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 back

woman. I feel like you could guard

too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled

bit, Cecilia finally broke

you like to go?”

being unfaithful, he

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

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

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

she awoke, they were at the

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

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

such ease, as if her home was

and Edwin seated at the

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

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

Mark sorting through her

felt a pang of embarrassment as he

him, gently taking it from

handle

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the

just physical. He genuinely cherished

the moment, he tenderly kissed

added to the intensity of their

in the way she met his

Mark ran his fingers through her

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

I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

of running away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push

nuances of their

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

of you,”

intensity, their connection palpable and

passion led them to

scattered

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

connection but also a desire

lost in the moment, wrapping her close

Cecilia

shoulder

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

and the night had

and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable

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

could only smile and

glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability

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

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

he prepared warm milk and a cookie

was a joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for

balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie in

between bites, taking a moment

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration and

she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

cradling her, Mark comforted

embrace, Olivia drifted off to

lay her down, she stirred,

Without hesitation, Mark carried

adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about

bathed in a soft morning glow when

she found herself cuddling

meticulously de-thorned red rose

unforgettable last night” A blush

murmured with

the bedroom door opened, revealing

state, he said warmly, “Rest

at school.”

and letting it go, she felt a weight

always, caught

and maybe savor last night a

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

way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held

she headed

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to

I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss

the bathroom, he

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