Faux Vows, True Desires

Olina's face grew even more sour at the thought of having to appease Cecilia in the future.

She knew her son was a man of deep affections and loyalty.

The way he had loved Ruby for over a decade despite her indifferent treatment was testament to his steadfast nature when it came to the matter of love.

In the past, his love was for Ruby, and Olina had liked Ruby too. Owen's devotion to Ruby was something she had encouraged, considering his loyalty to love a virtue.

But now, it had become his flaw.

What was so special about Cecilia?

Even now, Olina found it impossible to warm up to Cecilia.

Yet Cecilia had become the apple of Owen's eye, and Olina had no choice but to accept.

Cecilia had hidden herself in the restroom, taking her clothes with her to change but hadn't done so.

Owen's words to his mother had reached Cecilia's ears as she hesitated inside.

She feared that Owen might give up everything for her.

That would only fuel the fires of discord between her and her future mother-in-law.

Standing before the mirror, Cecilia examined her reflection.

The evening gown was a gift from Owen. He would never let her dress too revealingly. That man was too possessive to ever let her show too much skin. So the gown was modest, revealing very little of her back.

Megan's insults were completely uncalled for.

Knock.

outside knocking on the door, calling out her

a sudden pang of sympathy for the

was, he was pitiful

heart, but Ruby had eyes only for Stefan, using Owen as a fallback

couldn't bear the thought of

with herself had started, with his mother's disapproval and interference, Cecilia sighed. Love had not been an easy path for

there when you needed me. If I had known my mother would bring that woman to insult you, I would have picked you up before going home to change," Owen apologized

hurts me

of silence, Cecilia responded, "You know this is the ladies' room,

Owen dreaded the

and

gown, Owen's eyes lit up with joy. But he didn't dare to reach out to

I'll make Megan apologize to you. I never let anyone talk

had no right to insult his

thought she could get away with it because of her seniority. Well,

was in love with Ruby, he

that he had let go of Ruby, Megan's persistence

you truly love someone, you love everything about them. And when you don't, nothing

love, flaws can become strengths. And when the love

best

mother's actually quite naive, easily swayed by Megan's

herself that her

loud. After

his grandparents. But without his parents, there would be no him. It wasn't right to speak ill of his mother in front of him. "Cecilia," Owen

helps, you can yell at me. It's my fault you were insulted. Go ahead and let it out, however

looked at him, and

scolded by me, are