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

grown into such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.”

too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats with

driving for a bit,

inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made

unfaithful, he had options other

been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?”

them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's

She agreed.

lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia

were

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black Land

drive, Cecilia sensed

with such ease, as if her home

and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

“Wait till we're

the time they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was

tucked in, she found Mark sorting

as he lifted an intimate piece

gently taking it

me handle

her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark

playful glance, not letting him

the

just physical. He genuinely cherished her as

of the moment, he

night added to the intensity of

the way she met his

his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

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

a film to shoot; I wasn't running

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

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his

his neck, their

afraid of

an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

led them to

scattered all over the

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

the weight of their connection but also

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

“I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

her shoulder earned him a stern

our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He

was jet-lagged, and the night

now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable

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

here” Mark could

in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help

depth in their relationship,

that a younger Cecilia might

quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

prepared warm milk and

especially since he hadn't seen her

milk in one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized

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

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

Mark comforted the

securely in her father’s embrace,

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

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

sibling jealousy if

a soft

of Mark, she found herself cuddling

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay

unforgettable last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with

the bedroom

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you need

be dropping Edwin off at school.”

between holding onto it and letting it go,

perceptive as always, caught

maybe savor last night a bit more,” he said

the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with mock

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

moment, she

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to

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

emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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