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

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

expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled

bit,

2024 “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

being unfaithful, he had

days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space for

She agreed.

jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine,

she awoke, they were at

and swapped vehicles for a black Land

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

with such ease, as if her

seated at the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

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

Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she

Mark

as he lifted an intimate piece of

approached him, gently taking it

handle that,” she

into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark

interrupted him with a playful

appreciating the

genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

the night added to the

the way she met

Mark ran his fingers through her hair, a

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

running away.”

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

the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his

of

an intensity, their

them to the

scattered

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

the weight of their connection

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping

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

her shoulder earned him a

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

and the night had

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

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

you here” Mark could only smile and

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

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

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a

her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the

milk and

was a joy for Mark, especially since he

milk in one hand and the

pausing between bites, taking a moment

and long

watched her with sheer admiration and love,

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

cradling her, Mark comforted the

embrace,

lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of

carried her to

twinge of sibling jealousy

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

Mark, she found herself cuddling

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

Evans, it was unforgettable last night” A

Mark,” she murmured

the bedroom door opened, revealing

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly,

dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card at

letting it go, she felt a weight in

as always,

savor last night a bit more,” he

even possible to ignore 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.” Mark's eyes

a brief moment, she headed to the

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping

I'll be late!” Mark

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he looked

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