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.

meet you," she greeted the secretaries

both noticing Owen's special

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

Mr. Spencer here yet?" Owen asked,

Spencer will be here in two minutes. Mr. Martinez, Ms. Yates, please go ahead. I'll wait here for Mr. Spencer."

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

witnessing Owen 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

in the hotel always took place in

at the elevator, greeting Owen with due reverence before using a VIP card to access the lift. The doors slid open,

immediately, leaving

manager turned to Jay, the head of security, and asked, "Who is the young lady with

Ms. Yates ever visits, make

manager, taken aback, quickly thanked Jay for the heads-up.

swiped his card again, and they all stepped into the

nervous?" Owen

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

were

Cecilia 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

it's only today I've discovered you're quite

me you don't know yet. I invite you to keep turning the pages, all

about the last page? Everyone's last page is

Owen coaxed, "say

men really like

"Men and women alike."

and began, "Well then, listen up. 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