Faux Vows, True Desires

Cecilia kept glancing back to make sure her mum wasn't tailing her, and only when she was sure did she breathe a sigh of relief.

But she was worried about being spotted by nosy neighbors, so she skedaddled to Owen's car, tapping his window to signal him to open up, all the while looking back like a thief in broad daylight. Owen had intended to let her ride with his bodyguard, but after hesitating for a good ten seconds, he finally unlocked the door.

Cecilia quickly scrambled into the car, and only when she shut the door did she finally let out a sigh of relief.

As soon as she was in, the driver peeled out.

Owen gave the girl next to him a side-eye.

"Why the rush? You've got someone tailing you?"

"I don't want my mum and neighbors seeing me getting into your car."

Cecilia settled her bag next to her.

Owen furrowed his brow. "Am I not up to your standards?"

"Do you want my family to know about us?"

Owen was left speechless.

She didn't want others to know she got into his car, which left Owen feeling a little miffed. It felt like they were doing something shady.

But when she asked him outright, he was at a loss for words.

After all, he was the one who proposed a hush-hush marriage.

"Do I need to bring a present?"

Cecilia asked.

Owen responded nonchalantly, "No need."

"I am going to meet your parents; shouldn't I bring a present? Isn't it rude to show up empty-handed for my first meeting with my in-laws?"

"Even if you bring a load of gold, my parents won't be thrilled with you."

gave him a

mum adores Ruby and always hoped I'd

than Ruby was a

his dad, he had his own

of equal social standing and background, which could

Owen didn't respond.

he was bringing Cecilia home and making their relationship public to his parents, which was

unwelcome and rejected, was bound to face

no

I've gotten the short end of the stick here; I've jumped into the fire." "We've already got our marriage

alive, he couldn't divorce Cecilia; otherwise, he would lose his

sighed, "I know, it's all 'cause you

him, she

to my grandfather again, and apart from my family, I won't let

fall for me; I won't fall for you. My heart belongs to Ruby, and it won't

and gently stroking his face. "Don't worry, I won't fall for you. We are just partners in crime, and I'm just repaying you. Once

I do enjoy making money, especially

straightened up, not joking anymore, and said with a

Owen was speechless.

his bank balance, he felt nothing.

folks will never understand

the way back to the Martinez family

stepped in, she saw a rockery built within a pool, which also had a musical fountain

side of the fountain, there was

the night view wasn't as clear

Cecilia couldn't help but comment to Owen, "Your house is huge, and it's

moment before saying, "If you ever get a chance to visit the Ascend Estate, you'll find it even bigger and more

it was nothing

invite me to visit Ascend Estate when she's free. Just the thought of getting a free tour there gets me

Owen was speechless.

main gate to the front door

that with such a huge

Martinez family mansion