Faux Vows, True Desires

"Do you need anything else from me?"

"No, that's all."

With that, Stefan wasted no time in showing his guest the door. "Well then, you can go now."

Owen bristled with indignation. "Come on, Stefan. I came all the way here to give you the heads-up about the Porter Group, and this is how you repay me?" "What do you want, a medal? Are you afraid your girl Cecilia will get jealous; think you're playing both sides?"

Owen spat dismissively, "I only have eyes for the ladies."

He gazed at Stefan's handsome face and, with relief, proclaimed, "Looking at you for nearly thirty years and not falling for you - my resolve is rock-solid." Stefan ignored it without a word.

After Owen finished his coffee, he stood up, bade his goodbyes, and left.

Time continued its march.

Exiting Ascend Global, Owen decided to skip returning to the office and headed straight to the Serendipity Cafe to claim his kudos from Cecilia.

Approaching noon, the cafe was at its quietest, the rush of customers having ebbed away.

Cecilia was scrolling through her phone, checking out the latest lunch specials from nearby restaurants, pondering what to eat.

"Cecilia, Mr. Cooper's come again," the waitress suddenly spoke up.

Cecilia looked toward the cafe door and sure enough, there was Avery, pushing it open and stepping inside.

Thankfully, this time he was without a bouquet of flowers.

By now, she knew Avery was someone Mr. Martinez had hired to pretend to court her-which explained why Avery, despite being terrified of Owen, still dared to declare a fair competition. It turned out there was Mr. Martinez backing him up.

Moreover, Avery would brave any storm for the sake of his beloved.

and Cedric's love was disapproved of by society, Avery's feelings were as genuine as

Cecilia as usual, Avery chose a secluded table in

liquor from his bag and, forgoing the need for a glass, began to drink

waitress

from Avery, asking with concern, "Avery, what's wrong? Is something bothering you? Did you hit a rough patch?" Could it be that Mr. Martinez was

"Cecilia, do I

and after emptying a bottle, he finally shared his anguish. "Cecilia, why can't Cedric and I, who

it was a matter

thought it was a problem

The truth is, I do like you, but it's not the kind of love. My heart

Cedric to go on dates, even to get married. It's tearing me apart, Cecilia. What should I do?" Upon his confession, Cecilia finally realized what had

CEO of the Frost Group. She also knew Lucinda mentioned Cedric had even been set up with Tiffany Paisley, although that didn't pan out. The Frost family probably knew about Cedric's orientation but hoped to "cure" him by pushing him into conventional

sons' being gay, let

or warnings from Mr.

Frost family was undoubtedly hell-bent on separating Cedric and

is willing to go for you. If he chooses his family and their expectations over you, then it's time to let go. Love

many heterosexual couples are also driven apart by their families

resort to extreme acts like suicide,

and have faith in

with Cedric, she

others is easy; facing one's own challenges is

to

He really tried hard.

courage as Avery had. She wasn't

match

try harder to change Olina's opinion of her

she could make herself strong, strong enough that even