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

I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at his

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

a bit, Cecilia finally broke

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

unfaithful, he had options

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

on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's

She agreed.

with Elaine,

were at the

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

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

moved with such ease, as if

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her

reached Cecilia's apartment, it was

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

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

approached him, gently taking it

handle that,”

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned,

him with a playful glance, not letting

the depth of their

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

added to the intensity

evident in the way she

his fingers through her hair, a hint

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

film to shoot; I wasn't running away.”

a dance of push and pull, a

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

his neck, their Lips meeting in a

of you,” she

with an intensity, their connection palpable

led them

clothes were scattered all over the

of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal

their connection but also a desire for some

in the moment, wrapping her close

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

her shoulder earned him a stern

so I can get some rest?” He sensed her

and the night had

and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him,

up, intending to check on

here” Mark could only smile and

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

newfound depth in their relationship,

a younger Cecilia might not have

early morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly

he prepared warm milk

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

balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking

and long

with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her every

she finished her milk, and the remaining

her, Mark comforted

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

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

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

jealousy if he knew

bathed in a soft morning glow

herself cuddling a

a meticulously de-thorned red rose

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

Mark,” she murmured

bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

said warmly, “Rest if

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still

holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight in her

as always, caught her

savor last night

possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers

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 bed, hoping to get

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

from the bathroom, he

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255