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

grown into such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.”

at her expense? Without a

for a bit, Cecilia finally

“Where are we headed?” 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

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options

I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?”

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

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles for a black Land

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

as

Olivia and Edwin seated at the

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

they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but

the kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through

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

gently taking it from

me handle that,” she

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting

appreciating the depth of

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

gravity of the

ambiance of the night added

the

his fingers through her

Cecilia blushed, her fingers

a film to shoot; I wasn't running

a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they both

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

not afraid of

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and

passion led them

were scattered all

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

connection but also a desire

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and

Cecilia

on her shoulder earned him a

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

the night had

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

was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia.

Mark could only

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

a newfound depth in their relationship,

younger Cecilia might not have

continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

prepared warm milk

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

in one hand and the cookie in the

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

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

overtook her as she finished her milk, and

cradling her, Mark comforted

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

her down, she stirred, seeking

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried

feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his

a

of Mark, she found herself cuddling

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

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

she murmured with a

bedroom

awake state, he said warmly,

at school.” Cecilia still

onto it and letting it go,

perceptive as always, caught her

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

Pulling the

Last night was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.”

moment, she headed to the

Olivia in the bed,

late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss

from the bathroom, he looked

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