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."

"Will you come with me to the date? Let's go find Cedric's boyfriend and see 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,

I'd mistake him for someone else. Plus,

in the same social circle knew each

his life on not

accompany you on

to save their family through marriage. But Liam wasn't worried about Tiffany

model in person, but he heard he's the face of

people can't judge a book by its

my gratitude, I have a gift for you. Close your eyes, and

possibly surprise

intrigued. What rare treasure hadn't

vault would have

to

he'd never received a gift from

kids, constantly bickering. But when he's not being a pain, he's quite attractive. "Hurry up and show me what it

Liam could feel Tiffany watching him, which made

warning you, if you give me a rubber snake as a gift, I'm never speaking

not a rubber snake. They're only good for scaring you, not edible. How can they be a gift? If I were to give you a snake, I'd buy a few and cook them with some chicken to make a soup. Now that's a

Liam was speechless.

eternity, he was about to ask when his mouth was suddenly covered by something warm and

eyes wide as saucers, staring at the person in front of

intoxicating, a fragrance he knew all

soft. When they pressed against him, it felt like he'd been