Faux Vows, True Desires

Lucinda jolted awake just as the car was nearing Ascend Estate.

"Awake now, are you?" A soothing voice drifted down from above.

She lifted her head, looking into Stefan's handsome face.

A chuckle escaped from Lucinda. Seeing a guy this good-looking would naturally put anyone in a good mood.

Especially when she got to be held tight by this stud, his eyes full of warmth and affection.

Lucinda's laughter amused Stefan, who lowered his head and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

Lucinda closed her eyes, savoring his kiss.

"Are we there yet?" She opened her eyes and asked him gently.

"Five more minutes" Stefan replied.

Lucinda looked out the window. It was dark outside. Streetlights lined both sides of the road, bright enough to drive without headlights.

"Not a lot of cars on this road," Lucinda commented casually, noticing there were no vehicles ahead or behind them.

Stefan explained with a gentle smile, "This road leads straight to Ascend Estate, our place. So, it's not often used, unless by folks heading to our home."

It all clicked for Lucinda.

This road was also funded by the Anderson family. It was wide and curvy, so the extra width made it safer.

"Can't see much of Ascend Estate due to the darkness," said Stefan. "Tomorrow morning, I'll take you around."

The driver, Noah, chimed in, "Mr. Coleman, Ascend Estate is so huge, it might take a whole day to tour. Mrs. Coleman should move in. She can explore whenever she's free."

Stefan laughed, "That's true."

He looked at Lucinda eagerly.

didn't know much about the Anderson family. She didn't even know they were the wealthiest family in Pinehurst, let

had heard about Ascend Estate, it was mysterious and beautiful. But what

Estate

more than a day to explore the

how big was

asked softly, "would you like to move

flushed, and Stefan found it hard to

from my shop,"

drive you to and

married, he stayed mostly at Diamond Ridge

to experience Ascend Estate, to mingle with his family, and not feel

I got my license, I only drove my brother's car once. Then he

drive like a maniac. You even crashed his car into our fence! The

scolded by their mom and for Lucinda's safety, he decided not to let her

have plenty of garages with plenty of cars. You can drive whichever one you want."

would regret it once

one ride with Lucinda would

driver because I'm a

wouldn't admit her driving was bad. She loved speed, she thought it was cool

we'll go out for a drive.

"Deal," Lucinda agreed cheerfully.

wife happy made Stefan

arrived at the foot of the hill. It climbed up the winding hill

minutes later, she saw a large gate. Before she could take a good look, the gate opened, and the

the main

were people waiting

the car, they

they were fast, their steps

Coleman and Mrs.

car door opened, Lucinda heard