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

a strong woman. I feel like you

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

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

you like to go?” AA month without him made her

was being unfaithful, he had options

and Olivia.” “How about we

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

She agreed.

and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was

they were at the Fowler

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

as if her home

at the back, Cecilia took the front

till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her

it was

in, she found Mark sorting

of embarrassment as he

him, gently

handle that,”

into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding

him with a playful glance, not letting

the depth

just physical. He genuinely cherished

of the moment,

night added

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met his

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion

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

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

of push and pull, a game of chase that they

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his

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

not afraid of you,”

an intensity, their

led them to

clothes were scattered all

a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side

their connection but also a desire

the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a stern

you want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue and slight

the night had

“Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath

was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to

you here” Mark could only smile and

room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

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

he realized that a younger Cecilia might

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

he prepared warm milk and a cookie for

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

in one hand and the cookie

her eyes, pausing between bites,

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

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

as she finished her milk, and

her, Mark comforted the drowsy

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

carried her

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about

in a soft morning

found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

unforgettable last

Mark,” she murmured with

cue, the bedroom door

said

school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight

as always, caught

and maybe savor last night a bit

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood

night was just 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

a brief moment, she

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

“Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting

from the bathroom, he

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