Faux Vows, True Desires

"Lucinda, just order whatever you want," Stefan whispered in her ear, leaning in close. "Don't worry, I can cover the bill." He even gave a playful puff of breath. Lucinda instinctively edged away, looking at him. He seemed serious, so she didn't realize he was flirting with her.

"Stefan, I can't decide what to eat. You pick," Lucinda handed the menu to Stefan.

Stefan knew she was intimidated by the prices, so he dropped the gentleman act and ordered a few signature dishes from the Anderson Hotel.

Lucinda was the future lady of the Anderson Hotel, so naturally, she should sample their star dishes.

Suddenly, Lucinda's phone rang.

Pulling it out of her pocket, she saw the caller ID and couldn't help but gripe to her husband, "It's my mom again. She's definitely reminding me about the blind date tomorrow. I've been on blind dates every day I've practically met all the young guys around here! My mom won't give me a break!"

Despite her grumbling, Lucinda picked up the call.

"Mom," Lucinda sweetly said before her mom could even speak, "I'll definitely come home tomorrow, you don't need to remind me."

"Well, at least you know your own situation."

"But mom, could you tell the matchmaker to call off the date tomorrow? I don't want to go on a date with him!"

After hearing her daughter out, Fiona asked directly, "Lucinda, your brother is back. He says you're already married. Is that true? To that young man who's your brother's classmate, Stefan?" Lucinda was unsurprised by her brother spilling the beans early to their parents.

Earlier today, she was still on a blind date, and now she's suddenly saying she's married. Such shocking news, of course her brother would tell their parents.

"Yeah," Lucinda admitted honestly.

She thought to herself: If it wasn't for my mom setting up dozens of blind dates for me each month, driving me mad, I wouldn't have paid Stefan to pretend to be my husband. "What are you doing now?"

"About to have dinner."

"In a restaurant or at home?"

"Stefan's treating me to dinner. We're at the hotel."

then commanded, "Come home as

I bring Stefan

"Of course!"

that, Fiona

a sigh of relief and

over the phone, she could feel her

afraid her mom might

We might be interrogated tonight. You need to stick to the story and not spill

but when she did something wrong, her mom would unleash

home tonight or tomorrow, it's inevitable. Don't worry, I'll

of a few things, and only when he agreed

now. I'll call a

from the table, sending a message to his chauffeur to bring a cheaper car and

can't come empty-handed. I'll message my friend now to buy some gifts. Once we finish dinner, we can just grab the

"Stefan, I'll pay

was rented by her, and only charged her $500 a month. Given his status, this

Lucinda knew this.

was willing to be rented by her mainly because her

given her, she couldn't let him bear

looked puzzled, he laughed, a comforting laughter. Lucinda thought to herself: A one-year contract might be too

was doing too well, she was afraid she might

when you have the money,"

Emma to follow his requests and no need to

he asked Emma to prepare the gifts for the parents

were too pricey, he worried Lucinda's

too cheap, he feared Lucinda's mother would think him

receiving Stefan's message, Emma immediately drove to prepare the

Emma was

and Lucinda finished dinner and exited the hotel, Emma was already