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.

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 during harvest

had contracts with several hotels, so they never worried

Cecilia's brother, Ike was more

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

really that bad?" Owen

choose

for Stefan, acknowledging his superiority. However, Becca's rejection of him

Owen. He was undeniably handsome, and as the CEO

great. But we're from

from Earth? Are you from

Cecilia was speechless.

what Cecilia meant. He looked at her deeply and said, "No wonder you and Lucinda are good friends. You're the

You and Ruby are the same type. Mr. Martinez, I

the shop and hurt people, 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

"Enough!"

yelled, startling

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

the cash

on behalf of Ruby. She's been punished, and when she gets out, she won't owe

no business with you and Ruby," Owen said

Ruby hadn't wrecked my shop and hurt me, and you hadn't come

Owen remained silent.

to see her, not for

swollen, and for