Faux Vows, True Desires

"He says he's patching things up with Cecilia. Since they're making amends, might as well keep calling her sister-in-law. Save me the trouble of switching back later." Olina was fuming.

And her heart ached seeing her son hurt over Cecilia.

She wanted to check on his wound, but Owen stopped her.

"Mom, it's just a scratch, no need for drama. Your boy's not dying."

"Just a scratch? You're pale as a ghost, clearly bled too much. Cecilia's nothing but bad news. You never got hurt as a kid, and now look at you, all because of her. Owen, please don't go back to her. She's bad luck!"

"Mom!"

Owen slammed down his coffee mug, his handsome face clouded with displeasure. "Don't lash out at Cecilia, alright? It's not her fault. Cecilia isn't bad luck, and she's certainly not a jinx!"

Olina was livid. "You're defending her? Look at yourself, hurt because of her. It's her fault. If it weren't for her, would you be injured? She attracts trouble like a magnet, and now you've gotten caught in it too. Owen, you need to cut ties, clean break. She's no good for you, only dragging you down. Today it's a wound because of her; tomorrow, who knows? Might be something worse, or you could lose your life." "Darling, what are you saying? You cursing our son?"

Shane felt his wife had crossed a line, noting even Trenton's face had turned cold.

"Honey, I'm not cursing Owen. I'm stating facts. Think about it, have they had any good fortune since he's been with Cecilia? It's been one disaster after another. First Ruby's mess, now Owen's injury. It could lead to something worse. Cecilia's a jinx, and it's good they divorced. Who knows what could happen next if they stayed together? If she were right for him, things would be smooth sailing." Owen's face turned stormy.

Fed up, he retorted, "After dad married you, things weren't always smooth, were they? Does that mean you're not right for him?"

He bit back the term 'jinx,' out of respect for his mother.

see? Owen's blaming me for defending Cecilia.

comment was out of

to lighten the

Shane marrying you didn't guarantee me a trouble-free life. I've had my share of bad luck and even accidents.

"Hmph!"

acknowledge that life isn't all smooth sailing and everyone faces trials? Then

muttered, "Owen was hurt because of Cecilia.

it was my choice to

hoped to get hurt, to earn Cecilia's concern, but such things he couldn't admit,

argument was interrupted by a

he couldn't help but feel more anxious.

any person with a shred of pride

a strong character; surely she

master, there would be a mother-in-law

what brings you

He scrambled to his feet, rushing to her side, wondering how much she had overheard. Remembering Derek's whisper to the grandfather, it must have been about

suspected his grandfather was toying with him, wanting him to sweat a little

upon seeing Cecilia, not

good for replenishing blood. Drink it while it's warm."

was a

"These are for