Faux Vows, True Desires

Lucinda's phone buzzed. Tugging it out, she saw her mom was calling. With a wry smile, she said to Stefan, "Mom's about to give me another lecture. Must be that weirdo ratting me out."

Ever since her mom started setting her up on blind dates, almost every one ended with the guy complaining about her.

It wasn't like she was too picky, she just wasn't willing to lower her standards. Marriage is a lifetime deal. If she ended up with a weirdo and had to bring home the bacon and be a full-time housemaid, she'd rather stay single.

Stefan chuckled, "You can try explaining it to her."

Lucinda complained, "My mom doesn't give a darn about my explanations."

Still, she picked up the call.

As soon as she answered, her mom started lecturing, "Lucinda, haven't I told you countless times, you're already 24! If you don't act quickly, all the good guys will be snatched up by younger girls. Being so pick like this, you'll end up regretting it.

"Fabian is a good catch, why were you so rude to him? What happened to your manners? You've really embarrassed me. I never taught you to throw cups at people. Fabian said he'd forgive you if you apologize.

"Olivia is two years younger than you and she's already married into a wealthy family. I'm not asking you to marry a rich guy, just find a suitable man and settle down so I can stop worrying."

Lucinda waited till her mom finished before responding helplessly, "Mom, I'm only 24, still in the prime of my youth. My brother is already 29, but why aren't you nagging him?" Her mom snapped back, "He's a tough nut to crack."

Fabian is, it's a long story. I'll tell you when I have time. And you want me to apologize to him? I'd rather

she's just someone's mistress. You think I'm clueless? That guy is old enough to be her dad and

she covered the phone to ask Stefan in a whisper,

are the richest family in Pinehurst. They own Ascend

you can't get married, I'll support you for life. I won't allow you to be anyone's mistress." After angrily retorting, her mom quickly added, "Tomorrow's Saturday, close your shop and come home. There's a new guy I want you

not giving me a

a fortune telling for you. The fortune teller said if you don't get married this year, you'll never find

Don't

the future's hard to

glanced at him, he quickly feigned a cough. After hanging up, Lucinda slumped onto the table, looking utterly dejected. "Stefan, how

blinked and gave him a once-over. Stefan was incredibly handsome, with a refined air and gentle personality. All things considered, Lucinda would give him a high evaluation. After a thought, Lucinda blurted out, "Stefan, are you the same

same age as your

married? You're already 29, how come you don't have

not having a girlfriend..." He looked at Lucinda, and said softly, "Maybe I haven't met the one

a few minutes, then finally decided to test the waters, "Stefan, can... can I

surprised face, Lucinda quickly added, "Don't worry, I'll pay you a sufficient compensation. I won't interfere with your personal life, we can sign a contract. When you turn