Faux Vows, True Desires

Cecilia was stunned.

Her eyes widened as she gazed at the handsome face inches from hers.

Owen quickly withdrew his lips and whispered tenderly in her ear, "Cecilia, close your eyes."

After a moment of staring into his eyes, she obediently followed his suggestion.

Elated and emboldened by her compliance, Owen covered her lips with his once more.

Though he had stolen kisses from her before, when she was hardly conscious, not fully aware that he kissed her, perhaps believing it was all a dream.

This time, she was fully awake, and she willingly let him kiss her.

Owen began with fervor, almost aggressively in his kisses. But soon he tempered his passion with gentleness, fearing he might come off too strong and leaving an impression akin to a starving ghost.

Heaven knows, pushing thirty and still a virgin, Owen was knowledgeable about the matters of men and women, but sorely lacking in hands-on experience.

When the deep kiss ended, Cecilia immediately pushed him away.

Though Owen yearned for another, she had already rebuffed him.

"Cecilia."

His voice was husky, tinged with unsated desire.

"Still got that schmoozing to do? If so, better get going."

After shooting him a playful glare, Cecilia looked away nonchalantly, "Let's head out." She didn't wait for his response and began to pull him towards the exit.

Owen's spirits lifted. They had made progress, after all. He could now kiss the girl he fancied like any

Cecilia as the two

guilty, Cecilia couldn't help but speak to her friend, "Lucy, why

friend's lips and replied with a sly smile, "I didn't say you did anything. Unless you did? All this rushing to explain gives off a

Cecilia's cheeks flushed.

just a kiss, after all. Why should

unmarried waitress couldn't help but smile with a

at a loss of

was only digging

Cecilia out. I'll drop her back after I'm done

if truly nothing had happened

could tell from the slight upturn of his lips that he was on

too much. You know

resist adding

Owen's eyes sparkled.

and Lucy's emphasis made him curious about how she might act

worry, I'll take

Lucy, he led Cecilia out, pausing before his mother to say, "Mom, tonight's an exception.

also addressed Olina, "Olina, whether you like me or not, I need to make it clear-Owen and

me, but please respect Owen's choice. He's an adult with his own mind, and he knows what

him without asking if he even wants it. Of course, I still hope that one day you'll accept me. I'll prove through my actions that Owen's choice to be

remained silent, her face

Then, without any more

her mouth as if to call out to them, but no sound came. She could only watch helplessly as they left

make a

honest bunch, all striving to live honorably, not the sort to social climb. And if social climbing

coerced by the old man in the