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

woman. I feel like you could guard

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

been driving for a bit, Cecilia

calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?”

unfaithful, he had options other

been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

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

She agreed.

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

were at the

swapped

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

with such ease, as

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

“Wait till we're home, Olivia.”

apartment, it was late,

kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

him, gently taking it

me handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

with a playful glance, not letting

the depth of

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

of the moment, he tenderly kissed

ambiance of the night added

in the way she

back, Mark ran his fingers through her hair,

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the

running away.”

a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that

Cecilia, well aware of the nuances of

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection

them to the

were scattered all

emotions. Mark, known for his discipline

their connection but also

lost in the moment,

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

her shoulder earned him

our conversation about Elaine just so I

jet-lagged, and the night

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

up, intending to check on Olivia. But

could only smile and reassure

glow, and Mark

relationship, a stability born out of

realized that a younger Cecilia

continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

he prepared warm milk and a

Mark, especially since he

in one hand and the cookie in the other,

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

and long eyelashes emphasized her

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

she finished her milk, and the

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

in her father’s embrace, Olivia

her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

hesitation, Mark carried her to

surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

was bathed in a soft morning

Mark, she found herself

de-thorned red rose lay with

unforgettable last night” A blush

Mark,” she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

he said warmly, “Rest if you need

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia

and letting it go, she

perceptive as always, caught

last night a bit more,” he said

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

way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft

brief moment, she headed to

bed, hoping to get her more

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

from the bathroom,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255