Faux Vows, True Desires

Stefan had just got off the car when he was suddenly punched by Ike out of nowhere, but he didn't lose his cool. He grabbed the hand Ike used to yank his collar and said in a low voice, "Ike, can you let go?" Lucinda rushed over, pulling Ike away, "Ike, is this how you treat guests? It's Stefan's first time at our place, he's been on the road for so long, hasn't even stepped foot in the door and you've already punched him. Do you hate him that much?"

Ike said, "...Lucinda, you're defending him so much. What has Stefan done to you that you'd even marry him? Do you really know him? Do you know his past?" His own sister was marrying his college buddy.

Ike felt very uncomfortable. "We've known each other for eleven years, how could I not know him? Plus, he was your classmate, right? What secrets could he have?"

Ike said, "... You've grown up, you're all grown up. Why have you become so stubborn?"

Lucinda went silent.

Her brother's reaction was a bit over the top.

In the past, Ike and Stefan were on good terms. Every time school was out, they'd go home together.

"Ike!"

Lucinda's mom, Fiona, also came out.

With her booming voice, Ike involuntarily cringed, but still managed to shoot Stefan a nasty look before turning around to go inside.

Following Fiona was Vincent, Lucinda's dad.

Fiona turned to Stefan.

She hadn't seen Stefan since he graduated from university.

After a few years, meeting again, the once shy and polite boy had suddenly become her son-in-law.

Fiona took a good look at Stefan.

Then, she put on a polite smile and said to Stefan, "Stefan, long time no see, you must be tired from the long ride. Come inside and rest." She nudged her husband subtly, signaling him to lead Stefan inside.

"Mom, Dad, sorry to bother you so late."

As soon as Stefan spoke, he directly addressed Lucinda's parents as mom and dad, catching everyone off guard.

furrowed his eyebrows, not

aback for a second and then laughed, "I'm the one who called you guys

Stefan unload many gifts from the car, Fiona said, "Why did you bring so much stuff, it's

Now I've brought you a son-in-law, we're just short of a daughter-in-law." Fiona gave her a stern

stuck out

forward to help Stefan with the

They went inside first.

back by

"Mom, what's up?"

pretended to be

dare to ask, did you really register to

already tell you guys? Would I

Fiona was stunned.

married, she didn't expect her

men you arranged for me. He's the

in college, and you've known him for a

and lived in Diamond Ridge Estates before we got married. The rent there is crazy high. He must have a

married. I'm really envious of him." And with that, Fiona gave her a light smack on the head. Fiona said unhappily, "Women age fast. I just want you to find a better man while you're still young and beautiful. What's wrong with

quite eligible. By the way, where does his

her mom's

Pinehurst. He's living

dismissive answer left

can't keep Stefan waiting for too

would keep asking, Lucinda quickly grabbed her hand and

sitting on a single sofa, facing four people sitting on the

were

empty, not even

why didn't you get

brother as soon

next to Stefan.