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.

incredible

I feel like you could guard

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

been driving for a bit, Cecilia

calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time

was being unfaithful, he had options other

saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?” Mark

spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment

She agreed.

lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon fell

they were at the

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

as if

at the

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

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

Mark sorting through her luggage

as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently

me handle that,”

into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark

playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth of

He genuinely

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

ambiance of the night added to

emotions evident in the way she

fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion

did you leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed,

I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

running away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a

of the nuances of

the moment, her arms encircling his neck,

afraid of

their

led them

clothes were scattered all over

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

felt the weight of their connection but

the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

her shoulder

replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get

was jet-lagged, and the night

close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer

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

you here” Mark could only smile and

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

relationship, a stability born out of

realized that a younger Cecilia might not have

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably

milk

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

one hand and the cookie in the other,

between bites, taking a moment of pure

and long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and

her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

cradling her, Mark comforted

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

she stirred, seeking the warmth of

hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

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

a soft morning

found herself cuddling a

rose

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

she murmured with a

the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

state, he said warmly, “Rest if

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

and letting it go, she felt a weight in her

perceptive as always, caught her

night a bit more,” he said with a playful

such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she

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

moment, she headed to

bed, hoping to

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

the bathroom,

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