Faux Vows, True Desires

Owen was gazing at Cecilia, whose hand he held. Her hand was soft and smooth, with slender fingers that must be just as soft to the touch. Unlike Ruby, she didn't maintain long nails or wear nail polish. Her fingers were in their natural state.

"Owen, you're here to get back at me, aren't you?"

Cecilia let go of Owen's hand, anger burning in her eyes as if she could incinerate him with it.

"Why did you tell my mom those things? Don't you know she's been hassling me about blind dates? Lucinda is already married, and my mom is getting anxious about my marital status."

Owen couldn't help but laugh. "I didn't know your mom was pushing for blind dates. I just got here. I told her the truth, proving I'm an honest guy."

His words made Cecilia feel sick.

"If you're considered honest, then there are no sly people in this world."

Seeing her still angry, Owen asked, "So what if I told your mom I was your boyfriend? I admit I paid you to act as my girlfriend. But didn't you accept the money?"

"So what if I told your mom? Is she going to dislike you because we had a thing? Maybe she's secretly happy, thinking her daughter's going to marry a rich man and live happily ever after." "My mom wouldn't think like that."

Cecilia defended her mother, "My mom isn't greedy for money. All she wants is for me and my brother to live a healthy, happy life."

"She would never pick you as a son-in-law."

And that was the truth.

Cecilia and Lucinda bonded deeply, given their shared personalities and family values. Becca and Fiona, on the other hand, often connected over phone conversations about their children. When Fiona visited the city, Cecilia's mother would often join her for shopping trips and meals.

Upon discovering the identity of her son-in-law, Fiona fervently advised her daughter to end the marriage. Cecilia's mother echoed these sentiments, hesitant about her daughter joining a wealthy family. They both understood societal expectations and believed that in a marriage, a woman shouldn't be undermined. Either she should come from a formidable family, or she should possess personal strength and resilience.

ordinary family. If you were to compare backgrounds, they wouldn't even match up to Lucinda's family. The Moore's owned

and ducks and had contracts with several hotels, so they never

Cecilia's brother, Ike was

Moore family didn't want to have any involvement with rich families,

that bad?"

would choose

with Ruby's preference for Stefan, acknowledging his superiority. However, Becca's rejection of him as a potential son-in-law stung his ego. He couldn't help but wonder what was

Owen. He was undeniably handsome, and as the CEO of the Ikella Group, he

great. But we're

from Earth? Are

Cecilia was speechless.

deeply and said, "No wonder you

same type.

tomorrow she might commit a more serious crime. We'll see. With your help, she'll sooner or later get herself into big trouble. Something you can't fix, and might even harm

"Enough!"

yelled, startling

I do? Are you trying to lecture me? So what if I like helping

out his wallet, pulled out all the cash he had, and threw it at

been punished, and when she gets out,

business with you and

making excuses for himself. I don't want to deal with your business. If Ruby hadn't wrecked my shop and hurt me, and you hadn't come to ask me

Owen remained silent.

to see

and