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."

him a

lip slightly before explaining, "My mum adores Ruby and always

other than Ruby was a no-go for

for his dad, he had

dad's eyes, he didn't 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

Owen didn't respond.

was bringing Cecilia home and making their relationship public to his

rejected, was bound

had no

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

he couldn't divorce Cecilia; otherwise,

all 'cause

repay him, she could only help

my family, I won't let anyone else know about

you. My heart belongs to

worry, I won't fall for you. We are just partners in crime, and I'm just

enjoy making

and said with a smile,

Owen was speechless.

string of numbers on his bank balance, he felt nothing. They

never understand

back to the Martinez family

a pool, which also had a musical fountain that

either side of the fountain, there was a path about three to

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

"Your

get a chance to visit the Ascend Estate, you'll find

but it was nothing compared to the Ascend

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

Owen was speechless.

to the front door of the house, it

a huge yard, walking around could be

Martinez family mansion