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

I feel like you could guard

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

a bit,

headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

Mark was being unfaithful, he had

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

house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

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

were at the Fowler

the kids and swapped vehicles for a

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed

ease, as if her home was his.

the back, Cecilia

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

was late, but she

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

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently taking it

me handle

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned,

a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the depth

just physical. He genuinely cherished her

the moment, he tenderly

night added to the intensity of their

emotions evident in the way she met his

ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed

a dance of push and pull, a

nuances of their relationship,

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

afraid of you,”

their connection palpable

led them to

scattered all over the

of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care,

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire for

the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

nibble on her shoulder

conversation about Elaine just so I can

was jet-lagged, and the

and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable

slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with

could only smile and reassure

a silvery glow, and Mark

depth in their relationship, a stability born out of growth

realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given

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

prepared warm milk

especially since he

one hand and the cookie

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

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

her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the

carried her to the master

twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew

in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

she found herself cuddling

rose lay with

it was unforgettable last night”

she murmured

cue, the bedroom

said warmly, “Rest if you need

Edwin off at school.”

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

always,

night a bit more,” he said

even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers

savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself

a brief moment, she headed

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

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

from the bathroom, he looked

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