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 back

strong woman. I feel like you could

much fun at her expense? Without a word,

been driving for a bit, Cecilia

the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

was being unfaithful, he

“It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.”

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

She agreed.

and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

awoke, they were at the

kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

Cecilia sensed Mark's

such ease, as if her home was his.

at the back, Cecilia took

we're home, Olivia.” The little

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through

as he lifted

him, gently taking it

handle that,”

pulled her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

playful glance, not letting him

paused, appreciating the depth

genuinely cherished her

of the moment, he tenderly kissed

added to

the way she met

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a hint

day?” Cecilia blushed, her

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

dance of push

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips meeting

afraid of you,”

an intensity, their connection palpable

led them

clothes were scattered all over the

Mark, known for his discipline in personal care, had shown

weight of their connection but also

the moment, wrapping her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

her shoulder earned him a

a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some

the night

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

quietly got up, intending to check

here” Mark could

the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the sight of

in their relationship, a stability born out of growth and

younger Cecilia might not

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

warm milk and a

was a joy for Mark, especially since he

hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

with sheer

soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

her, Mark

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

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

Mark carried

the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

bathed in a soft morning

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

rose lay with a cheeky

last night” A blush

she murmured with

bedroom door opened,

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

school.” Cecilia still clutched

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

as always, caught her

last night a bit

to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with

average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.”

she headed to the

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping

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

the bathroom,

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