Faux Vows, True Desires

Over in one place, a young couple was getting along pretty well.

But over in another, Ruby was restless. The dinner table was covered with all kinds of delicious food, most of which were her favorites.

Owen saw her lost in thought and put down his fork and knife.

"Owen, what's up?" Ruby, seeing him put down his cutlery, couldn't help but ask, "You're not a fan of the food, are you?"

She glanced over the dishes on the table. Owen had ordered mostly her favorites, but many of them were dishes Owen didn't particularly like.

"Ruby, if something's bothering you, spill it. I'll help however I can, or at least find someone who can," he told her.

After a moment of silence, Ruby grabbed two gift bags and put them in front of Owen. A smile crept onto her pretty face. "Owen, these are a tie and a watch I got for you. Do you like them?"

Owen took the bags, checking out the tie and the watch. Both were high-end brands, but the color of the tie was one Stefan would prefer. He suspected these were meant for Stefan and only given to him because Stefan refused to accept them.

Owen kept his suspicions to himself. Regardless of who they were initially intended for, the fact that they'd ended up in his hands meant they were gifts for him, a token of her affection. With this self-deception, Owen comforted himself and said, "Ruby, I love both the tie and the watch."

Seeing him happily accept her gifts, Ruby relaxed and made her request. "Owen, could you look into something for me? How many of Stefan's college friends have younger sisters? Around 23 or 24 years old, pretty, with big, beautiful eyes, and a friendly demeanor?"

The gifts he just received suddenly lost their charm. The smile on Owen's face gradually disappeared. He didn't flat out decline Ruby's request, nor did he agree to it.

Quietly, he poured a full glass of wine for Ruby, and then one for himself. Setting down the bottle, he picked up his glass and said, "Cheers."

Ruby clinked glasses with him.

his

a couple of sips and didn't drink anymore. She was

row, Owen set his glass

do this for me, it's fine. I won't blame you. It was my fault

I don't know who else to ask. In Pinehurst, you're my best friend. You're the only one who can help me, and the only one capable of doing so." Most detective agencies wouldn't accept a job involving Stefan, fearing they'd offend him, or even the Anderson family, and be unable to survive in

very close and respected and loved each other, treating Stefan, the eldest cousin, as their leader. They held important positions in various fields. If anyone offended Stefan, his brothers

was one of

help you, but I need to

a lot of resources and caution. The risks are also high. Without a reward, I feel like I'm getting the short end of

I won't let you work for free. Name your price, and I'll transfer

she grabbed her phone, ready to make the transfer

money, and

as the Anderson family, it was still

want? I'll

were burning, focusing on Ruby's red

speak, he

Owen smiled. "What, not willing to pay the

you to sleep with me.

force her.

could press her

needed something, she always came to him for help. Especially when she wanted to pursue Stefan, she often