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

woman. I feel like you could guard me now.” Cecilia frowned at

expense? Without a word, Mark unbuckled

bit,

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 on

Mark was being unfaithful, he had options

saw Edwin and Olivia.” “How about we pick

for them, it wasn't spacious enough for the kids. In contrast, Cecilia's apartment provided

She agreed.

with Elaine, Cecilia was

were at the

swapped vehicles for a black

began their drive, Cecilia sensed Mark's increasing

with such ease, as if her

the

Cecilia's attention, but Mark interjected softly, “Wait till we're home, Olivia.” The

was late, but she felt rejuvenated after a

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

felt a pang of embarrassment as he lifted an intimate piece of

him, gently taking it

handle that,” she

pulled her into an embrace, their noses

“Feeling shy?” he teased.

She feigned indifference.

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

playful glance,

appreciating the depth

physical. He genuinely cherished her as an

the gravity of the moment, he tenderly

ambiance of the night added to the intensity

the way she met his

ran his fingers through her hair, a hint of

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

had a film to shoot; I wasn't running away.” His chuckles warmed the air between

now?” Their dynamic was a dance of push and pull,

nuances of their relationship, met his

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

not afraid of you,” she

an intensity, their connection palpable and fervent.

passion led them

clothes were scattered all over

for his discipline in personal care, had shown a

weight of their connection but also a

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

Cecilia murmured, her

playful nibble on her shoulder earned

just so I can get some

was jet-lagged, and the night

Despite the lingering summer heat, Cecilia felt comfortable nestled against him, her steady breath

he quietly got up, intending to check on Olivia.

could

silvery glow, and Mark couldn't

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

realized that a younger Cecilia might not have given him a

Mark quietly

milk and a cookie

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

hand and the cookie in

close her eyes, pausing between bites, taking a moment

delicate skin and long eyelashes emphasized

watched her with sheer

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

cradling her, Mark comforted the drowsy

securely in her father’s embrace, Olivia drifted

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

Without hesitation, Mark carried her

adjacent room, would surely feel a twinge of sibling jealousy

was bathed in a soft morning glow when

herself cuddling

red rose lay with a

was unforgettable last night” A blush painted

murmured with

the bedroom door opened,

state, he said warmly,

Edwin off at school.” Cecilia still

and letting it go, she felt a weight in

always, caught

savor last night a bit more,” he said

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

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

moment, she headed to the

in the bed, hoping

out, “Dad, I'll be late!” Mark leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Olivia's

from the

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