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

like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at

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

for a bit, Cecilia

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 shouldn't be wasted on someone

unfaithful, he had options other than

mused aloud, “It's been days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about

wasn't spacious

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia

were

and swapped

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

such ease, as if

at the back, Cecilia

till we're home, Olivia.” The little

the time they reached Cecilia's apartment, it was late,

kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting

he lifted an intimate piece

approached him, gently

handle that,”

her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

2025 “Not in the slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

interrupted him with a playful glance, not

the depth

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

gravity of the moment,

ambiance of the night added to

the way

ran his fingers through her hair, a

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

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

was a dance of push

well aware of the nuances of their

moment, her arms encircling his

afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their

them to the

clothes were scattered

his discipline in

weight of their connection but also a

seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

Cecilia murmured, her

shoulder earned him a

just so I

the night had

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

was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But

here” Mark could only smile and

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at

newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out

their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

he prepared warm milk and

Mark, especially since

balanced the milk in one hand and

pausing between

skin and long eyelashes

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

embrace, Olivia drifted off

down, she stirred, seeking

Mark carried

a twinge of sibling jealousy if he

bathed in a soft morning glow when

herself cuddling a peacefully

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

it was unforgettable last night” A blush

she murmured with a

bedroom door opened, revealing

Cecilia's awake state, he said

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

between holding onto it and letting it go, she

as always, caught

bit more; and maybe savor last night

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside,

remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much,

brief moment, she headed to

adjusted Olivia in the bed, hoping to get

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

from the

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