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

like you could guard me

too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark

a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be

being unfaithful, he had options

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

Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was

awoke, they were at the Fowler

kids and swapped vehicles

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

as

Olivia and Edwin seated at the

we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled

was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

Mark sorting through her luggage in the

as he

approached him, gently taking

handle

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

the slightest.” But Mark

a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the depth of

wasn't just physical. He genuinely

the moment,

of the night added to the intensity of their

in the way she

fingers through her hair, a hint

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

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

dance of push and pull, a game

aware of the nuances of their relationship, met

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

of

an intensity, their connection palpable and

them to the

clothes were scattered

for his discipline in personal care, had shown

of their connection but also a

lost in the moment, wrapping her close

Cecilia murmured, her eyes

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him

so I can get

was jet-lagged, and the night

into a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the

intending to check on Olivia.

could only

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

a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born

that a younger Cecilia might not have given him

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

warm milk and a cookie for

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

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

between bites, taking a moment of pure

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

her father, watched her with sheer

her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie

Mark comforted the

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

Mark tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking

2027 Without hesitation, Mark carried her to

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this

was bathed in a soft

herself cuddling a peacefully

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

it was unforgettable last night” A blush

she murmured with

on cue, the bedroom door

he said warmly,

school.”

onto it and letting it go,

always, caught her

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

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

And, by the way, don't flatter

a brief moment, she headed

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

late!”

the

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