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

strong woman. I feel like you could guard

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats with

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia

the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without

unfaithful, he had

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

spacious enough for the kids.

She agreed.

confrontation with

she awoke, they were at

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

sensed Mark's increasing

such ease, as

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl

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

in, she found Mark sorting through her

of embarrassment as he lifted an

approached him, gently taking it from

handle that,”

into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

a playful glance, not letting

the depth

He genuinely

of the moment, he tenderly kissed

night added to the intensity

in the

through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her

to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His

dance of push and pull, a game of

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

his neck, their Lips meeting in

afraid of you,” she

an intensity, their

passion led them to

scattered all over

his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different

of their connection but also a desire

the moment, wrapping

Cecilia murmured, her eyes

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a stern

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

and the night had

her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia

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

here” Mark could only smile

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

in their relationship, a stability

realized that a younger Cecilia

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

he prepared warm milk and

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

in one hand and

eyes, pausing between

skin and long

with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her every

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

Mark comforted

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

her down, she stirred,

Without hesitation, Mark carried her

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

she found herself

de-thorned red rose

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A

murmured with

on cue, the bedroom door opened,

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

I'll be dropping Edwin off at school.”

it go, she felt a weight in her

always, caught her

up a bit more; and maybe savor last night

such playful teasing? Pulling the

was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't

a brief moment, she

the bed, hoping

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on

the

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