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.

you," she greeted

noticing Owen's special care

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

yet?" Owen asked,

Pinehurst Hotel, reporting as they walked, "Mr. Spencer will be here in two minutes. Mr. Martinez, Ms. Yates, please go ahead. I'll wait here for Mr.

tightened his grip on Cecilia's hand and, flanked by bodyguards, entered the hotel. The secretaries wisely stayed behind with Walter, choosing not to play

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

meetings in the hotel always took place in

due reverence before using a VIP card to access the lift. The doors slid open, and he gestured for Owen and Cecilia to enter. "Cecilia, let's head up,"

immediately, leaving the

doors closed, the hotel manager turned to Jay, the head

If Ms. Yates ever visits, make sure you treat

for the heads-up. Now he knew not to make

briefly before the manager swiped

nervous?" Owen

just meeting a stranger, nothing nerve-wracking. Don't forget what I do for a

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

close and kissed her on her lips. "Cecilia, you were born to be the lady of the Martinez family. Most people would be nervous, but not you. That means you're a natural fit for

it's only today I've discovered

a lot about me you don't know yet. I invite you to keep

so exciting about the last page? Everyone's

coaxed, "say

really like sweet

"Men and women alike."

Owen, you are the epitome of dashing, a vision of handsome, a cut above the rest-even more so than the male waiters at Neon Nectar Nightclub. My admiration for you flows like