Faux Vows, True Desires

"Thanks, Jean."

Owen expressed his thanks to the housekeeper and then, without pausing, headed straight for the main house.

Jean followed, saying as she walked, "Ms. Scott is in the study upstairs; you can go straight up. I'll get you an ice pack." Owen just nodded.

The grand hall on the first floor was empty.

The Scott family was all abroad; only Ruby was back for Stefan.

This reality hit Owen right in the feels.

"Mr. Owen, would you like something to eat?"

Jean asked.

"No need."

Owen declined Jean's offer and went upstairs on his own.

He was a regular at the Scott family's mansion and knew the place like the back of his hand.

When he reached Ruby's study, Owen stood silently for two minutes before knocking on the door.

"Jean, I'm busy."

Ruby assumed it was Jean.

"Ruby, it's me."

Owen responded in a low voice.

The room fell silent, and then the study door was opened, revealing Ruby in her nightgown.

She had just taken a bath and removed her makeup. Her face was bare.

Owen wasn't sure if it was an illusion or due to the lighting, but he thought Ruby looked a bit old.

just a year younger than him, and Stefan was

you here? What

asked Owen with concern, lightly touching his swollen face, "Does it

many people who could

guess

into Owen on purpose to let

her deeply and would definitely take it

Stefan protecting Lucinda, there was a high chance

Owen to get beaten up so badly; his face was all

was there, and we ended up fighting. You know Stefan's good with his fists; I was no match for him and ended up like this." Even though she had guessed Stefan would protect Lucinda, hearing Owen say it like this still made Ruby's

fighter, but

him and

Lucinda. Did he really

her eyes were filled

who dared to take Ruby's man would regret

you knew Stefan was tough. You shouldn't

pained face, touched it lightly again, and gave a helpless smile. "Stefan really crossed the line. He shouldn't have hit your face.

led Owen downstairs

to hold her

immediately

This stung Owen.

much for her and waited so long, hoping she would let go of Stefan and accept his

for Stefan, she

once said that everything Owen did for Ruby was in

Owen's feelings. She

with an ice pack, stopped when she saw them coming down. "Ms. Scott,

give me the ice

pack from

her meaning and

sit. I'll

Ruby's words, Owen's disappointment vanished. He obediently sat down on

Stefan say when you confronted Lucinda? Did he

think she had spilled the beans about Lucinda to Owen, causing