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

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

he having too much fun at her expense? Without

bit, Cecilia

“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

unfaithful, he had options other

saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head

house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample

She agreed.

jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with

they were at the

the kids and swapped

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her personal

such ease, as if

the back, Cecilia took the

but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled

it was late, but she felt rejuvenated

she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the

pang of embarrassment as he lifted

gently taking it from

me handle that,” she

her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

with a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the depth

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the moment,

the night added to the

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met his

back, Mark ran his fingers through her

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

to shoot; I wasn't running away.”

of push and

the nuances of their relationship, met

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

afraid of you,” she

an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them

clothes were scattered all over the

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

connection but also a

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

shoulder

Elaine just so I can get some rest?”

the night

close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat,

deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on

you here” Mark could only

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born

Cecilia

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

milk and a cookie for

and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially

and the cookie in

eyes, pausing between bites, taking

and long eyelashes emphasized

watched her with sheer admiration and

soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining

Mark comforted the

her father’s embrace, Olivia

lay her down, she stirred, seeking

carried her

jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister

in a soft morning

she found herself cuddling a peacefully

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

last night” A blush

she murmured with a

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you need

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still

it go, she felt a weight in her

always, caught

maybe savor last night a

it even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she

savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when he gazed

moment, she

in the bed, hoping to get her more

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

from the bathroom, he

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