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."

punching bag? The scapegoat? It's so unfair, mom. You have no idea how weird 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 stay single than be his

I'm clueless? That guy is old enough to be her dad and he's not even that rich, he just owns a couple of rental properties. The richest

covered the phone to ask Stefan in a whisper,

Stefan answered, "The Andersons are the richest family in Pinehurst.

you want me to be a mistress too?" "Absolutely not! If 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 to

groaned, "Mom, you're not giving

The fortune teller said if you don't get married this year, you'll never find true love, and you'll be alone forever." Lucinda was shocked that her mom's actually buying into fortune

listening? Don't make me waste

can only predict past events, the future's hard to pin down. If he's really that magical, ask him for tomorrow's lottery numbers. I'd bet all my money

at their conversation. When Lucinda glanced at him, he quickly feigned a cough. After hanging up, Lucinda slumped onto the table, looking utterly dejected. "Stefan, how much longer do I have to

amused eyes, she 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

age as your brother, 29, single, no

you about getting married? You're

told my parents I'd consider getting married when I'm 30. As for not having a girlfriend..." He looked at Lucinda, and said softly, "Maybe I haven't met the

a few minutes, then finally decided to test the

Stefan's surprised face, Lucinda quickly added, "Don't worry, I'll pay you a sufficient compensation. I won't interfere with your personal life,