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.

his eyebrows, not

laughed, "I'm the one who called you guys back, no need

said, "Why did you bring so much stuff, it's

always say we're not short of anything except a son-in-law or daughter-in-law. Now I've brought you a son-in-law, we're just short of a daughter-in-law." Fiona gave her a

stuck out her

stepped forward to help Stefan with the

They went inside first.

back by

"Mom, what's up?"

pretended to

you really

already tell you guys?

Fiona was stunned.

pushing her daughter to get married, she didn't expect her to get

you arranged for me. He's the real deal." Lucinda bragged about her

you've known him for a long time. But

Estates before we got married. The rent there is crazy high. He must have a good salary to afford it. Ascend Global is the biggest corporation in Pinehurst, involved in all sorts of industries, a huge and profitable

envious of him." And with that, Fiona gave her a light

works at Ascend Global and can afford to live in Diamond Ridge Estates. Looks like he's quite eligible. By the way, where does his family live? How many are there in his family?" Lucinda was

Stefan would answer her mom's questions and forgot her mom would

in Pinehurst. He's

dismissive answer left Fiona

keep Stefan

that Fiona would keep asking, Lucinda quickly grabbed

on a single sofa,

eyes were

was empty, not even

you get Stefan

brother as soon

Stefan. Stefan immediately made room