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.

eyebrows, not saying

a second and then laughed, "I'm

many gifts from the car, Fiona said, "Why did you bring so much

"Mom, you 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

stuck out her

help Stefan with the

They went inside first.

was held back by

"Mom, what's up?"

to

you really register to

already tell you

Fiona was stunned.

didn't expect her to

far better than those so-called high-quality men you arranged for

known him for a long

said, "Stefan works at Ascend Global and lived in Diamond Ridge Estates before we got married. The rent there is crazy high. He must have a good

really envious of him." And with that, Fiona gave

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

would answer her mom's questions and forgot her

also live in Pinehurst. He's living

dismissive answer

let's go inside. We can't keep Stefan waiting for too long. It's

Lucinda quickly grabbed her hand and led

single sofa, facing four people sitting

eyes were on

not even a glass of

you get Stefan a glass of

started complaining about her brother as soon

sat next to Stefan. Stefan immediately made room