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

feel like you could guard me

her expense? Without a word,

for a bit, Cecilia

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 be wasted on someone like

unfaithful, he had options other

aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head

spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

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

they were

kids and swapped vehicles

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

with such ease, as if her home

at the back,

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

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

Mark sorting through her

he lifted an intimate

approached him, gently

me handle that,”

an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

playful glance, not

the depth

genuinely cherished her as an

gravity of the moment,

the night added to the

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the

wasn't running away.” His

Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase

of the nuances of their relationship, met his

his neck, their Lips meeting in

not afraid of

responded with an intensity, their

led them to the

were scattered all over

emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a

the weight of their connection but also a desire for

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

shoulder earned him a

our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue and

jet-lagged, and the night had been

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

quietly got up, intending to check on

Mark could only smile and reassure

and Mark couldn't help but

relationship,

that a younger Cecilia might not have

early morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

milk and a cookie

Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for

hand and the cookie in

her eyes, pausing between bites,

delicate skin and long

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

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the

her, Mark comforted

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

her down, she

carried her

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

room was bathed in a soft morning

herself cuddling a

red rose lay with a cheeky

it was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

said warmly, “Rest

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

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt

always, caught her

and maybe savor last night a bit more,”

it even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself

a brief moment, she headed to

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark

the bathroom, he

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