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

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

fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped

been 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

was being unfaithful, he

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

convenient for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine,

she awoke, they were at

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

moved with such ease, as if her home was

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

“Wait till we're home, Olivia.”

time they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

he lifted an

approached him, gently taking it

handle

her into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

interrupted him with a playful glance,

the depth of

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

the night added to the intensity of their

emotions evident in the

ran his fingers through her hair,

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

I wasn't running away.”

was a dance of push and pull, a game of

aware of the nuances of their relationship,

encircling his neck,

of you,” she

with an intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them to

were scattered all over

emotions. Mark, known for his discipline

of their connection but also

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a

about Elaine just so I can

and the night had

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

quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice,

Mark could only

painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the sight of

depth in their relationship, a

on their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might

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

milk and

especially since he hadn't seen her

milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

pausing between bites,

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

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

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the

cradling her, Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

hesitation, Mark carried her

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew

a

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

de-thorned red rose lay

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

Mark,” she murmured with

cue, the bedroom door opened,

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you need

school.” Cecilia still clutched the

it go, she felt a weight

as always, caught

night a bit more,” he said with a playful

it even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with

And, by the way, don't flatter

a brief moment, she

in the bed, hoping to get her more

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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