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 curious

before explaining, "My mum adores Ruby and always hoped I'd marry

other than Ruby was

he

have to marry Ruby, but he must marry someone of equal social standing and background, which could be helpful on many occasions. "So, I should brace myself for the challenge

Owen didn't respond.

and making their relationship public to his parents, which was

rejected, was bound to face some

no intention of shielding

Cecilia. "Owen, I think I've gotten the short end of the stick here; I've jumped into the fire." "We've already got our marriage certificate; I won't

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

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

repay him, she could

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

for you. My heart belongs to Ruby, 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 our deal is done, you pay up." "You are not a greedy person, so don't act

I do enjoy making

not joking anymore, and said with a smile, "Seeing my bank balance grow is pure

Owen was speechless.

balance, he

You rich folks will never understand the joy

way back to

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

the fountain, there was

along the paths, the night view wasn't as clear as

comment to Owen, "Your house is huge, and it's

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

house was big, but it was nothing compared to the Ascend

when she's free. Just the thought of

Owen was speechless.

front door

a huge yard, walking around could

mansion