Faux Vows, True Desires

"Honk honk--"

The car across gave a couple of honks.

Ruby decided to give up chasing Stefan and retreated.

She reversed all the way to the end of the alley before she had enough space to turn the car around. Parking on the side, she grabbed her bag from the passenger seat, pulled out her mobile and dialed Owen. Owen picked up so quickly that Ruby wondered if he had been waiting for her call.

"Ruby, what's up? Wanna grab dinner? I can pick you up," Owen's proposal took Ruby by surprise.

Even though Ruby hadn't given up on Stefan, Owen was over the moon that she reached out to him.

He believed that one day, Ruby would choose him.

He was the perfect match for her.

He could give her the happiness she desired.

He thought Stefan was nuts for still not having any romantic feelings at almost 30. Ruby wanted to develop a relationship with Stefan, but he seemed unresponsive and distant. Owen thought to himself that if Ruby wanted to be with him, he would not reject her but would be extremely happy.

"I..." Ruby was a bit confused.

Was she taking advantage of Owen by asking for his help?

"Ruby, do you need my help with something?" Owen guessed what Ruby was thinking.

Ruby was always like this, reaching out when she needed him, but cold when she didn't.

him first when she was in trouble meant

have dinner. You treated me last time, now it's

I'll come pick you

to your family's

intended to discuss the matter with him

Stefan and that woman

were going to Pinehurst Hotel, a Martinez family property, which Stefan was

Global owned a few five-star hotels. Stefan had no need to go to

safe,"

rage, and then took out a compact mirror to touch

out a small exquisite brocade box from her bag, inside was

needed to cheer him up since she was going to meet Owen and ask for

and put on

watch she had intended to gift Stefan, which he rejected, could now

anything she

folders in his bedside drawer, filled not with photos, but her previous artwork, all

were all given to Stefan and the Anderson family. When Stefan was young and they were just innocent friends, he would

older and realized the feelings between a man and a

of her gifts at Stefan's place. When she asked him about it, he

Owen cherished her gifts. Even a blade of grass would be preserved as a

moment, Ruby thought about giving up on Stefan and

family's status also being above Owen's, she had to choose the best if she were to get married. The title of the Anderson family's mistress was something she

felt towards Owen was once again suppressed

...