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

into such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard

Without a word, Mark unbuckled

for a bit,

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

he had options other than

mused aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your

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

She agreed.

lingering jet lag and today’s unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted and soon

she awoke, they were at

had fetched the kids and swapped

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

moved with such ease, as if her

Olivia and Edwin seated at the

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

Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

Mark sorting through her

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

him, gently

handle that,”

into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

Mark grinned, reminding her of

a playful glance, not

appreciating the depth of their

physical. He genuinely cherished her as

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

of the night added to the intensity of

emotions evident in the way

ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion

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

running

away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a game of

nuances of their relationship, met

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

afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable

them

clothes were scattered all over

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

the weight of their connection but

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping

sleepy,” Cecilia

her shoulder earned him a stern

you want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get

was jet-lagged, and the night had

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

thought she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice, still filled with drowsiness, halted

could only smile and

glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel

newfound depth in their relationship, a

younger Cecilia might

her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

milk and

radiant and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially

hand and the cookie in the other, savoring

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment of

skin and long eyelashes emphasized

sheer

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

cradling her, Mark comforted the

in her father’s embrace, Olivia

tried to lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth of his

carried her to the master

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

in a soft morning

Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

de-thorned red rose lay with a

last night” A blush painted

murmured with

the bedroom

state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the card

onto it and letting it go,

always, caught her

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

Pulling the covers aside, she stood

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

a brief moment, she headed to

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

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

from the bathroom,

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