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

feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned

fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark

bit, Cecilia finally broke her

you like to go?” AA month without him made her realize that her time shouldn't be wasted on someone like

unfaithful, he had

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

on Gamous Road was convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough

She agreed.

confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally

they were at the Fowler

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for a black

sensed Mark's

moved with such ease, as if her home was

the back, Cecilia took the front passenger

beckoned for Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The little girl settled back in

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

she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the

as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently

handle that,” she

her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

with a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the

He genuinely cherished her as an

the

of the night added to the intensity of their

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met his

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

blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the buttons

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

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

of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze

his

afraid of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable

passion led them

clothes were scattered all

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

felt the weight of their connection but

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her close

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her

on her shoulder earned him a stern

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

and the night had been

now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt

intending to

you here” Mark could only smile

in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but marvel at the sight of

relationship, a stability born

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

restful slumber, Mark quietly

milk and

joy for Mark, especially

milk in one hand and the cookie in the other,

between bites, taking a moment of

delicate skin and long

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

Mark comforted

in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

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

hesitation, Mark carried her to

surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special treatment his little

bathed in a soft morning glow when

found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

de-thorned red rose lay with a cheeky

it was unforgettable last

Mark,” she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing Mark.

said

be dropping Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still clutched

between holding onto it and letting it

as always, caught

and maybe savor last night a bit more,”

teasing? Pulling the covers

by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.”

brief moment, she headed to

in the bed, hoping

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

Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, he

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