Faux Vows, True Desires

Belinda was a force to be reckoned with-a true "tomboy" who did things her own way. When she had decided to confess her feelings, she couldn't care less about the setting. That's right, Belinda wanted to lay her heart bare to Ike.

Their time together had deepened their bond, and Belinda felt herself falling for him-hard. She was a straight shooter, always forthright with her feelings. Having seen her own heart clearly, she was determined to confess to Ike. No more guessing games or beating around the bush-that was just a waste of time.

So, as Lucinda dragged Stefan away, Belinda stepped forward and handed Ike a bouquet of flowers, her sharp eyes twinkling with warmth. "Ike, I know it's usually the guys who give flowers," she said. "But I think a nice bouquet sets the scene for a confession."

"Lucy told me you're quite the green thumb. Thought you might like these."

Belinda had learned from her sister that Ike had a soft spot for plants, so she boldly bought flowers for her confession.

"Ike, we've known each other for a while, and we get along great. I really enjoy our time together and I want you to be my boyfriend. I'm looking at this with marriage in mind. Are you in?"

Ike's grin split his face.

This must be what being surrounded by happiness felt like.

He eagerly took the bouquet from Belinda, and in turn, handed her his own flowers, saying, "Well, Belinda, it's funny you should say that. I've been wanting to tell you I've fallen for you a long time ago. I'd be honored to be your boyfriend, with an eye toward marriage, of course."

Truth be told, if Belinda asked him to head to city hall right then and there for a marriage certificate, he'd leap at the chance.

"Ike, I've got a demanding job, and I won't have much time to spend with you. Our dating life might have to rely on phone calls, and dates will have to fit into my hectic schedule. You mind?"

two hearts resonate, it's a

lay

Belinda, the boss, was busier and more

in touch, and squeezing in the occasional dinner date around her packed

bother me," Ike assured her, understanding the demands

a new outfit

with the new clothes,

turned to her companion and remarked, "Doesn't it feel like my brother and Belinda are sealing a business deal rather than confessing love? If it weren't for my brother's radiant smile, I wouldn't believe they were actually being

since your brother has fallen for her, he's prepared for what that entails. Their marriage

finally tell my parents that my brother

had always been

her married, and her brother taken, their mother would surely

Darlene have no spark. I guess my hope of having the Bishop sisters as sisters-in-law is dashed,"

way up to the penthouse suite, where Eric Anderson had

If we could find out who she is, your

she might be hard to

mysterious lady. She felt a sense of familiarity, certain she had seen her before but couldn't place who it

be. I've seen a sharpness in her eyes I'm not imagining. She's