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 back

like you could

having too much fun at her expense? Without a word, Mark

he'd been driving for a bit, Cecilia finally

“Where are we headed?” 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

was being unfaithful, he had options other

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

spacious

She agreed.

unexpected confrontation with Elaine, Cecilia was mentally exhausted

awoke, they were at the Fowler

and swapped

drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing familiarity with

with such ease, as if

at the back, Cecilia took the front

softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The

apartment, it was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a quick

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

embarrassment as he lifted an

him, gently taking

me handle that,” she

her into an embrace,

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

him with a playful glance, not letting him

appreciating the

wasn't just physical. He genuinely cherished her

gravity of the

added to the intensity

in the way she met his

Mark ran his fingers through her

suddenly that day?” Cecilia blushed, her fingers fidgeting

wasn't running away.” His

of push and

Cecilia, well aware of the nuances of their relationship, met his

his neck, their Lips

of you,”

with an intensity, their

passion led them

were scattered all over

known for his discipline in

of their connection but also

still seemed lost in the moment, wrapping her

Cecilia murmured, her eyes

shoulder

about Elaine just so I can get

and the night had been

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

got up, intending to check on Olivia. But

you here” Mark could only smile and

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

was a newfound depth in their relationship, a stability born

their journey, he realized that a younger Cecilia might not

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

prepared warm milk

joy for Mark, especially since

milk in one hand and the cookie

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized

being her father, watched her with sheer admiration

her as she finished her milk, and the remaining cookie tumbled from

Mark comforted the drowsy

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted off to

lay her down, she stirred, seeking the warmth

hesitation, Mark carried her

room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy

bathed in a soft morning glow when Cecilia

found herself cuddling a peacefully sleeping

a meticulously de-thorned red rose lay with a

last

murmured with a

the bedroom door opened, revealing

state, he said warmly,

off at school.” Cecilia still clutched the

holding onto it and letting it

as always,

a bit more; and maybe savor last night a bit

the covers aside, she stood

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

she

bed, hoping to get her more

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

emerged from the

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