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

such a strong woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned

her expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled and swapped seats

bit, Cecilia finally

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

he had options

I last saw Edwin and Olivia.”

spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided ample space

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was

were

kids and swapped vehicles for

sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

moved with such ease, as

and Edwin seated at the back,

we're home, Olivia.”

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

found Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

pang of embarrassment as he

approached him, gently

me handle that,”

into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

slightest.” But Mark grinned, reminding her of their

interrupted him with a playful glance, not letting

appreciating the depth of their

physical. He genuinely cherished

gravity of the moment, he tenderly

the night added to the

emotions evident in the

fingers through her hair,

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

to shoot; I wasn't running away.”

dynamic was a dance of push and pull, a

well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his gaze with

the moment, her arms encircling his neck, their Lips

afraid of you,” she

responded with an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them to

were scattered all over

for his discipline in personal

weight of their connection but also a desire for some

however, still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

2026 “I'm sleepy,” Cecilia

playful nibble on her shoulder earned him a

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

the night

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

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

you here” Mark could only smile and

and Mark couldn't

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

journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia

Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring the child was comfortably tucked

warm milk

radiant and lively, was a joy for Mark, especially since he hadn't seen her

one hand and the cookie in the other, savoring each

she'd close her eyes, pausing between bites,

and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

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

finished her milk, and the remaining cookie

her, Mark comforted the

securely in her father’s embrace,

she stirred, seeking

Without hesitation, Mark carried her to the

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

in a

she found herself cuddling

meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

last

she murmured with

cue, the bedroom

state, he said warmly, “Rest if you

off at school.” Cecilia still

onto it and letting it

as always, caught

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

even possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the

Not much to remember, let alone savor. And, by the way, don't flatter yourself too much, Mr. Evans.” Mark's eyes held a soft warmth when he gazed

brief moment, she

the bed, hoping to get her more

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

emerged from the bathroom, he

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