Faux Vows, True Desires

"Mom and Dad are flying back soon, and I need to find some time tomorrow to buy them some things to take home. Uncles and aunts have been taking care of everything at home, we should send them something."

Ike Moore gave a nod, asking, "With your nine-to-five job, do you have time to go shopping? Or should I do it for you?"

"No need, if I can't find the time, I'll make a list and have Emma pick them up for me."

Ike chuckled, "That works."

His sister was now the young mistress of the Anderson family; she didn't need to personally handle the task of buying gifts.

"You didn't tell Mom about my situation, did you?"

Ike asked, wondering if his sister might have mentioned it to their mother.

Because lately, he hadn't received any more phone calls from his mother, pressuring him to get married.

"I told her. If I didn't, do you think you could live so peacefully? You've seen how relentlessly Mom used to nag me about marriage before. If she can't nag you, she'd nag me instead. I've been taking all the hits for you."

Ike quickly clinked his beer can against his sister's, "Oh, yes, thank you, little sister. I owe you one, sis. Cheers to you."

Lucinda giggled, "Back when Mom was relentlessly pushing me to get married, I thought I'd go crazy. But now, looking back, I felt that if Mom didn't pushed me so hard, Stefan and I might not have known how to start. He's a great guy, just not good with sweet words."

Ike chuckled, "Lucy, you have high standards. Every time I see you two together, I make myself scarce to avoid being overwhelmed with your lovey-dovey moments."

Lucinda laughed, "Is it it really that exaggerated?"

Thinking about how her man showed love through actions rather than words, she shrugged it off. After all, everyone had their own way of expressing love.

She realized she hadn't said too many sweet words to Stefan herself or given many gifts.

made a mental note to

suddenly stood up with two glasses of

conversation and didn't notice the car's

Lucinda followed her brother.

people chatting in the yard all turned their attention to

the passenger side, opened the door, and considerately held it open for the person inside. Everyone watched this scene curiously, wondering who the person in the car was to have the usually

for her cold demeanor,

gender-neutral fashion, similar to a man, and her

had seen countless instances where women

rivals included

was following her brother, saw a slender hand reaching out and taking Belinda's hand. Shortly after, she saw a young woman dressed in a white evening gown stepping out of the car. The young woman

could guess the young woman's identity, it must be Darlene

contemplating how to get to know Darlene, but hadn't figured out how to approach her. She hadn't expected Belinda to bring her sister to the banquet

had told her that Darlene rarely made public appearances

that if she had such a beautiful sister, she would also protect her very well too, not easily letting others see her true appearance to avoid unnecessary

Bishop family and the

why would

a longstanding relationship. When Belinda took over the

told me that Ms. Darlene rarely shows up in public. Her presence tonight must suggests a

sister and

Lucinda also followed him.

Ike and his sister, Belinda's icy face appeared to soften a bit. She nodded to Ike and said, "Mr. Moore, is this

Belinda, hello,

at the right moment and extended her right hand

Lucinda, Belinda introduced