Faux Vows, True Desires

Ike bailed out right after dinner, not wanting to stick around any longer. He felt relieved seeing his old buddy being so caring towards his sister. But the PDA between the two was just too much for him to handle so he decided to leave.

Eric followed suit and left with Ike. He joined them for dinner mainly to see what kind of woman could have his brother so smitten.

His first impression of her was that she was stunning, but he couldn't find any other merits yet. Nevertheless, if his brother chose a girlfriend, she must be a decent woman.

Stefan was the last one to finish eating, as he had been peeling shrimp for Lucinda. When he put down his fork, someone handed him some napkins.

It was Lucinda who passed them over. He didn't take them, instead, he stared deeply into her eyes.

Lucinda quickly got the hint. She leaned over and carefully wiped the oil stains around his mouth with the napkin.

The next moment, she felt a kiss on her lips. The man had the audacity to steal a kiss when they were too close.

Lucinda immediately pushed him away. "Stefan, can you behave?"

Stefan chuckled, "Being too serious with my own wife isn't a good thing, you know."

Lucinda blushed. This man, he was one way in public and another in private. But she liked him just the way he was.

"Lucy, what do you think of the food here?"

"It's excellent, really good." Lucinda got up as she spoke, "Let's go, you probably have to go to work."

Stefan checked the time, "I'm already late. I'll skip work today, Lucy. Let me show you around."

Lucinda: "As the CEO of Ascend Global, how could you do that?"

Stefan stood up and pulled her up, leading her towards the exit. "I've already delegated the important work to Charles. Don't worry, Ascend Global won't collapse without me. The success of Ascend Global isn't just my achievement. I was just lucky to be born into the Anderson family and become the heir."

Since he said so, Lucinda stopped arguing.

were leaving the hotel, Lucinda got a call

"It's my mom."

signaling him

helpless. What had he done wrong? His mother-in-law

"Mom."

call and sweetly

trying to butter me up because you did something

I didn't. Don't you know what kind of person I am? How could I possibly do anything wrong? I just missed you, that's

it weren't for me pushing you to come home, you'd probably be out all year. If you really miss me, you can come home anytime." She

you want to talk to me about? Now that I'm married, please

call you

you can mom. What's

"Where are you?"

"I'm at work."

"Lucinda, I'll give you a minute to decide whether to

I'm telling the

about anything in the store, being an irresponsible owner. Without hard work, when will your café make up for

"Mom, I didn't..."

for his wife, "This morning, there was a sudden heavy rain. Lucy delivered takeout to my office. Due to the heavy

take his wife for a ride

fun. No rush to come back. I'll look after

She really liked Stefan.

"Thank you."

Stefan thanked her gently.

were together, she hung up with peace of mind. Cecilia brought a plate of fruit over and put it in

you. Cecilia, will my presence

customers in the café,