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

woman. I feel like you could guard me

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

bit, Cecilia finally broke her

calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?”

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options other

and Olivia.” “How about

spacious enough for the kids. In contrast,

She agreed.

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

they were at the

swapped vehicles for

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

ease, as if her

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

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

it was

Mark sorting through her luggage in the

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently

me handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark

interrupted him with a playful glance,

the depth of

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the moment, he tenderly kissed

ambiance of the night added to the intensity of

the way she

his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in

you leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed,

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

away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game

aware of the nuances of their

his neck, their Lips meeting in a gentle

afraid of you,”

intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them to the

were scattered all over

Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had

the weight of their connection

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and

sleepy,” Cecilia

her shoulder earned him

a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue

and the night

Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt

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

Mark could only

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

depth in their relationship, a stability born out of

Cecilia might not

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably tucked

he prepared warm milk and a

especially since he hadn't seen her for

milk in one hand and the

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

father, watched her with sheer admiration and love,

soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment

a soft morning glow

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

unforgettable last night” A blush

Mark,” she murmured with

bedroom door opened,

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

and letting it go, she felt a weight

perceptive as always,

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

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

to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too

moment, she headed to

the bed, hoping

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

the bathroom, he looked

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