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

into such a strong woman. I feel like you

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

been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month without him made

was being unfaithful, he had options other

Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick them up and

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

She agreed.

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

awoke, they were at

fetched the kids and swapped vehicles for

Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

as if her

the back,

Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're

Cecilia's apartment, it was late, but she

found Mark sorting through her luggage in

of embarrassment as he

approached him, gently taking it

me handle that,”

her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark

playful glance, not letting

the depth of

He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

added to the intensity of their

in the

her hair, a hint

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

wasn't running away.”

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of

of their relationship,

the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

of

an intensity, their connection palpable

led them

clothes were scattered

known for his discipline in personal care, had shown a

the weight of their connection but

in the moment,

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia murmured,

on her shoulder earned him a

you want a replay of our conversation about Elaine just so I can get some rest?” He sensed her fatigue and

jet-lagged, and the

her forehead and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer

he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia. But Cecilia's voice,

here” Mark could only

painted the room in a silvery glow, and Mark couldn't help but

newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born out of growth

he realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given

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

warm milk and a cookie

Mark, especially

the milk in one hand and the cookie in the other,

her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a

long eyelashes emphasized her

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated by

soon overtook her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled

cradling her, Mark comforted

father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off

she stirred, seeking the

Without hesitation, Mark carried her

sibling jealousy if he knew about this

room was bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

a meticulously de-thorned red rose

Evans, it was unforgettable last

Mark,” she murmured with

cue, the bedroom door opened, revealing

he said warmly, “Rest if you need

off at school.” Cecilia

holding onto it and letting it go,

always, caught her

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

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

alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft

a brief moment, she headed to

Olivia in the bed, hoping to get her more

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

from the bathroom, he looked

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