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

woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia

he having too much fun at her expense? Without a word,

bit, Cecilia

would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted

being unfaithful, he had options other than

been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

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

She agreed.

with Elaine,

awoke, they were

fetched the kids and swapped

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

ease, as if her

Edwin seated at the back,

attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.”

was late, but

kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her

he

approached him, gently taking it from

handle

into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of

with a playful glance,

appreciating the depth of

He genuinely

of the moment, he tenderly kissed

the night added to the intensity of their

evident in the way she met

through her hair, a hint of confusion in

day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting

to shoot; I wasn't running away.”

dynamic was a dance of push and

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and

passion led them

clothes were scattered all

of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in

weight of their connection but also a

in the moment, wrapping

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

her shoulder earned

just so I

the night had

into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady

quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But

need you here” Mark could

a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but

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

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have

her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child

milk and a cookie

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

hand and the cookie

close her eyes, pausing between bites,

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

soon overtook her as she finished her milk,

her, Mark

father’s embrace,

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

carried

room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment

was bathed in a soft

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

red rose lay with

last night” A

she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if

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

letting it go, she felt a weight in

as always, caught her

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

ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she

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 he gazed

moment, she headed

Olivia in the bed, hoping

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

the bathroom, he

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