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 back

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

Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats with

bit,

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 other than

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was

awoke, they were at

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

with such ease, as if her home was

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're

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

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting

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

him, gently taking it from

handle that,” she

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

a playful glance, not

paused, appreciating the depth of their

genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he

night added to the intensity of their

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she

through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

day?” Cecilia blushed,

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

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

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

not afraid of you,” she

an intensity, their

led them to

clothes were scattered all over the

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

weight of their connection but also

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

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

so I can get some rest?” He

was jet-lagged, and the night

Despite the lingering summer heat,

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

need you here” Mark could only

glow, and

their relationship,

on their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

milk and a cookie

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

in one hand and the cookie in the

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

Mark

embrace, Olivia drifted off to

to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the

hesitation, Mark carried her to

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this

was bathed in a soft morning

Mark, she found herself cuddling

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

last night” A blush painted

she murmured

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

letting it

as always,

night a

teasing? Pulling the covers

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

a brief moment, she headed to the

adjusted Olivia in the bed,

late!” Mark leaned down, planting

from the bathroom,

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