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

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

having too much fun at her expense? Without a

for a bit,

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

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options other than

saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to

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

She agreed.

lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with

they were at the

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a

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

ease, as if

the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

it was late, but she

Mark sorting through her

as he lifted an intimate

gently taking it from

handle

pulled her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

playful glance,

paused, appreciating the depth of their

He genuinely cherished her as an

gravity of the

of the night added

in the

through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

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

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

Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase

aware of the nuances of their

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck,

not afraid of

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them to the

scattered all

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

weight of their connection but

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

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

on her shoulder earned him a stern

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

and the night

into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat,

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

Mark could only smile

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the sight of

in their relationship, a

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

milk and a

especially since he hadn't seen her for a few

carefully balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

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

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

watched her with sheer admiration and

as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

Mark comforted the drowsy

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

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

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew

was bathed in a soft morning

herself cuddling a peacefully

red rose lay with a

it was unforgettable last night”

she murmured

bedroom door opened, revealing

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

at school.” Cecilia still

holding onto it and letting it go,

as always, caught

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

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

was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when he

moment, she headed

the bed, hoping to get her more

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

from the bathroom,

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