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.

downed his in

of sips and didn't drink anymore. She was always on guard around Owen, afraid that

downing three glasses in a row, Owen set his

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

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

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 would join forces and very few could withstand the

was one of the

can help you, but I need

Ruby's beautiful face. His voice was low, "Investigating matters involving Stefan requires a lot of resources and caution. The risks are also high. Without a reward, I feel

you work for free. Name your price, and I'll

her phone, ready

money, and I don't want

was still one of the top five families and not to

want? I'll

focusing on Ruby's

feeling a bit nervous under his gaze, guessed his intentions. Just as she was about to speak, he beat her to it, "I just want a kiss from you, a

not." Owen smiled. "What, not willing to pay the

you to sleep with

not going to force her. He was waiting

could press

Especially when she wanted to pursue Stefan, she often