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 back

into such a strong woman. I feel like

too much fun at her expense? Without a word,

a bit,

wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted on

Mark was being unfaithful, he had

aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.”

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

She agreed.

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

she awoke, they were at the Fowler

swapped

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

as if her

the back, Cecilia took the

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

Cecilia's apartment, it was

tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

a pang of embarrassment as he

him, gently taking it from

me handle that,”

an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the depth of their

genuinely cherished

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

of the night added to the

the

her hair, a hint of confusion in

blushed,

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

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull,

of the nuances of their

the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

of you,”

responded with an intensity, their

led them to

clothes were scattered all

mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had

felt the weight of their connection but

moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

her shoulder earned him a stern

you want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue and

and the

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

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

could only smile and reassure

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

a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability

their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might

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

he prepared warm milk and

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

and the cookie in the other,

her eyes, pausing between bites,

and long eyelashes emphasized

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

her as she finished her milk,

her, Mark

father’s embrace, Olivia

down, she

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

sibling jealousy if he knew about

a soft

found herself cuddling a peacefully

a meticulously de-thorned red rose

it was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

he said warmly, “Rest if you need

Edwin off at school.”

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt

always, caught her

and maybe savor last night a bit more,” he said with a

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

way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes

moment, she headed to

bed, hoping

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

from the bathroom, he looked

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