Faux Vows, True Desires

"Don't even think about it."

Cecilia revved up the engine.

"The first time I got hitched, there was no proposal, no wedding, just a piece of paper we signed, and that was under duress-no fond memories whatsoever. If I'm getting remarried, it's for keeps, and I'm taking it seriously. If you slip up on anything, I won't be walking down the aisle with you."

Cecilia's firm words made Owen at a loss for words.

If he truly loved her, he couldn't let her down.

But they had already confirmed their relationship. They'd date for now, let the feelings deepen, and then tie the knot. There were still months before Christmas. Bringing her home before the holidays didn't seem like a bad idea.

"Cecilia."

"Just spit it out."

Cecilia's eyes stayed glued to the road ahead, not even glancing in his direction.

Owen admired her profile, struck by her beauty-a classic case of profile perfection.

He was so preoccupied with looking at her that he found himself swallowing hard. He ached to kiss her, and maybe even more to sweep her up in his arms and make her his in every way possible. "What is it you want to say?"

Cecilia turned to give him a brief look before focusing back on the road.

Owen snapped back to reality, blurting out, "Cecilia, you're stunning! You match my dashing good looks. We're like a match made in heaven, a picture-perfect couple. With our genes, our kids are gonna be cute as buttons.

"Cecilia, I'm a bit greedy, I admit that. How about we go for a whole soccer team's worth of kids?"

did he know on a future day in the delivery room, he'd be so traumatized that he'd swear off having a

I get it, you're thick-skinned and love to toot your own horn. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We've just started dating, and you're already thinking about having

turned herself in, and her sentence wouldn't likely be long. Once she was released, she would certainly stir

into her good graces. Although Olina couldn't dictate Owen's marital choices, she was his mother. With her meddling, who could guarantee there

Cecilia could also remarry into

wife will definitely be you. Cecilia, I've got a business dinner tonight, would you accompany

in your business dealings, so I won't

need your help. Just being there is

and you're free, why don't you come with me to

but smile, "Don't always compare

seemed like Owen compared everything

subconsiously. It's been over two

out that they were not

swallowed

of her and Lucy, but the tension between

Ruby knew the enmity between Owen and Stefan was fading, she'd probably go green with envy. She had

however, seemed

I'll join you. But just so you know, I can't drink much. I'm a lightweight; I'll get

Owen irresistibly attractive. She'd get handsy, and

quickly assured her, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone ply you with drinks. no one will

he knew what Cecilia was like when she was drunk, he'd regret

it all. Hire more staff and promote the waitress to manager.

wait for the money to roll in. You'll also have more time to spend with me. You're going to be the lady of the Martinez family and will need to attend many high society gatherings. It's

he didn't care about her background; he was

or facing ridicule, he wanted to use these business engagements as a learning opportunity for her to