Faux Vows, True Desires

Finally, Ike turned his back, no longer looking at the lovey-dovey couple.

Even if he didn't want to, they were now legally married.

After a while, Stefan let go of his lover.

Lucinda felt a bit weak. Stefan moved her away from the tree trunk, scooped her up in his arms, and left the woods.

People waiting by the roadside, who had been engrossed in their phones, finally pocketed them when they saw the newlyweds emerge.

Lucinda's face was red as a beet.

Even though they were alone in the woods, these people undoubtedly spotted their kiss.

Blushing, she avoided their gaze. Seeing her brother, she lowered her head and called out to him.

Ike responded, "We'll talk about it at home."

With that, he turned around and left.

Lucinda suddenly felt a sense of loneliness around Ike as she watched Ike's retreating figure.

Before, whenever she faced problems, Ike was always the first to appear by her side to help her out.

Their sibling relationship was always good; she was always his most cherished little sister.

Stefan took Lucinda to his car. Instead of driving himself, he let a bodyguard take the wheel while he and Lucinda sat in the backseat. "Charles, tell everyone to head home. I'll treat everyone to a meal next time."

After instructing Charles, Stefan's car took off.

"Where to?" The bodyguard asked while driving.

"Diamond Ridge Estates."

It was the closest place. Going back to Ascend Estate would be too far, and his grandparents were home. He didn't want them to know about this and worry.

who kidnapped but released Lucinda, he would

wanted to see who dared

their public marriage was not enough. They needed to have a grand wedding

With a destination in mind, the bodyguard focused on

home, Stefan held

found out Lucinda was in trouble, his heart nearly jumped out of

contact him first when she

ran out of battery

brother before her phone died, allowing them to find her quickly. Otherwise, how would she have come

his arms, occasionally looking up

she didn't dare speak. She just snuggled quietly into his

and understood his deep

was normal for him to be nervous and scared

at Diamond Ridge Estates, Lucinda wanted to get out

Stefan said in

quickly pulled it back and hurriedly shut the car door. Stefan got out of the car first,

Lucinda was speechless.

"Stefan."

respond, so Lucinda swallowed back the

only hold onto his neck tightly, letting him carry

the couple back

Stefan carrying his sister into the house without acknowledging him. Ike sat in the car, unsure if

out of the house and walked straight to

hot outside; come

are

"He carried her upstairs."

Emma's reply, then he took out a pack of cigarettes, lit one, took a deep drag, and said to Emma,

of smoke. I'll

Emma didn't push it any further. She turned to look at the house entrance, then asked Ike in a low

believe