Faux Vows, True Desires

George wouldn't dare to call Lucinda "Lucy" anymore. The man had a grip that made George's wrist ache, and he could still feel it even now. Stefan chuckled coldly, and George's face turned beet-red. Stefan's scornful laugh was even more unbearable than direct mockery.

"Mr. Mitchell, you might wanna look in a mirror. Compared to me, your looks do fall a bit short. The term 'kept man' seems quite suitable for you." George was even more speechless.

Lucinda couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Stefan shot her a glance and she quickly covered her mouth, stifling her laughter.

George couldn't accept that Stefan had stolen his ex. He and Lucinda had four years of history together. He believed that Lucinda still had feelings for him. Standing tall, George challenged Stefan, "Can you provide a good life for Lucinda? Judging by your outfit, I doubt you even make 500 bucks a month. I've heard Lucinda has tens of thousands of dollars in debt. I can help her out right now. Can you?" Stefan didn't directly say how much he made, instead, he turned around and left.

The intrigued onlookers were a bit disappointed to see Stefan leave without putting up a fight against George.

Even Cecilia couldn't help but ask Lucinda, "How much does he make a month?"

Lucinda shook her head, whispering, "I don't know. He works at Ascend Global and lives in Diamond Ridge Estates. His rent and utilities alone are over five thousand dollars a month."

Who in their right mind would think that a resident of Diamond Ridge Estates makes only 500 bucks a month?

Cecilia tilted her head and looked at Lucinda. Didn't that gentleman say Lucinda was his wife? And Lucinda doesn't even know how much her own husband makes?

Cecilia fell silent when she realized that she spends every day with Lucinda and didn't even know she was married.

"Lucinda, he can't even help you pay off your debt, but I can. Can we start over? If you give me another chance, I'll pay off your debt right now."

your current girlfriend will find out you're helping me pay

this man, relying on the benefits gained from climbing social ladders, dares to show off in

and whispered to Lucinda, "Lucinda, can

time. Please leave, Mr. Mitchell.

say something, Stefan walked back in and whatever George was about

back carrying a box.

people who were about to leave, quickly returned to their seats, ordered more coffee and cakes, and prepared to

said, "Stefan, you don't need to stoop to

at her, his gaze deep, making it hard for Lucinda to read

you." If he didn't stand up for Lucinda, people would ridicule her for choosing a husband who barely made 500 bucks a month.

"But

replied, "...Okay, Stefan, go ahead. I'm

in with the box, a smug and scornful smile on his face. "I knew it. You dare to compete with me for

he could finish, George was cut off as Stefan threw the box at his feet, startling George who jumped up in

couldn't help but

but he didn't dare to actually do it. Stefan's grip on his wrist had made it clear

Stefan ordered.

wanted to argue, but under Stefan's intense gaze, he found himself unable to come up with a retort. He

quiet you could hear a

was a box full of cash. All new bills, bundled up. The

stared at the box of cash, wondering if it was