Faux Vows, True Desires

Owen set his glass down with a clink, reaching urgently for Cecilia's hand, and said apologetically. "Cecilia, I apologize again for my mom's inappropriate comments. I have told her if she tries to break us up again with her nonsense, I'll throw in the towel and become a monk."

"You, a monk? No monasteries would accept someone with desires that have not been purified!"

Despite everything, Cecilia's heart swelled at his words. He was fighting for them.

"I know exactly how to handle my mom. If she ever gives you trouble again, I'll threaten to quit my job as the CEO of the Ikella Group. That'll keep her in line."

Owen felt he had no tricks up his sleeve to woo Cecilia. But when it came to dealing with his own family or outsiders, Owen was quite skilled.

He knew how to hit them where it hurts. For his mother, the threat of him giving up the CEO position was enough to cause her panic.

Cecilia watched him quietly. He was trying hard for their future. And so would she.

She'd work hard to fatten her wallet, not necessarily to rival Owen's, but enough to earn the respect of Olina and to prove that her being with Owen was not for his wealth.

After all, if she was after his money, she wouldn't be divorcing him.

A gentleman loves wealth but earns it in an honorable way. She'd claim what was rightfully hers, and not a penny more.

"Let's go grab some dinner."

"Alright."

Owen stood up, his face beaming with joy, naturally taking Cecilia's hand, ready to leave with her. But Cecilia looked towards Avery, who was failing to heed the waitress's advice to cut back on the drinking.

"I'll call Cedric."

takes the one who tied the bell to untie

handle Avery now; their pleas were

Avery, whipped out his phone and dialed Cedric's number. They were both young hotshots about town, often rubbing

long ring, Cedric's

voice was hoarse, as if his throat was

"What's up?"

in the best of moods, having argued with his family and Avery-he's been suffered from a splitting

to the wind, chasing

in him from a young age, of being the successor for the family business, held him

the elders were setting him up

the place with the smell of booze, stinking up the joint. If my girl's business has been hurt,

Shameless!

be there to pick him up

hesitation, fearing that any delay might lead Owen to toss Avery out on the

as a decoy, pretending to pursue Cecilia to irritate Owen - a fact Owen had only recently discovered,

had his own pangs of jealousy, but Avery had found a way

on, keep Avery away from the Serendipity. Cedric, don't let

Cedric responded, "I'll take care of

see

his

another chance to speak,

for Avery. If so, he'd lend Avery a hand. If not, it was time for Avery to cut ties and move on. There were plenty

after men. There weren't many

not