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

grown into such a strong woman. I feel like

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

for a bit,

would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

Mark was being unfaithful, he had

since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

were at the Fowler

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a

drive, Cecilia sensed

with such ease, as if her home was

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little

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

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

felt a pang of embarrassment as he

approached him, gently taking

me handle that,” she

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

a playful glance, not

appreciating the depth

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

the night added to the intensity

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she

ran his fingers through her hair, a

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

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

of

aware of the nuances of their relationship,

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

not afraid of

intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them to the

scattered all over the

emotions. Mark, known for his discipline

the weight of their connection but also

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a

Elaine just so I can get some

the night

a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him,

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

need you here” Mark could

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

in their relationship, a stability born

realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was

milk and

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

and the

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of

long eyelashes emphasized her

watched her with sheer admiration and love,

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

Mark comforted the drowsy

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

lay her down, she stirred, seeking the

hesitation, Mark carried her to

sibling jealousy

a

Mark, she found herself

meticulously de-thorned red rose

last night” A blush

she murmured

bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still

holding onto it and letting it go,

as always, caught

and maybe savor last night a bit more,” he

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

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

a brief moment, she

bed, hoping

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

emerged from the bathroom,

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