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

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

than Ruby was a no-go for

he

marry someone of equal social standing and background, which could be helpful on many occasions. "So, I should brace myself

Owen didn't respond.

relationship public to his parents, which

and rejected, was bound to face

had no intention

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

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

all 'cause you helped me

she could

my grandfather again, and apart from my family, I won't let anyone else know about us. Remember what you promised;

don't fall for me; I won't fall for you.

laughed, leaning in closer to 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 deal is done, you pay up." "You are not a greedy person,

I do enjoy making

with a smile, "Seeing my bank balance grow is

Owen was speechless.

bank balance, he felt nothing. They were just

will never understand the

back to the Martinez family

she stepped in, she saw a rockery built within a pool, which also had a musical fountain that was playing soft music. The

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

there were many street lamps along the paths, the night

"Your house is huge, and it's even

get a chance to visit

but it was nothing compared to

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

Owen was speechless.

to the front door

that with such a

Martinez family mansion was