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

like you could guard me

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

a bit, Cecilia finally

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

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options

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

Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast,

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine,

awoke, they were at

swapped vehicles for a black Land

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

as if her

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her seat,

it was late, but she felt

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

of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

gently taking

handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her of their shared

playful glance, not letting

appreciating the depth of their

physical. He genuinely cherished her

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

of the night added

in the

back, Mark ran his fingers through her

you leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her

wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the

of running away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and

the nuances of

encircling his neck,

afraid of

their connection

them to

were scattered all over

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

connection but also a desire for

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

on her shoulder earned him a stern

you want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed

the night had

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

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

need you here” Mark could only

and Mark couldn't help but marvel at

relationship, a stability born out of growth and

a younger Cecilia

early morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

prepared warm milk and a

and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for a few

and the cookie in the other,

eyes, pausing between bites,

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

with sheer admiration and love,

sleepiness soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and

her, Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

her down, she

Mark carried her

in the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about

was bathed in a soft morning glow when

Mark, she found herself

rose lay with a cheeky

last

Mark,” she murmured with a

bedroom door opened, revealing

said

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

and letting it go, she felt

always, caught

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

such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice

average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way,

a brief moment, she headed to

in the bed, hoping to get her more

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

emerged from the bathroom, he

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

Comments ()

0/255