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

such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at his

at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke

are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?”

he had

and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?” Mark

wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine,

awoke, they were

and swapped vehicles for a black

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

ease, as if her home was

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front

beckoned for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her seat, momentarily

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

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

approached him, gently taking it from

me handle that,”

pulled her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding her

him with a playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the depth of

just physical. He genuinely cherished

of the

ambiance of the night added

emotions evident in the way she met

fingers through her hair,

leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons

shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the air

dance of push

Cecilia, well aware of the nuances of

into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in

afraid of you,”

intensity, their

them to

clothes were scattered all over the

of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side in

the weight of their connection

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

nibble on her shoulder earned

replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some

was 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

was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to

you here” Mark could only smile

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

depth in their relationship, a stability born

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

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

prepared warm milk and

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

milk in one hand and the cookie in the other,

eyes, pausing between bites, taking

and long eyelashes

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration

her as she finished her milk, and the remaining

cradling her, Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

she stirred, seeking the

carried her

surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew

bathed in a soft morning glow

herself

de-thorned red rose lay with

unforgettable last night” A blush painted

she murmured

the bedroom

said warmly, “Rest

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

between holding onto it and letting it go,

as always, caught her

a bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit

Pulling the

savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's

brief moment, she headed

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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