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

into such a strong woman. I feel like you could

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

driving for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her reflective

steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize

being unfaithful, he had options

“It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them

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

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon fell

they were at the Fowler

swapped vehicles for a black Land

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity

such ease, as if her home was his.

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

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

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

Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

he

gently taking it

handle

her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting

paused, appreciating the depth of their

genuinely cherished

of the moment,

night added to the intensity of their

evident in the

his fingers through her

you leave so suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons of his

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

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they

Cecilia, well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

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

of you,” she

an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them

scattered all over the

known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a completely different side in

connection but also

however, still seemed lost in the moment,

sleepy,” Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned

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

and the night had been

a close embrace, kissed her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath

slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice,

Mark could

in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but

in their relationship, a stability born

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him

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

he prepared warm milk and a cookie

especially since he hadn't seen her for a few

milk in one hand and the cookie in

her eyes, pausing between bites,

and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

sheer admiration and love, captivated

she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

cradling her, Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

down, she stirred,

hesitation, Mark carried

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

bathed in a

found herself cuddling a peacefully

de-thorned red rose

last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with

the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

letting it

as always,

up a bit more; and maybe savor last night

such playful teasing? Pulling the covers

average. Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.”

brief moment, she

bed, hoping to get

I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft

emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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