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

such a strong woman. I feel like

fun at her expense? Without a word,

a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month

he had options other

and Olivia.” “How about we pick them

house on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

she awoke, they were at the Fowler

the kids and swapped vehicles for

their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's

moved with such ease, as

Olivia and Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia

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

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

kids were tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an

gently taking

me handle

into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

But Mark grinned, reminding her

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting

the

He genuinely cherished

gravity of the moment, he tenderly kissed

night added to the intensity of their

emotions evident in the way she

ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of confusion in

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the

shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles

running away now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and

nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

of you,”

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

them to the

clothes were scattered all over

his discipline in personal care, had

their connection but

in the moment, wrapping her close

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a

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

and the night had been

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

she was deep in slumber, he quietly got up, intending to check

could

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

in their relationship, a stability born out

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

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

warm milk and a cookie for

joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her for

in one hand and

her eyes, pausing between bites,

long eyelashes emphasized her

her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

as she finished her

her, Mark comforted the

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

she stirred,

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the master

in the adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little sister was

a soft morning

of Mark, she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with

was unforgettable last night” A

she murmured with

bedroom door

awake state, he said warmly,

at school.”

it

always, caught her

up a bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit

playful teasing? Pulling the

way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr.

she headed to

the bed, hoping to get her more

be late!” Mark leaned down,

the bathroom, he looked

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