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

much fun at her expense? Without a word,

driving for a bit,

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

being unfaithful, he had options other

last saw Edwin and Olivia.”

them, it wasn't spacious enough

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

they were

and swapped

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

such ease, as if her home was

at the back, Cecilia took the

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

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

Mark sorting through her luggage

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

gently

handle that,” she

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her of

a playful

appreciating the depth of their

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her

the gravity of the moment,

ambiance of the night added to the intensity of

in the way she met his

fingers through her

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

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

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

of their relationship,

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

afraid of you,” she

their connection palpable and

passion led them

were scattered

for his discipline in personal care, had shown

connection but also a desire for some

in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

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

her shoulder earned him

about Elaine just so

jet-lagged, and the

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 on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice,

you here” Mark could only smile and

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

relationship,

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked

warm milk and a cookie for

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

hand and the cookie in the other,

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

long eyelashes emphasized

sheer admiration and love, captivated by

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

cradling her, Mark comforted

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

her down, she stirred,

hesitation, Mark carried her

of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his

in a soft morning glow when

herself cuddling

red rose lay with a

was unforgettable last

Mark,” she murmured

the bedroom door

said warmly, “Rest if you

I'll be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

it and letting it go, she felt a weight in her

always,

up a bit more; and maybe savor last night a

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

the way,

brief moment, she headed to the

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed,

I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss

emerged from the bathroom, he

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