Faux Vows, True Desires

"Owen, you gotta listen to me, don't waste your time on Ruby. She's never gonna be satisfied," Owen's grandpa seriously advised him.

"Think about it, mate. You've given her years of your feelings. What have you got in return?"

"Stefan's tied the knot, but she's still head over heels for him. To her, you're just a means to an end. How could a smart bloke like you get it so wrong in love?"

Owen stayed silent.

He had tried to let go of his love for Ruby.

Every time he tried to walk away, Ruby would come back and act as if nothing happened, showering him with affection and that just...

"Next month, it's my birthday. I wasn't planning on making a big deal of it, but now I think we should throw a big bash at our place. Invite all the big shots from our city, maybe you'll spot someone better for you.' Owen's grandpa believed that the best way to help Owen get over Ruby was to set him up on some dates.

Owen wanted to say something, but his grandpa didn't give him the chance. "If you don't heed my advice, Harry could take the CEO position at the Ikella Group."

Harry Martinez, Owen's cousin, was only eight months younger than him and currently the vice president of the Ikella Group, a right-hand man to Owen.

"Dad, rest assured, we're planning a magnificent birthday celebration for you," Olina chimed in, glancing at Owen to prompt him to reassure their grandfather. The prospect of losing the CEO role to Harry weighed heavily on her; she couldn't bear the thought of being overshadowed in her own family.

In contrast to the Andersons, the Martinez family dynamics were far from seamless. Their relationships were tangled with complexities.

Owen's grandpa had two wives, Shane Martinez and his brother shared the same mother, and he had a younger brother and two sisters from his stepmother.

If it wasn't for Owen's grandpa's favoritism and his capability to take the CEO position, Owen's family would have a hard time in the Martinez family.

Harry was another capable contender in the family.

While the Martinez family appeared united on the outside, internally, they were locked in a power struggle.

Stefan's complaint to Owen's grandfather led to Owen being reprimanded and pushed to marry. All this went on unbeknownst to Lucinda.

After her store faced operational challenges, Lucinda packed her laptop and headed home.

When Stefan called inviting her to lunch, he was disappointed to learn she'd already left.

"Babe, are you upset?"

could tell her man was

sneaked back to her parents'. How could I possibly

just staying at my parents'

this weekend? Aren't you excited

herself, "It's Thursday. I'll be back by Sunday

how he created a starry sky for

mere thought of it was

also be a great material for

you up after

Lucinda was speechless.

can't sleep without

Stefan whispered.

turned red

so sweet to

got home... Come pick me up

me 'hubby' from

"It's just

just love it when you call me

not around anyone right now, are you? Your

this around you. I feel

each

with a soft

front door now. Gotta go, hubby. Focus on your work. I'm jobless now, all depend

worry, you won't starve as long as I'm

call him 'hubby', Stefan

up, he immediately transferred today's pocket

saw the amount Stefan gave her, she

was more than

would hand her between five to ten

it was pocket