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 back

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

he having too much fun at her expense? Without

bit, Cecilia

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

he had

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

the house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious

She agreed.

lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine,

they were at

the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

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

with such ease, as if

the back,

interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in her

reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but

found Mark sorting through her luggage

embarrassment as he

approached him, gently taking it from

me handle

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned,

with a playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the depth of their

genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the

added to the intensity of

the

ran his fingers through her

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons

I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the air

Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they both

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

his neck, their Lips meeting in a

of

with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them to the

scattered all

felt a mix of emotions. Mark, known for his discipline in personal

their connection but also a desire

lost in the moment, wrapping

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

shoulder

just so I can get some rest?” He sensed

and the night

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

quietly got up, intending to check

here” Mark could only smile

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

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a

realized that a younger Cecilia might not

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

he prepared warm milk and a

for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for a few

balanced the milk in one hand and the cookie

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of pure

skin and long eyelashes emphasized her

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration

her as she finished her milk, and

Mark comforted the drowsy

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

lay her down, she stirred,

carried her to

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

in a soft

found herself

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

it was unforgettable last night”

murmured with a

the bedroom door

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

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

between holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a

perceptive as always,

savor last night a bit more,” he said

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

night was just average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a

brief moment, she headed to the

bed, hoping

be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Olivia's

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he

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