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.

awkward for him to ask Liam, "Hey, can I

sighed,

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

arrived, they ate in comfortable silence. Seeing Cecilia enjoying her meal,

was usually

nine, Basil clocked out. Seeing no customers coming in,

happy to help, seeing it as an opportunity to spend more time

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

release, a horror film with excellent reviews. Despite

thought, Cecilia agreed. Owen's face lit up at her response, causing

cinema? No,

theater, Owen had never felt the need to go to a cinema. Moreover, Ruby, the girl he used to like, was never interested in going either.

hand and Cecilia didn't resist. He gripped her hand tightly, nervous that she might pull away. Despite having had physical contact before, he felt as jittery as a teenager, his heart racing at the simple act of holding

engrossed in the movie and munching on the snacks he'd prepared for her.

to comfort her in case she

in the cinema were huddled together, the women seeking

wouldn't be scared of a

he had

"Cecilia," he called out.

glanced at him before returning her attention

scared?" he asked after a

to be scared of," she responded before turning to him, "Are you

quite terrifying," he