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 back

strong woman. I feel like

he having too much fun at her expense? Without

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke

calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted on someone

Mark was being unfaithful, he

last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How

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

She agreed.

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

they were

had fetched the kids and swapped

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

with such ease, as

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front

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

Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she

in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

as he lifted an intimate piece of

gently

me handle

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

a playful glance,

the depth

He genuinely cherished

of the moment,

the night added to the

the way she

through her

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

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

Their dynamic was a dance of push

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

moment, her arms encircling his neck,

of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their

led them

clothes were scattered all

felt a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline

of their connection but also

the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

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

her shoulder

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

jet-lagged, and the night had been

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

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

Mark could only smile and reassure

painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but

relationship, a stability born out

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have

early morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child

he prepared warm milk

lively, was a joy for Mark, especially

the milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of

long eyelashes emphasized

her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love,

overtook her as she finished her milk, and

Mark comforted the drowsy

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

hesitation, Mark carried her

of sibling jealousy

a soft morning

herself cuddling a peacefully

red rose lay

was unforgettable last

she murmured with a

bedroom door

said warmly, “Rest

dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

and letting it go, she felt a weight in her

always, caught her

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

it even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

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

a brief moment, she

in the bed, hoping to

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

from the bathroom,

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