Faux Vows, True Desires

Lucinda had just polished off a stack of pancakes and was sipping her second cup of coffee when Darlene finally sauntered downstairs. "Lucy."

With a habitual tender smile tinged with a hint of apology, Darlene said, "I'm so sorry-I was up late watching a movie marathon. Slept in and kept you waiting."

She had put on makeup, but was worried that even with it, she couldn't hide the signs of fatigue, so she just came clean.

"What flick was so gripping you had to stay up for it?"

Lucinda asked out of curiosity.

"Nothing spectacular, just some rom-coms. I started and just had to see how they ended. Don't you have work today? Isn't it Monday?"

Darlene sat down beside Lucinda, her concern evident. "Did something happen? Why aren't you at work?"

"I quit my job today. I'm heading to Skywatch in a few days. Plus, there's a bunch of stuff to help with for Tiffany's wedding. As her sister-in-law, I've got to lend a hand, so I called it quits." Her days of juggling jobs were over.

Although it wasn't for long, she had learned a lot, a vast improvement from before.

Before, she hadn't worked a day in any company, without a shred of experience.

"That makes sense."

"You're all good on your end, right?"

Lucinda asked with genuine concern, "Anything comes up, you tell us early, and we'll help sort it out."

She was referring to Darlene being the bridesmaid for Tiffany.

"No worries, I'll be moving into the Paisley estate on Friday night, ready for the Saturday wedding. Lucy, I just got up and I'm starving. Gonna grab a bite. Join me?" Lucinda declined with a laugh, "I'm nearly bursting at the seams. Stefan always feeds me like I'm a pig. Ever since we got together, I must've gained a few pounds."

"Back in the day, I could eat anything and never gain an ounce."

Darlene chuckled, "That's a humble brag about your bliss if I ever heard one. I don't see any change-you're still gorgeous."

"Gorgeous is the last thing I'd claim sitting next to you. You're like a goddess in my eyes. Go eat, don't starve yourself. I'll wait for you. Let's take a walk afterward and drop by my shop." Despite her busy schedule, she needed to check in on the shop, not letting Cecilia run it all by herself.

Owen, too, was worried about Cecilia getting worn out and had arranged two bodyguards for her not only for protection but also to help out for free. "Alright, give me a few."

wasn't formal,

someone up from the

Lucinda added suddenly.

upon hearing

your mom are still in Pinehurst; it's only natural for him

two brothers who adore you. You're married, and your husband dotes on you endlessly. You're living

and my eldest brother treats you like his

practically part of the Bishop

in the Bishop family, distant relatives couldn't influence Belinda's

long as Darlene had no objections to Ike, Belinda and Ike

Ike was no slacker. Their romance was different from most, but since Belinda had agreed to meet Ike's parents, it suggested their relationship was on solid ground.

great. Whenever Belinda mentions him, she can't help but

Darlene mused.

that her heart had grown cold-except towards Darlene. Ike

the strength

you give

back, "Haven't met the right person yet;

suddenly drifted to

was quite intrigued by

Blue family was

Blue family undetected, Darlene wasn't worried about being mistreated

Wait.

her

and Keith had only met a few times, and he hadn't treated her any differently than

with grace, yet

was content and rejoined

again-it's bad for your

Darlene grinned, "Got it."

conscious about her health

resembled their mother

ruin that resemblance; it would pain her sister, who looked to

more banter, they headed out

waiting outside didn't