Faux Vows, True Desires

Skywatch was pouring rain, but Lucinda managed to stay dry.

She and her mom spent two fabulous days on the Anderson family's private island and left on Sunday night. Apart from Patrick Anderson and his wife, the rest of the family was still on the island, enjoying the peaceful and laid-back lifestyle.

Back in town, Lucinda and Cecilia headed straight to their coffee shop.

The moment the staff saw their bosses back, she rushed over to welcome them.

"Lucinda, Cecilia, you're finally back. A woman named Ruby has been here quite a few times these past couple of days."

Lucinda frowned and asked, "Ruby? What's she doing here? She hasn't been causing trouble, has she?"

"I've no idea what she wants. She just comes in, parks herself in a seat, orders a coffee, and sits there all day."

Cecilia chimed in and said, "And hogging our seats, making our customers scram. What a pain in the butt!"

The staff continued, "Avery Cooper does the same. He comes early in the morning, orders a coffee and a pastry, and then just sits there all day."

Suddenly, Cecilia changed the topic, "Mr. Cooper's quite a looker though. He's like a live billboard for our shop, attracting more female customers. Our food and coffee are great, and they get to drool over a hunk. A win-win, right?"

Lucinda and the staff just stared at her, thinking she was got a screw loose.

"As long as she's not causing trouble, just ignore her." Lucinda said.

The staff laughed and said, "She wouldn't dare. Honestly, I feel like no one in the whole of Pinehurst dares to mess with us. Lucinda, I feel so badass walking down the street these days. Everyone knows I work at Serendipity Cafe and that I've earned your trust. Everyone's so nice to me; even my parents have been treating me better."

She wore a proud grin that made Lucinda and Cecilia burst into laughter.

As they walked away, Cecilia asked the staff, "Has anyone been asking about me?"

saying you're Lucinda's good friend and that they can count on Lucinda if they're in a relationship with you. Especially Mr.

her, "Next time anyone asks you if I'm single, tell them I'm a mom of soon-to-be school-going children. I give birth twice a year, one at the beginning and one at the end. That's six kids in three years.

and the staff fell

wouldn't allow anyone to take

birth twice a year, wouldn't you

dreams,

was left speechless. Anything was

out as

lit up when

a glance with the

about... Don't play with

think Mr. Malicious has been a lot more stable lately. I'll bring up

and

divorce was that easy, she wouldn't still

between Owen and Stefan was simply due to their similar personalities and behaviors. Instead

up divorce, Stefan not only disagreed but also used his charm to entangle her in an emotional web, putting her in

Owen was even worse.

would persistently pester Cecilia, even if it meant

but you were not here. Your staff told me you were on vacation. Did you have fun?" "Doing nothing, just eating, drinking, and

to sit

Owen's black card, receiving a daily allowance

Avery chuckled.

would you

Yates. Would you like to

have time." A chilly