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

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

expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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

being unfaithful, he had

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

wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon fell

they were at

kids and swapped vehicles for a

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

with such ease, as if her home was

at the back, Cecilia took the front

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

it was late,

she found Mark sorting through her luggage in

of embarrassment as he

approached him, gently

handle

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

interrupted him with a playful glance,

the depth of their

genuinely cherished

gravity of the moment, he tenderly

ambiance of the night added to the

in the way

through her hair, a hint of

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of his

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

away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his

his neck, their Lips meeting

of you,”

with an intensity, their

them to

clothes were scattered

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

weight of their connection but

moment, wrapping her close

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

her shoulder earned him

of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get

was jet-lagged, and the

he 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

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

you here” Mark could only smile and reassure

glow, and

newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out of growth

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

while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was

warm milk and a cookie

lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since

one hand and

eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

her as she finished her milk, and the

Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking the

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

in the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he

a soft morning

she found herself cuddling a peacefully

red rose lay

was unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured

bedroom

he said warmly, “Rest

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

it and letting it go, she felt

always,

savor last night a bit more,” he

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with

average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when

a brief moment, she headed to the

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

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

emerged from the

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