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

I feel like you could guard

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

for a bit, Cecilia finally

the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't

he had options

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

on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment

She agreed.

with Elaine,

they were at the

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

such ease, as

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

interjected softly, “Wait till we're home,

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated

in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in

he lifted an

approached him, gently taking it

handle that,”

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

with a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth of

physical. He genuinely cherished her

of the moment, he tenderly

the night added to the intensity

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting

wasn't running away.” His

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

Cecilia, well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met

into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

of

with an intensity, their

led them to the

were scattered all over

his discipline in personal

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire

in the moment, wrapping

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

her shoulder

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

the night

her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him,

up, intending

need you here” Mark could only smile and

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but

their relationship,

realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second chance.

morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly

he prepared warm milk and a

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

hand and

pausing between bites, taking

and long eyelashes emphasized her

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

her as she finished her

cradling her, Mark comforted

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia

tried to lay her down, she

hesitation, Mark carried her

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

bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

Mark, she found herself cuddling

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

it was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you need

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

letting it go, she felt a weight in

always,

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

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

the way, don't flatter yourself too much,

moment, she headed to

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

hall, a voice called out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Olivia's

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he

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