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 curious

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

than Ruby was a no-go for his

for his dad, he had his

he must marry someone of equal social standing and background, which could be helpful on many occasions.

Owen didn't respond.

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

was

no intention of

short end of the stick here; I've jumped into the fire." "We've already got our marriage certificate; I won't be divorcing you anytime soon." Even though

alive, he couldn't

all 'cause you

repay him, she could only

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

for you. My heart belongs to Ruby, and it won't change for anyone

him 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

do enjoy making money,

up, not joking anymore, and said with a smile,

Owen was speechless.

his bank balance, he felt

never understand the joy

chatted all the way back

a pool, which also had a musical fountain that was playing soft music. The spray of the fountain

there was a path about

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

but comment to Owen, "Your house is

before 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

she's free. Just

Owen was speechless.

gate to the front door

that with such a huge yard, walking around could be

mansion