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

I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia

fun at her expense? Without a word,

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

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

being unfaithful, he had options other than

I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head

convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast,

She agreed.

jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

she awoke, they were at

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

with such ease, as if her

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took

“Wait till we're

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

tucked in, she found Mark

embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

him, gently taking it from

me handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding

a playful glance, not letting him

the depth of their

just physical. He genuinely cherished her

the moment, he tenderly

night added to the intensity of

in the way she

her hair, a hint

day?” Cecilia blushed, her

I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

of running away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they both

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met

arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting in a

afraid of

an intensity, their

passion led them to

were scattered all over the

his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different

the weight of their connection but also a desire for some

the moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

her shoulder earned him

want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can

jet-lagged, and the night had

he drew her into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the

Mark thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness,

you here” Mark could only

glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

relationship, a stability born out of growth and

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

continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

warm milk

was a joy for Mark, especially since he

milk in one hand and

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

and long eyelashes emphasized

her father, watched her with sheer admiration and

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her

Mark

in her father’s embrace,

down, she stirred,

hesitation, Mark carried her

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when

Mark, she found herself cuddling a

rose lay with a cheeky

it was unforgettable last night” A blush

she murmured with a

bedroom door opened, revealing

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

letting it go, she felt

as always,

last night a bit more,” he

teasing? Pulling the covers

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

she headed to the

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

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

the bathroom, he looked

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