Faux Vows, True Desires

Owen wanted to grab a bite with Stefan and the gang, but he chickened out at the last second and just stood there like a lost puppy as Cecilia walked away with them. They were out of sight, and Owen turned to leave.

He decided he wouldn't spend a dime at the Ascend Hotel.

These two hotels were rivals.

If he were spotted at the Ascend Hotel, god knew what the gossip columnists would say.

After a few steps, Owen stopped in his tracks.

He thought it over, turned back, and walked back into the hotel.

He suspected Cecilia was on a date with Keith!

The thought of not keeping an eye on her made him uneasy!

Owen decided to throw his dignity out the window. Even if it meant being laughed at by his rivals, he was going to have a meal there, and he'd foot the bill if he had to!

The Ascend Hotel had a revolving restaurant at the top. Stefan didn't know what Nathan's favorite food was, so he chose to dine at the restaurant and asked Eric to prepare a variety of delicious dishes in advance.

Whatever Nathan wanted, he had it covered.

They had just settled down at the restaurant when Eric got a phone call.

After a few words, he turned to Stefan and said, "Stefan, Owen wants to treat us; should we let him?"

Stefan didn't answer Eric right away; instead, he asked Nathan for his opinion.

"Since Mr. Martinez is being so generous, we should give him a chance."

Nathan was pleased that Stefan asked for his opinion. He was aware of the rivalry between Owen and Stefan, so he was willing to help Stefan.

"You're right; we should give him a chance to treat us. I've known him since we were kids, and he's never treated me to a meal before. This time, I'm going to feast. Eric, order a few more dishes, the most expensive ones, and the priciest wine."

chuckled and said to Lucinda, "Owen's going to feel the pinch this

her;

said, "It's a rare opportunity;

him

everyone else was looking at Cecilia, their eyes as deep as

But he's loaded, and we're just small fries; we can't fight him. If we have a chance to make him pay, we sure as hell won't be

polite. Eat up; good thing we've got big appetites; otherwise,

could hardly contain his laughter at the two

was looking at his daughter

Cecilia blushed a little.

he noticed Cecilia's blushing face and he was sure she was on a date with Keith; otherwise, she wouldn't be blushing.

that it was

did everything she could to fend him

date with Keith, she

bit salty, but he couldn't let it

the few people present, Stefan and Lucinda knew about his relationship with Cecilia, but the others didn't. They had a contract; he couldn't just announce that Cecilia was his wife. Even if it was a contractual marriage, she was still his

away from Keith, so Owen had no qualms about sitting next to

shot Stefan a

he was still encouraging Keith to date Cecilia.

each other for years, but this is the first time you've treated

say you had any other

at a loss

identity was kept

Owen had

was satiated. Cecilia even rubbed her full belly and patted Owen's shoulder, grinning, "Mr. Malicious,

the opportunity to grab her hand as she tried to push him away,

for her calling him Mr. Malicious in front of

only Mr.

else would call him that, so it was his special

"Sure!"