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

woman. I feel like you

Without a word, Mark

a bit, Cecilia finally

“Where are we headed?” Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to

he had options other than

days since I last saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and head to your apartment?” Mark

convenient for them, it wasn't spacious enough for

She agreed.

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

awoke, they were

had fetched the kids and swapped vehicles

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

such ease, as if her home was

Edwin seated at the back, Cecilia took the

softly, “Wait till we're

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

tucked in, she found Mark

as he lifted an intimate piece of

approached him, gently taking it from

handle

into an embrace, their

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

playful glance, not letting

the depth of their

He genuinely

of the moment,

of the night added to the intensity

reciprocated, emotions evident in the way she met

fingers through her hair, a hint

that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting

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

of push and pull, a

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

not afraid of you,”

responded with an intensity, their

led them to

were scattered all over the

known for his discipline in personal care, had

weight of their connection but also a desire

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

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

nibble on her shoulder earned him

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

was jet-lagged, and the night

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

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

Mark could only

moonlight painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark

in their relationship, a stability born out of growth and

younger Cecilia might not have given him a

Mark quietly checked on Edwin,

prepared warm milk and a

Mark, especially since he hadn't seen

hand and the

between bites, taking a

delicate skin and long eyelashes

father, watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

overtook her as she finished her

Mark comforted the drowsy

in her father’s embrace, Olivia

lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

carried her to the master

would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy if he knew about this special

was bathed in a soft morning glow

herself cuddling a peacefully

red rose lay with a

last night” A blush painted Cecilia's

Mark,” she murmured with a

on cue, the bedroom

Cecilia's awake state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

at school.” Cecilia still

it go, she felt a weight

as always, caught her

and maybe savor last night a bit more,” he said with a playful

playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice dripping with

Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's

she

gently adjusted Olivia in the bed,

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

emerged from the bathroom, he

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255