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

feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at

much fun at her expense? Without a word,

been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

to go?” AA month

being unfaithful, he had options

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In

She agreed.

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

she awoke, they were at the Fowler

swapped

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

moved with such ease, as if

the back, Cecilia

for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.”

it was late, but she felt

kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through

he lifted

gently

handle that,”

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

a playful glance, not

appreciating the

just physical. He genuinely cherished

of the moment,

the night added to the intensity of

the

her hair,

blushed, her

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

a dance of push and pull, a

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

arms encircling his

afraid of

an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them to

scattered all over the

Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire for

still seemed lost in the moment,

Cecilia murmured, her

shoulder earned him

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

was jet-lagged, and the night

her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady

intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness,

could only smile and reassure

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

depth in their relationship,

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

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child

warm milk and a

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

in one hand and the

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

sheer admiration

as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

father’s embrace,

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her

a twinge of sibling jealousy

was bathed in a soft morning glow when

of Mark, she found herself cuddling

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

murmured with a

cue, the bedroom door

he said

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

between holding onto it and letting it go,

always, caught

bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit more,”

the

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

brief moment, she headed to the

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

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

from the bathroom, he looked

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