Faux Vows, True Desires

"You and Cedric go way back. Do you really still need Auntie to set you up? Plus, Cedric swings the other way!"

The Frosts and the Paisleys were old neighbors, the Paisleys and the Andersons were long-time pals, and Tiffany and Liam got acquainted through Cedric.

"Let me guess, Cedric wants to play matchmakers with you, right? The Frost group is in hot water, and funds are tight as a drum, they're a hair's breadth from going belly up. Once that happens, the domino effect will kick in. The Frost group will go down the drain if nobody lends a hand."

Being part of the Anderson clan, Liam might not be as famous as his big brother, but he knew more about business than Tiffany did.

"Cedric wants to tie the knot with you, hoping to pull the Frost group out of the fire with the Paisleys' backing. If that doesn't cut it, he wants the Paisleys to lean on the Andersons. We go way back, and if Cedric becomes your son-in-law, we'll consider helping out. Cedric's as sly as a fox. He's clearly not into women, but he's got a male model on the sly. Does he think I don't know? What's Auntie thinking, trying to set you up with a guy like that? You'd be better off as a free agent than hitched to Cedric. At least you won't have to deal with family drama and a whole mess of trouble."

Tiffany: "Are you sure Cedric swings the other way?"

No wonder he's still single in his thirties. Auntie said it was because he was all wrapped up in work and neglecting his personal life. She also mentioned that their families were old and neighbors and knew each other well. If she married Cedric, she'll live close to her childhood home.

Knew each other well, huh?

Tiffany scoffed. If they knew each other so well, why didn't she know that Cedric was gay?

"I caught Cedric red-handed with his boyfriend. Out of respect for his dignity and considering the LGBTQ+ community is a bit sensitive, plus he's the CEO of the Frost group, I kept my mouth shut." But when Cedric started eyeing Tiffany, Liam couldn't stand by.

"Yes, I do know the Frost group is in a bit of a bind. Harlan Frost reached out to my dad, but my brothers now run our family business. My dad just said he'd discuss it with them, no promises to bail the Frost group out."

Her dad's retired now, living a quiet life with her mom. He said it's what he owed her mom.

"My Auntie is just a distant relative."

what kind of person he is. I mean, Cedric's a catch. He's gentle and polite and always greets me with a warm smile. I kind of have a soft spot for our neighbour. I find it hard to believe he's gay. Plus, you have no proof. Seeing is believing. Are you sure you didn't mistake someone else

snorted, "I've got sharp eyes. No way I'd mistake him for someone else. Plus, the car I saw was

the same social circle knew

stake his life on

accompany you on the date

learning that Cedric was Tiffany's suitor, Liam was fuming. The Frost group dared to deceive Tiffany, trying to save their family through marriage. But Liam

he heard he's the face of a menswear brand, a real hunk, bursting

judge a book by its cover. Who would've thought he

I have a gift for you. Close your eyes,

could possibly surprise

was intrigued. What rare treasure

their family vault would have

need to close your

got the better of him. Plus, he'd never received

they were kids, constantly bickering. But when he's not being a pain, he's

Liam could feel Tiffany watching him, which made him somewhat

a rubber snake

scaring you, not edible. How can they be a gift? If I were to give you a snake, I'd buy

Liam was speechless.

was suddenly covered by something warm and soft. Judging by the

popped open, and he was stunned, his eyes wide as saucers, staring at

scent was intoxicating, a fragrance

they pressed against him, it felt like