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

too much fun at her expense? Without

bit,

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

being unfaithful, he had

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

spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was

awoke, they were at the Fowler

and swapped vehicles for a black

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

moved with such ease, as if her home was

the back, Cecilia took the

softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little

they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she

Mark

a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate

gently taking it from

me handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting him

the depth of their

He genuinely cherished her

gravity of the

of the night added to the

the way she met his

through her hair, a hint of confusion in his

blushed, her

running away.” His

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

of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

his neck, their Lips meeting in a gentle

afraid of you,”

an intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them to the

scattered all over

his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely

connection but also

lost in the moment, wrapping her close and seeking her

sleepy,” Cecilia

nibble on her shoulder

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

jet-lagged, and the night had

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

up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness,

need you here” Mark could only smile

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

a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out of growth

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a second

restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

warm milk and a

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

milk in one hand and the cookie in the

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

and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

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

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

Mark comforted the drowsy

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

lay her down, she stirred, seeking

hesitation, Mark carried her to the

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about

in a soft

she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

Mark,” she murmured with a

bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

said warmly,

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

letting it go, she felt

always,

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

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

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

brief moment, she headed to

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her

“Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down,

Cecilia emerged from the

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

Comments ()

0/255