Faux Vows, True Desires

The guy glanced at Stefan, noticed that Stefan didn't object to him shaking hands with Lucinda, so he extended his right hand to Lucinda and introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Gabriel Turner. I'm a good buddy of Stefan's."

Lucinda replied with a smile, "Mr. Turner, you can call me Lucinda."-

As Gabriel welcomed them inside, he said to Stefan, "Never thought I'd get the chance to do this for you, I'm so happy. I figured once Ruby Scott was out of the picture, you'd be a lone wolf." Lucinda tuned into their conversation. Ruby? Was that Stefan's ex-girlfriend? Why hadn't he ever mentioned having a girlfriend before?

Before Stefan could say anything, Gabriel, aware of Lucinda's presence, quickly explained, "Don't get it twisted. Stefan and Ruby go way back. They grew up together, and Ruby moved abroad ten years ago and rarely comes back."

Lucinda generously laughed it off, "I don't mind."

She only hired Stefan to play her husband to dodge her mom's constant matchmaking and hopefully restore her peaceful life. Whether Stefan had a girlfriend in the past or now, she didn't care at all. If a catch like Stefan didn't have any women falling for him, she'd find it weird.

Seeing that Lucinda genuinely didn't care, Gabriel breathed a sigh of relief, scolding himself for running his mouth about Ruby.

In their circle, everyone knew Ruby and Stefan were childhood sweethearts. Ruby had been smitten with Stefan since they were kids, and everyone thought they'd end up together. But ten years ago, Ruby suddenly left the country, and no one knew why. They'd asked Ruby, who wouldn't spill the beans, and Stefan, who only said that Ruby had her own life and it had nothing to do with him.

When Gabriel mentioned Ruby, Stefan first looked at Lucinda, a bit of anxiety flashing in his eyes. But Lucinda wasn't focusing on him and missed his look. Seeing that Lucinda didn't mind, Stefan also breathed a sigh of relief, then shot Gabriel a glare, warning him with his eyes to shut his mouth.

Gabriel gave an awkward laugh, knowing he had said something she shouldn't and hoping Stefan would let it slide. Afterwards, Gabriel, although curious about when Stefan and Lucinda had gotten together, didn't pry further, afraid he might blurt out something he shouldn't.

Stefan was already 29 and hadn't been in a serious relationship. Ruby liked him, but Stefan never admitted to being in a relationship with her. Their friends thought Stefan was emotionally unavailable, and then out of the blue, he went and registered for marriage.

knew how

witness, Stefan and Lucinda

see the newlyweds out, but Stefan declined his offer. So Gabriel could only say to Lucinda, "Lucinda, you should bring Stefan to visit sometime. My wife would be thrilled to meet with you." Lucinda politely responded,

I won't keep you. See you

he wouldn't see them off, he still walked with them for a bit. When Lucinda wasn't looking, he sneakily

whispered back, "I have to meet the parents tomorrow. I don't

your marriage certificate without meeting the parents first? Was this a spur-of-the-moment

in to get a marriage certificate, and Lucinda didn't even bring her birth certificate. Even with a police station issued certificate, it was clear, they had decided to get their certificate at the

find out

even though he had many questions, Stefan didn't give

asked Lucinda, "Do you want to grab

hearing Stefan's question, she replied without looking up, "Just

marriage certificate, stuffing it into her pocket, and said with a smile, "Stefan, I

couldn't help but smile too,

marriage, Stefan didn't regret it

me Lucinda, you don't

instead he asked, "Can I call you 'wifey' or 'honey' in front of

replied, "Try not to. It sounds kind

"Alright."