Faux Vows, True Desires

"What are you mumbling about?"

"Nothing, just saying how my mom seems to be getting younger and more gorgeous by the day."

Becca chuckled and playfully flicked her forehead, "You silver-tongued devil."

Under the gentle prodding of her dear mother, Cecilia had no choice but to drag Owen, the big-shot CEO, out to go shopping and buy clothes.

Even though it was the afternoon, the sun was still blazing outside, scorching enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk.

Watching a delighted Owen stride towards the car, an impish thought struck Cecilia and she called out to him, "Since we're going shopping, let's not drive. Walking is what real shopping is all about."

After all, they were in the heart of the city, brimming with pedestrian zones perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Owen glanced up at the sun then back at her and said, "Cecilia, with the sun this fierce, let's take the car. Wouldn't want your skin to get a tan."

He circled back, adding, "And you're in heels. Trudging under the sun will not only tan you but will have you exhausted in no time. You'd be the one suffering, while I don't mind either way."

Cecilia said, "Fine, I'll ride the e-scooter."

Seeing her determination, Owen didn't argue further.

He wanted to give her a lift, but she refused, so he obediently sat behind her. As soon as the scooter started, he naturally wrapped his arms around her waist. "Stop hugging me."

"If I don't hold on, I'm afraid I'll fall off. You drive this e-scooter as if it's a jet. I'm scared."

Cecilia was beyond words.

"Besides, we're a couple now, right? Couples cuddle. It's normal."

Cecilia surrendered. Happy now?

She noticed that ever since she developed feelings for him, their playful arguments always seemed to tilt in his favor.

Could it be that he had always been letting her win before?

"Mr. Martinez."

you can call me Owen now. Look how

yet. Stop getting ahead of yourself. You're like a fox, sly to the core. I used to think you were the naive

head against her back, tightening his embrace, causing Cecilia to nearly crash into

so much about me you don't know. You'll need a lifetime to discover it all. But trust me, I'm

want to shop for

your boyfriend's dashing looks, we definitely need to hit up

destined to be

friend Lucinda, Cecilia was well-versed in the city's upscale fashion

Owen, being a man, wouldn't be picky about clothes

stamina for shopping and was

trailed after him until her feet

choosing a few outfits and some ties, Cecilia was

the pinch, eager for the prince to head home so she

him on a shopping spree

laden with bags, Owen looked like a walking department store while Cecilia's hands were

"Mr. Martinez, Mrs. Martinez."

the bodyguard, appeared out of

a set of car keys, "The car

with a

back the

hand, Owen instructed Jay and then led her towards his

fiery Cecilia was now meekly following

fasten her seatbelt with a caring touch, suggesting, "Cecilia, the sun's going down. No point heading back to the store.

had some new clothes, jewelry, skincare products, and bags delivered for you. We can have dinner, and you can check them out. If you don't like anything, we can exchange them on the spot." After scoring a few outfits from Cecilia, Owen was generously compensating with even

he'd be wearing the clothes she

asking him, "When

a smile. "While you were shopping your heart out, I took care of everything. You got me so

wasn't a gift;

you paid for

no comeback; it was

it's like you