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

strong woman. I feel like you could guard me

he having too much fun at her expense? Without

a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

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

being unfaithful, he had options other than

been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon

awoke, they were at the

had fetched the kids and swapped

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

such ease, as if her home was his.

the back, Cecilia took the front

beckoned for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little

was late, but she

in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently taking it

me handle that,” she

an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting him

the depth of

physical. He genuinely

the gravity of the moment,

ambiance of the night added to the

in the way

ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting

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

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

the nuances of their relationship, met

arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

led them to the

scattered all

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

weight of their connection but also a

in the moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder

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

jet-lagged, and the

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

he quietly got up, intending to check

you here” Mark could only smile

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't

in their relationship, a stability born out of growth

Cecilia might not have given him a

continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked

milk and

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

the milk in one hand and the cookie in

between bites, taking a moment of pure

long eyelashes emphasized her

sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

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

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

embrace,

she stirred, seeking the warmth of

hesitation, Mark carried her

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

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

Mark,” she murmured with

the bedroom door opened,

he said

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at that

onto it and letting it go, she felt a

as always,

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

Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with mock

by the way,

a brief moment, she headed

in the bed, hoping to get

late!”

emerged from the bathroom,

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