Faux Vows, True Desires

"Mr. Martinez, Mrs. Martinez," the two secretaries greeted Owen and Cecilia with respect.

Cecilia, carefully assisted out of the car by Owen, simply smiled in response.

"Mr. Martinez, Ms. Yates," Walter approached with a respectful greeting.

Cecilia remembered him and returned the greeting with a smile.

The secretaries exchanged confused glances. Why was he now addressing Mrs. Martinez as Ms. Yates?

Their eyes darted towards Cecilia, who seemed initially bemused by being called Mrs. Martinez, but then noticed Owen, whose lips curled into a pleased smile, clearly enjoying the title bestowed upon Cecilia.

"This is my ex-wife and current girlfriend, Cecilia. Someday, she'll be Mrs. Martinez again. Calling her Mrs. Martinez now isn't wrong-it'll get you used to it sooner, and Cecilia can get accustomed to it as well," Owen cheerfully introduced Cecilia to the two secretaries.

In the past, Owen and Cecilia had kept their marriage a secret, with very few in the know.

Even if the secretaries had their suspicions, they wouldn't dare pry until he made an official announcement.

"Cecilia, these are my secretaries, Quincy and Ron."

Owen's secretaries were all male, a fact Cecilia was well aware of, partly because of Ruby. Although Ruby treated Owen as a backup plan, she was extremely possessive and couldn't stand to see attractive women around him. To appease her, Owen had replaced his secretaries with men.

Cecilia couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, but she quickly put it behind her.

Ruby had occupied a place in Owen's heart for a mere decade or so, while Cecilia was destined to be part of his life for the decades to come. Whatever Owen had done for Ruby in the past, he would surely do more for Cecilia in the future. Why bother comparing herself to Ruby?

Besides, it was Ruby's turn to be jealous, not hers.

With this thought, Cecilia's mood brightened.

Nice to meet you," she greeted the secretaries

responded eagerly, both noticing Owen's special

Scott, who once strutted around their company like she owned the place, she was history. They were ready to erase her from their

here yet?" Owen asked, turning his attention

them into the Pinehurst Hotel, reporting as they walked, "Mr. Spencer will be here in two minutes. Mr. Martinez,

his grip on Cecilia's hand and, flanked by bodyguards, entered the hotel. The secretaries wisely stayed behind

as if he'd lose her the moment he let go, were filled with curiosity but dared not ask. One thing they were

hotel always took place in the

the lift. The doors slid open, and he gestured for Owen and Cecilia to enter. "Cecilia, let's head

immediately, leaving the

to Jay, the head of security, and asked, "Who is the young

If Ms. Yates ever visits, make sure you treat her with the

thanked Jay for the heads-up. Now he knew not

waited briefly before the manager swiped

feeling nervous?" Owen asked

meeting a stranger, nothing nerve-wracking. Don't forget

and the penniless were all the same; money didn't make any

on her lips. "Cecilia, you were born to be the lady of the Martinez family. Most

eyes playfully. "Owen, it's only today I've

know yet. I invite you to keep turning the pages, all the way to the

what's so exciting about the last page?

coaxed, "say

men really like

"Men and women alike."

handsome, a cut above the