Faux Vows, True Desires

"Alright folks, show's over. Let's clear out," Lucy called out with a dismissive wave, dragging her broom back into the diner.

Watching Lucy's badass move, the waitress felt a surge of admiration worthy of applause.

It had been a while since anyone saw Lucy in such a fierce mode - not since that time George showed up with the audacity to suggest he could keep her, only to be chased off by her broomstick. Olina was new to witnessing Lucy's formidable side and stood there gobsmacked.

It wasn't until Lucy dragged her broom back inside that Olina snapped out of it, her face paling as she carefully watched Lucy, wondering if she could bolt out the door at lightning speed should Lucy turn that broom in her direction.

Why on earth did she listen to Megan's suggestion to come here and seek trouble?

She knew full well that neither Lucy nor Cecilia cared about her status as the bigwig of the Martinez family, yet she still came.

Olina was turning green with regret, cursing herself for not dismissing Megan's manipulative words.

Wouldn't it have been nicer to join other friends for a round of bingo or a bridge game?

"Lucy. I swear, I never badmouthed you or Cecilia," Olina stuttered, the fear of being broomed out the door making her speech falter.

Lucy stopped sweeping and planted herself squarely in front of Olina.

After a moment of silence, Lucy said, "I have no idea how you've managed to survive this long."

She wondered what on earth Mr. Martinez Senior was thinking when he married such a nitwit.

couldn't trust her to

at a loss

your relationship with Owen? Instead of making his life easier,

harshness of Lucy's words sent shivers

the Martinez empire. If they ever faced the

of the drama unfolding

excited about Cecilia agreeing to accompany him to a gala event, feeling like he

for a pristine white one. Now he looked exactly like the fairytale prince straight out of

bodyguards complimented him on his

her evening gown and makeup, Cecilia was

tow, Owen arrived to pick up Cecilia, intending to let her share in

holding a large red, velvet-covered box - a treasured jewelry set that belonged to his late grandmother. His grandfather had kept it under lock and key, refusing to divide

it was for Cecilia that his grandfather reluctantly parted with

gotten a piece of his grandmother's legacy, yet his grandfather was willing to let Cecilia have it. It was clear his granddad was quite taken with the idea of Cecilia

was determined to step up

Cecilia as soon

he entered. His composure was usually unshakable, but it vanished entirely in Cecilia's

was present - he was too focused on Cecilia. Otherwise, he would have seen his mother's car parked outside. He was

velvet box like a prized relic, "Cecilia, I got this jewelry set from my grandfather for you to try. Take a look and tell

it on, and then we can