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."

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 for

"I've got sharp eyes. No way I'd mistake him for

in the same social

would stake his life

you

fuming. The Frost group dared to deceive Tiffany, trying to save their family through

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

a book by its cover. Who would've thought

"To show my gratitude, I have a gift for you. Close your eyes, and I'll show it

possibly

What rare treasure hadn't

in their family vault would have women drooling,

need to close your

Plus, he'd never received a gift from Tiffany before, so

her. They've always been at each other's throats since they were kids, constantly bickering. But when he's not being a pain, he's quite attractive. "Hurry

eyes closed, Liam could feel Tiffany watching him, which

if you give me a rubber snake as a

How can they be a gift? If I were to give you a

Liam was speechless.

covered by something warm and soft. Judging by the feel, it was a pair of lips, not

eyes popped open, and he was stunned, his eyes wide as saucers, staring at the person in front

intoxicating, a fragrance

were warm and soft. When they pressed against him, it felt