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

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

her expense? Without a

for a bit, Cecilia

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

he had options other than

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

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

She agreed.

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

were at the Fowler

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

with such ease, as if her home was

the back, Cecilia took

“Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The

apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

the kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her

pang of embarrassment as he

approached him, gently taking

me handle that,”

pulled her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

a playful glance, not

the depth

genuinely

gravity of the moment,

added to the intensity of

evident in the way she met

her hair, a hint of confusion in

Cecilia blushed, her

running

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

the nuances of their relationship,

his

afraid of

intensity, their

them to the

scattered all

his discipline in personal care, had shown a

weight of their connection but also a

still seemed lost in the moment,

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

her shoulder earned him

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

the

whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering

intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's

Mark could only

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

depth in their relationship, a

a younger Cecilia might not have

while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked

warm milk

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

one hand and the cookie in the other,

pausing between bites, taking a moment of

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

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

cradling her, Mark

embrace,

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

hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

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

a soft morning glow

she found herself cuddling a peacefully

de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with

bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

awake state, he said

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight

as always,

up a bit more; and maybe savor last night a

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

night 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

she headed to

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

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

emerged from the

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