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 saying a

"I'm the one who called you

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

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

stuck

to help Stefan

They went inside first.

was held back by her

"Mom, what's up?"

pretended to

to ask, did you really

you guys? Would I trick

Fiona was stunned.

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

Stefan is far better than those so-called high-quality men you arranged for me. He's the real deal." Lucinda

in college, and you've known him for a long time.

is crazy high. He must have a good salary to afford

about getting 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

like he's quite eligible. By the way, where does his family live? How many

mom's questions and forgot her mom would

live in Pinehurst. He's

answer

Stefan waiting

would keep asking, Lucinda quickly grabbed her hand and led her

single sofa, facing four

were

not

didn't you get Stefan a glass of

started complaining about her brother as soon as she

sat next to Stefan. Stefan immediately made