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

into such a strong woman. I feel like

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

been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

2024 “Where are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA

unfaithful, he had options other than

aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.”

house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine,

awoke, they were at the Fowler

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

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

with such ease, as if her home

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

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

Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

she found Mark sorting through her

a pang of embarrassment as he lifted

him, gently taking

me handle that,”

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding

playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the depth

He genuinely cherished her

the moment,

night added

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met his

through her hair, a hint of confusion in

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

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

of push and pull, a game of chase that

of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

his neck, their

afraid of you,” she

their connection palpable and fervent.

them to the

scattered all

of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline

connection but also a desire for some

the moment,

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some

was jet-lagged, and the night had been

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

slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia.

Mark could only smile and reassure

glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the sight of

was a newfound depth in their relationship,

a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

prepared warm milk

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

hand and

between bites,

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration and

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

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred,

Mark carried her to the

surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

a soft morning

herself

de-thorned red rose lay with a

last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with a

the bedroom door

state, he said warmly,

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

and letting it go, she felt

perceptive as always,

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

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held

brief moment, she headed to

bed,

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

Cecilia emerged from the

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