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

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

Without a word,

for a bit, Cecilia finally broke her

Gripping the steering wheel, Mark calmly inquired, “Where would you like to go?” AA month

unfaithful, he had options other than

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

it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast,

She agreed.

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

they were

the kids and swapped vehicles for a

they began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with her

as if her

seated at the back, Cecilia took the front

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

apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after

tucked in, she found Mark sorting through her luggage in the master

pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece

him, gently taking it from

me handle that,”

pulled her into an

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

“Not in the slightest.” But Mark

him with a playful glance,

paused, appreciating the

He genuinely

the moment, he

night added to

in the way she met

through her hair, a hint of confusion

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

shoot; I wasn't running away.” His

a dance of push and pull, a game of chase that they

aware of the nuances of their

leaned into the moment, her arms encircling his neck,

of

responded with an intensity, their

passion led them to

were scattered all over the

for his discipline in

the weight of their connection but also a desire for some

however, still seemed lost in the moment,

sleepy,” Cecilia murmured, her eyes

on her shoulder earned him

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

was jet-lagged, and the night had

and whispered, “Rest now.” Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against

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

Mark could only smile and

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

in their relationship, a stability

that a younger Cecilia might not

early morning, while Cecilia continued her restful slumber, Mark quietly checked on Edwin, ensuring

warm milk and a cookie for

was a joy for Mark, especially since

in one hand and the

eyes, pausing between bites,

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized her angelic

watched her with sheer admiration and love, captivated

her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

cradling her, Mark

her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

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

Mark carried

a twinge of sibling jealousy if

a soft morning

she found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

rose lay with

was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

Mark,” she murmured

the bedroom door

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

Edwin off at school.”

holding onto it and letting it go, she felt a

as always,

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

possible to ignore such playful teasing? Pulling the covers aside, she stood tall, voice

alone savor. And, by the way, don't

brief moment, she headed

the bed, hoping to get her

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

the bathroom,

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