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 could guard me now.” Cecilia

expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and

been driving for a bit, Cecilia

wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted

was being unfaithful, he

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

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

She agreed.

with Elaine,

were at

and swapped vehicles for

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

as if her

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

till we're home, Olivia.”

they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was

in, she found Mark

he lifted an

him, gently taking it

handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of

a playful glance, not

paused, appreciating the depth of their

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her

the gravity of the moment, he

night added to

the way she met

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of

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

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

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

encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

not afraid of

their connection palpable

them to the

clothes were scattered all

known for his discipline in personal care, had

connection but also a desire

lost in the moment, wrapping her

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned

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

was jet-lagged, and the night had been

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

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

you here” Mark could only

glow, and

depth in their relationship, a stability born

younger Cecilia might not have given him a

Mark quietly checked on

he prepared warm milk and a cookie for

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

carefully balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie

pausing between bites, taking a moment

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by her

she finished her milk, and the remaining

Mark comforted the drowsy

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

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

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried

sibling jealousy if he

room was bathed in a soft morning glow

found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

was unforgettable last

Mark,” she murmured

bedroom door

said warmly, “Rest if you

school.” Cecilia still

onto it and letting it go, she felt a weight

perceptive as always, caught

bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit more,” he said with a

Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice

And, by the way,

she headed

the bed,

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

from the bathroom, he looked

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