Faux Vows, True Desires

After the meal, Lucinda's parents gently suggested she head to her room and get some rest. She had a feeling they wanted some privacy, probably to discuss matters between themselves.

After settling into her room, she listened intently for any sound outside. Once she heard the familiar footsteps of her parents, hinting they were retiring for the night, she couldn't resist the urge to find out more. Stealthily, she made her way to their door, trying to catch any snippet of their conversation.

But despite her best efforts, the door muffled their voices, and she couldn't discern a single word. Was she just being overly paranoid? Frustrated and out of options, Lucinda retreated back to her room. Tossing and turning on her bed, her mind remained restless. To distract herself, she grabbed her phone and decided to text Stefan.

Being too lazy to type, Stefan called her directly.

"Honey, I miss you."

Lucinda couldn't help but chuckle.

He started the conversation with such a sweet line that she almost couldn't resist him.

"We've only been apart for a few hours and you're already missing me?"

"I miss you every moment you're not with me. You know, I've been missing you for eleven years, and only now have I finally got you."

Lucinda said, "I was only thirteen back then, you're such a bad boy."

"I was just waiting for you to grow up, even letting you date George, giving you enough freedom."

Stefan admitted he noticed her quite early on, which wasn't right.

But he didn't confess his feelings to her at that time.

He just silently waited for her to grow up.

For eleven years, he'd remained steadfast, never straying or allowing any other woman close. Ruby was the lone exception, due to their shared history and mistaken perceptions. His record was spotless, free of any scandalous whisper.

However, she had genuinely been involved with George. If Stefan hadn't been vigilantly keeping tabs, George might have wooed her.

Hearing his words, Lucinda laughed softly. "After going through your album, I've come to see things in a different light."

With a hint of playfulness in his voice, Stefan queried, "And what did you glean from it? That my feelings for you have always been genuine and that we've shared a connection since we were kids?" "No, I realized why no boys chased after me even though I'm pretty. It turns out you've been sabotaging me behind my back."

"I was the one who proposed to George to start dating. During our relationship, George might not be a good person, but he didn't end up with me. You were sabotaging me there too, weren't you?" Stefan praised, "My wife is so smart, just like me."

In other words, he indirectly admitted he indeed had been sabotaging her.

to snatch the woman

did was quietly scare off many

"How can I be like you? You're not my dad. You

smart, and since you're my wife, you're bound to become as smart as I

Lucinda burst into laughter.

just

you

If I missed you, I wouldn't

and said pitifully,

I just need some time to

isn't just bound by a paper; it's till death do us part. If you ever wish to live without me, it'll only be if I'm

you to say such things." Lucinda immediately retorted. "Stefan, did you hear me? You're not allowed to say such things

you're going to boss me around, then I

too big... just kidding, I know you don't want a divorce, I won't get a divorce even if my mom advises me to break up with you." Stefan was still nervous, "After you go home, will your mom keep criticizing

had once harshly criticized him, saying he didn't

proved to Lucinda with his actions that he was good

that naggy. She

were just looking

or that she might not adapt to the lifestyle of a

mother advised her to divorce

"Stefan."

"I'm here."

my mom the question

gently asked, "What was

"My mom was stunned."

was a silence from

say

you want to search for your biological parents? I can help

biological parents, it doesn't mean you need to leave your current parents. You just need to confirm whether you were abandoned by your

bring a peace of mind to

dream who cried her heart out after losing her child, her heart still ached when she thought

look for them

her emotional turmoil was driven by

only begun to manifest now, after two decades of silence? The

parents. But there are so many people in the world, it might be hard to find them. You shouldn't let this matter affect your mood too much."