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.

family. If you were to compare backgrounds, they wouldn't even match up to Lucinda's family. The Moore's owned an orchard, which provided a decent income

ducks and had contracts with several hotels, so

Cecilia's brother,

any

I really that bad?" Owen asked, feeling

would choose anyone

with Ruby's preference for Stefan, acknowledging his superiority. However, Becca's rejection of him as a

Owen. He was undeniably handsome, and as

we're

Earth? Are you from

Cecilia was speechless.

at her deeply and said, "No wonder you and Lucinda are good friends. You're the same

and Ruby are the same type. Mr. Martinez,

commit a more serious crime. We'll see. With your help, she'll sooner or later get herself into

"Enough!"

yelled,

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

all the cash he had,

for your medical bills on behalf of Ruby. She's been punished, and when she gets out, she won't

with you and

sure likes 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 to forgive her, do you think I'd want to talk to

Owen remained silent.

see her,

had heard her hand was badly swollen, and for