Faux Vows, True Desires

The whole time, Ike was basically a mute. Anything his little sis could handle, he didn't need to butt in.

Even though their family doted on her, they never spoiled her rotten. They were always there for her, trying to help her grow into a strong, independent woman. But just as she was starting to blossom, she got all starry-eyed for Stefan.

"I'm gonna change."

Ike gently tousled her hair and said softly, "Go ahead."

Lucinda wasn't bothered by Mrs. Mitchell's comment about her looking nothing like her brother.

When Lucinda went into the apartment complex, Ike fell into deep thought. The whole family knew Lucinda wasn't their biological daughter. His real sister got sick when she was just a few months old and didn't make it. Everyone was heartbroken, especially their mom, who cried every day.

Dad's attempts to comfort her were useless. Then one day, Dad brought home Lucinda, a child he said he found.

She was dressed in nice clothes and wore a gold necklace. His real sister's name was Lucinda, so they gave the orphan that name.

Lucinda wore that gold necklace for years. After she started school, she stopped wearing it and it was now kept safely by their mom.

Lucinda had been part of the Moore family for nearly 24 years and was as much a part of the family as anyone else. As for the fact that Lucinda didn't resemble them, their mother told a white lie, saying she took after her grandmother, not them. Their grandmother had passed away a long time ago; Ike didn't even have any memory of her. So, Lucinda didn't pay much attention to comments about her not looking like them.

Lucinda quickly finished changing.

Ike watched as his sister slowly approached him. Even in a plain long dress, she was a natural beauty. The thought of his sweet sister being with Stefan made him feel blue.

"Ike."

ran over happily, a sweet smile on her beautiful face. Her dark eyes

put on a light makeup, probably for Stefan. In the past, she rarely put on

boys too easily. In no time at all, Stefan had his sister wrapped

"Let's leave. I'm starving."

forehead and said, "That's what you get for sleeping in his lounge till now. It's late and you must be famished. I thought Stefan and I were having such a great chat he forgot to eat, but he was actually waiting for you

chuckled and

today because of the rain, that's why I fell asleep so easily. I'm sorry for making you starve. Once I get my paycheck, I'll treat you

indulgently patted her forehead again, "I think you're trying to sabotage me. Eating heavy at night can make people fat. Are you trying to make

you're not getting any younger. You're turning thirty next year. If you don't find a partner soon, people

his thirties was still young.

and laughed all the way to

was waiting outside the hotel

the car, Stefan came over. He gallantly helped Lucinda open the car door, intending to

walk just fine. I

dodge Stefan's hand, but he ended up lifting her out

because the stranger was grinning at her. Ike looked puzzled as Stefan held his sister and didn't let go. Was he being

Ike called

Lucinda down. Then he whispered,

gently scolded him. His affectionate gaze

walked over and pulled his sister

also approached, joking, "Ike, are you afraid my brother

was Stefan's brother. He had many brothers, which one was this? She eyed the stranger. He looked