up

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

She agreed.

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

they were

and swapped vehicles for a

their drive, Cecilia sensed

such ease, as if

seated at the

we're home,

apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

him, gently

handle that,”

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

with a playful

the depth

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

the moment, he tenderly kissed

the night added to the intensity of

emotions evident in the

through her hair,

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of his

I wasn't running away.” His

a dance of push and pull, a game

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

not afraid of you,”

an intensity, their connection palpable and

them to

clothes were scattered all over the

for his discipline in personal care, had

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire

still seemed lost in the moment,

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

her shoulder earned

replay of our conversation about Elaine just so

was jet-lagged, and the night

her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering

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

you here” Mark could only smile and reassure

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

newfound depth in their relationship, a

realized that a younger Cecilia might not

slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably tucked

milk

joy for Mark, especially since

and the cookie in the other,

eyes, pausing between bites, taking

long eyelashes emphasized her

watched her with sheer admiration

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

Mark comforted the

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

Mark carried her to

sibling jealousy if he knew

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

rose lay

was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with

bedroom door

he said warmly, “Rest

Edwin off at school.”

and letting it

perceptive as always, caught

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

possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping

way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when he

she headed

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

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

the bathroom,

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