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

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

he having too much fun at her expense? Without

he'd been driving for a bit,

to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her

being unfaithful, he had

Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and

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

She agreed.

jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with

awoke, they were at

swapped vehicles for

sensed Mark's

with such ease, as if

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

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

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

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

embarrassment as he

gently

handle that,” she

her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her

with a playful glance, not letting him

the depth of

physical. He genuinely

of the moment,

of the night added to the intensity of their

evident in the way she

his fingers through her hair,

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

had a film to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

of push and pull, a game of chase

of the nuances of their relationship, met his

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

not afraid of

an intensity, their connection palpable and

passion led them

were scattered all

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

of their connection

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

on her shoulder earned him a stern

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

and the

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

Mark thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's

here” Mark could only smile and reassure

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

a newfound depth in their relationship,

a younger Cecilia might not have

morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked

he prepared warm milk and

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

balanced the milk in one hand and the

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

long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

her as she finished her milk, and

Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

lay her down, she stirred, seeking the

Mark carried her to the

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about

a soft morning glow when Cecilia

found herself cuddling

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

it was unforgettable last night” A

murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

awake state, he said warmly,

dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

letting it go, she felt

perceptive as always,

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

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

let alone savor. And, by the way,

a brief moment, she headed

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

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

emerged from the

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255