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

feel like you

fun at her expense? Without

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke

“Where would you like to go?” AA month without him

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options

Olivia.” “How

wasn't spacious

She agreed.

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

they were at

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

as if

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front

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

reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late,

in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

him, gently taking

handle that,”

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

with a playful glance, not letting

appreciating the depth of

physical. He genuinely

of the moment, he

the night added to the intensity of

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met his

her hair,

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her

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

a dance of push and

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met

encircling his neck,

of you,” she

intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them to

were scattered

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

felt the weight of their connection but

lost in the moment, wrapping

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

nibble on her shoulder earned

Elaine just so I

was jet-lagged, and the night had been

“Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath signaling her

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

here” Mark could only smile

a silvery glow, and Mark

their relationship, a stability born out of growth and

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second chance.

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child

milk

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

hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

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

she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

Mark

her father’s embrace,

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred,

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

in the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

bathed in a soft morning glow when

she found herself

red rose lay with a

was unforgettable last

murmured with

the bedroom

state, he said warmly, “Rest

I'll be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

letting it go, she felt

as always,

last night a bit more,” he said with a

ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers

by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when

a brief moment, she headed to the

the bed, hoping to

hall, a voice called out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft

from the bathroom, he looked

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