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

woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia

Without a

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

2024 “Where are 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 someone like

he had options

mused aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up

Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough

She agreed.

today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

they were at the Fowler

the kids and swapped vehicles for a

Cecilia sensed

as

and Edwin seated at the back,

we're home, Olivia.” The little girl

they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but

she found Mark sorting through her

embarrassment as he lifted

gently taking it from

handle that,” she

an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

a playful glance, not

appreciating the depth of

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

gravity of the

added

in the way she met his

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

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

running away.” His chuckles warmed the air

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

of the nuances of their relationship, met his

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

of

an intensity, their connection palpable

them

clothes were scattered all over the

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

of their connection

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

her shoulder

about Elaine just so

and the

embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled

intending to check

need you here” Mark could only smile

glow, and Mark couldn't help

in their relationship, a stability born out of growth and

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly

prepared warm milk and

for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen

milk in one hand and the

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites,

and long eyelashes emphasized

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

her milk, and the remaining cookie

her, Mark

embrace,

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

Mark carried her to the

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

a

Mark, she found herself

de-thorned red rose lay

last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

she murmured with a

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

holding onto it and letting it

always, caught her

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

the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with

alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's

she headed to

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed,

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

from the bathroom, he

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