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."

Owen now. Look how quickly my mom-in-law changed

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

her back, tightening his embrace, causing Cecilia to nearly crash

all. But trust me, I'm a treasure. The more you explore,

you want

looks, we definitely need to hit up some

was destined to be a day

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

man, wouldn't be picky about clothes and would settle quickly. How wrong she

stamina for shopping

after him until her feet

and some ties, Cecilia was relieved when he signaled her

a hefty sum, she didn't feel the pinch, eager for

never to accompany him

with bags, Owen looked like

"Mr. Martinez, Mrs. Martinez."

bodyguard, appeared out of thin

relieved Owen of his packages and handed him a set of

acknowledged with

bring back

instructed Jay and

once fiery Cecilia was now meekly

touch, suggesting, "Cecilia, the sun's going down. No point heading back to the store. Let's go home for

them out. If you don't like anything, we can exchange them on the spot."

the clothes she 'bought' for him to work

him, "When did you arrange

"While you were shopping your heart out, I took

gift; it

paid for

it was

then it's