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

like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at

he having too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her

was being 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

was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the

She agreed.

lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

awoke, they were at the Fowler

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

moved with such ease, as if her

at the back, Cecilia took the front

interjected softly, “Wait till we're home,

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

tucked in, she found Mark

he lifted an intimate

approached him, gently taking it from

handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

playful glance, not

the depth of their

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her

the moment, he tenderly

ambiance of the night added

in the way she met his

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint

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

wasn't running away.”

dynamic was a dance of push and pull,

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met

moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a gentle

of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and

led them

clothes were scattered

discipline in personal care, had shown a completely

felt the weight of their connection but also a desire for some

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

shoulder

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

was jet-lagged, and the night had

and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the

Mark thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on

need you here” Mark could only smile and reassure

moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on

warm milk and a cookie for

radiant and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since he

hand and the cookie in the

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

and long eyelashes

with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her every

she finished her milk, and

her, Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her

sibling jealousy if he knew about this

a soft

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

she murmured with a

bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

he said warmly, “Rest if

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

and letting it go, she felt a weight

perceptive as always, caught

savor last night a bit more,” he said with a playful

Pulling the covers aside,

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

a brief moment, she headed to the

the bed, hoping to get her more

I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Olivia's

Cecilia emerged from the

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