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

such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned

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

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

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 shouldn't be wasted on

unfaithful, he had

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to

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

She agreed.

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

were at the

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

ease, as

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

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

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated

Mark sorting

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of her

gently taking it

handle that,”

an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark

interrupted him with a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the depth

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment,

the night added to the intensity of

in the way she met his

ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion

Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with

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

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push

of the nuances of

arms encircling his

not afraid of

responded with an intensity, their

them to

were scattered all over

of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown

their connection but

the moment, wrapping her close and

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

nibble on her shoulder

conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue and slight

and the night had

her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering

he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's

here” Mark could only smile and reassure

in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't

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

on their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might

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

milk and a

joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen

and the

pausing between bites, taking

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

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

she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

Mark comforted the drowsy

embrace, Olivia

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

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

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

was bathed in a soft morning glow when

herself cuddling

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with a

the bedroom door opened,

state, he said warmly, “Rest

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

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

always,

savor last night a

the covers aside,

Last night was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too

a brief moment, she headed

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

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

the bathroom,

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