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."

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

enough to be her dad and

in a

richest family in Pinehurst. They own Ascend Global,

you're jealous? Do 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

you're not giving me a break,

do a fortune telling for you. The fortune teller said if you don't get married this

are you listening? Don't make me waste my

But, most fortune tellers can only predict past events, the future's

up, Lucinda slumped onto the table, looking utterly dejected. "Stefan, how much longer do I have to endure this? Now every

sat back up, ready to vent about her mom to Stefan. Seeing Stefan's 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 blurted out, "Stefan, are you the same age as my brother? Are you

the same age as your brother,

getting married?

not having a girlfriend..." He looked at Lucinda, and said softly,

studied Stefan for a while, hesitated a few minutes, then finally decided to test the waters, "Stefan, can... can I ask you to

"Don't worry, I'll pay you a sufficient compensation. I won't interfere with your personal life,