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 back

a strong woman. I feel like

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

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia

calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that

being unfaithful, he had options other

aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your

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

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

they were

and swapped vehicles for

sensed

with such ease, as if her home

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

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

the time they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she

in, she found Mark sorting through

pang of embarrassment as he lifted

him, gently

handle

into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

a playful glance, not

paused, appreciating the

wasn't just physical. He genuinely

the gravity of the

added to the

in the way she

her hair, a hint of confusion in his

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons

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

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

nuances of their relationship, met his

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

not afraid of you,” she

with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them to the

were scattered all over

a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal

weight of their connection but

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

Cecilia murmured,

shoulder earned him a

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

jet-lagged, and the night

now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath signaling

thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on

you here” Mark could only smile

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help

relationship, a stability born out of growth

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

he prepared warm milk and

was a joy for Mark, especially since

hand and the cookie in

eyes, pausing between

long eyelashes

watched her with sheer admiration

as she finished her

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

Mark carried her to the

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

bathed in a soft morning glow when

herself

a meticulously de-thorned red rose

last night” A

she murmured

on cue, the bedroom door

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you need

off at school.”

and letting it go, she felt

as always, caught her

bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit

teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall,

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

a brief moment, she

the bed,

out, “Dad, I'll be late!”

from the bathroom, he

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