Just wanted to respond back for anyone who may find this post in the future

It turns out that my spin on fuel filter's gasket had warped some how. One side was sticking up about 1cm and it allowed fuel to get through. The replacement cost was only $13 from Autozone. I still don't understand why it warped and why that Mahle filter only lasted like 6 months. But it doesn't leak period so I am a happy camper again

Tanks