Faux Vows, True Desires

After Stefan left, Cecilia turned to her friend and asked, "Lucinda, is he really your husband? When did you guys get hitched? How come I never heard anything about it?"

"But, your hubby was such a badass just now. He's a whole lot better than that jerk George."

Lucinda went back to the cash register and took a seat.

Cecilia followed suit.

"We just came from the City Hall, actually, he is..."

Leaning close to her friend's ear, Lucinda whispered, "My mom keeps setting me up for blind dates and it's driving me nuts. So I hired Stefan to play my husband and fool my mom, just so I can get some peace."

Cecilia was flabbergasted, "Hired? You hired a husband and actually got married at City Hall?"

"Stefan thought it was best to go all in. He's a looker and an old college buddy of my brother's. I've known him for 11 years, so it's not like I'm losing anything by marrying him. So, off we went to City Hall." Cecilia poked Lucinda's forehead a few times while whispering, "You're out of your mind! Aren't you afraid he'll take advantage of you? Looks can be deceiving, you've known him for 11 years, but do you really know him?"

"Not really, but he's still a familiar face."

Cecilia said, "I hope you won't end up getting screwed over."

She left the cash register area, "I need a moment to process. Your madness is giving me the creeps."

Lucinda just shrugged.

Was a rushed marriage really that scary?

"Ding, ding, ding--"

A new message popped up on Lucinda's phone.

It was from Stefan, telling her he was on his way to terminate his lease and would be back before dinner to take her out and celebrate their "marriage".

Lucinda chuckled.

It's not like they were really getting married. What was there to celebrate?

But she didn't reject Stefan's arrangement.

Diamond Ridge Estates was a community featuring both high-rise buildings and villas, boasting a beautiful environment and convenient transportation.

The villa that Stefan lived in was one of many he owned. Since it was close to his company, he usually stayed there.

real home was the Anderson Manor, the most famous mansion in Pinehurst, also known as the Ascend Estate. Built to mirror the beauty of Norwegian forests, it was a sight for sore eyes. But it was far from the hustle and bustle of the city, requiring more than an hour's drive from

Estate was top-notch. Without the consent of an

a maze. Once

pulled up to his villa and honked. Soon, a

"Young Master."

she asked with a smile, "Young

her question, "Emma, I'm back to grab some clothes. I

"are you going on a business trip

was managed by other members of his family, there were

"No."

are

his newly married status, Stefan was in high spirits and didn't mind chatting,

burst out laughing, "Young Master, don't joke around.

chuckled and

his room, browsing through his wardrobe but finding

around, he walked

"Emma."

quickly appeared

get Laird

gardener responsible for his garden, around the same age

"Okay."

to find Laird. In less than two

Stefan was already downstairs.

Master, you

have any new

"I bought a couple of new outfits online a few days

getting covered in dirt, so he didn't need to wear anything too

did they cost? I'll wire

"Huh?"

seriously questioning his

Emma was

cheap stuff I bought

the

I need them right now. Don't worry, I'll pay you.

"But..."

didn't know what the young master was thinking, but she was used to obeying him, so she told Laird, "If the young master wants you to

over the two new outfits he'd bought online to