Faux Vows, True Desires

Mr. Liam was getting antsy.

He couldn't wait to make Tiffany his wife.

Sure, they were living together already, but marriage was a whole different ball game.

Cecilia, meanwhile, was happily congratulating Tiffany, a hint of envy in her voice.

It was only Darlene who remained silent in their group chat. Cecilia sent her a quick mention.

After a while, Darlene replied, "Caught up with my sister. Congrats, Tiffany."

Turned out, she'd just received a call from one of her contacts informing her that the esteemed gentleman, Owen, had requested that she personally deliver the results of an investigation.

Darlene suspected that Owen was curious about the real identity of the woman behind her renowned detective agency.

She had always been low-profile and rarely interacted directly with clients, but her agency had gained quite a reputation in Pinehurst, sparking interest in the boss' identity.

But Darlene had no intention of revealing herself to Owen. Instead, she dispatched her most trusted assistant to meet with him. After all, no one knew she was the one running the show, not even her own sister.

Owen, oblivious to all this, noticed Cecilia's cheerful demeanor and asked, "What's the good news? Share it with me."

"Tiffany is getting married and she asked me to be her bridesmaid," Cecilia revealed.

At that, Owen's eyes lit up. If Cecilia was going to be Tiffany's bridesmaid, it would only be fitting for him to be Liam's best man. But that was easier said than done, considering he had no relationship with Liam and was viewed as an enemy by the Anderson family, who were on Stefan's side.

ask

sighed,

of a beautiful woman and having it all. Cecilia chose not to respond and they continued their

arrived, they ate in comfortable silence. Seeing Cecilia enjoying

coffee shop was usually quiet in

Seeing no customers coming in, Cecilia decided

was more than happy to help, seeing it

closed, Owen, like a magician, produced two movie tickets, "How

release, a horror film with excellent reviews. Despite the genre, she was interested in watching it. "It's not late, the night

response, causing Cecilia to

a cinema?

a home theater, Owen had never felt the need to go to a cinema. Moreover, Ruby,

He gripped her hand tightly, nervous that she might pull away. Despite having had physical contact before, he felt as

watching Cecilia, who was engrossed in the movie and munching on the snacks he'd prepared for her. Despite the terrifying

been ready to comfort her in case she got

cinema were huddled together, the women seeking comfort in their partners'

probably wouldn't be scared

the hero-saving-the-damsel scenario he

"Cecilia," he called out.

glanced at him before returning her attention to

he asked after

be scared of," she responded before turning

terrifying," he