Faux Vows, True Desires

"He ain't even drunk anymore, why's he still knockin' back lemonade?"

Cecilia grumbled, but did as he asked anyway.

He'd got a cold, probably 'cause he'd been drinking too much. Plus she did dunk a bucket of ice water over him.

Just as Cecilia headed to the kitchen, Lucinda gave her a call.

"Cecilia, you okay? Did Owen do something to you? How did his people find you?"

Lucinda and Stefan had returned to the store, only to find Cecilia was gone. After asking her mom, they found out Cecilia had left with some of Owen's people. She was worried about her friend, so she called her up. Luckily, Cecilia picked up, which meant she was okay. At least she was free to move and answer the phone.

"I'm okay."

Cecilia replied in a low voice. "It's a long story. Basically, I pissed off Owen and now he's getting back at me."

"What'd he do? Should I call the cops? I can get Stefan to come over with me."

Lucinda didn't know where Owen lived, but Stefan definitely would.

"Lucinda, no need. Owen didn't do anything. I just dumped a bucket of ice water on him and he's got a cold now. His retaliation is making me do household chores for a few days and taking care of him while he's sick, and I can't leave until he's better."

Cecilia let her friend know about Owen's retaliatory behavior.

the cafe these days. I'll leave things there to you. Also, about my family. I'll tell them I'm super busy and I'm staying at your place for a while to make it

you getting involved with Owen, and dump ice water

me explain when I get back. You don't need to come help me. In fact, I should take responsibility for Owen's

"You sure you don't need me to

just stir up more trouble between me and

Owen hurts you, you must call the police

worry, I'll take care of myself." Cecilia

come over. Although Lucinda agreed verbally, she asked Stefan after hanging up, "Do you know where Owen lives?

won't hurt Cecilia. He just wants her to take care of him. You don't need to worry about her. It's her responsibility that Owen's sick, and she's willing to take it. We don't need to interfere. If we bring Cecilia

anything else to her. After all, the woman he truly loved was Ruby. No other woman could catch his eye. Persuaded by Stefan, Lucinda reluctantly gave up

softly, "I'll have someone check

Lucinda nodded.

had happened and went back to Fiona. "Mom, are you planning to

looked at the small

don't you want your

going to take care of

days off from taking care of the family all year round? Without

only said two sentences, and her mom rebutted her with

squeezed some juice for you. It's hot, you can drink

speaking was Stefan. He really did squeeze some orange

juice from Stefan and praised him, "Stefan is considerate and thoughtful, unlike Lucinda, who only