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."

were close friends; Darlene wasn't formal, and Lucy wasn't either. They did as

to pick someone up from the airport today. My brother's flying in early, not sure

Lucinda added suddenly.

paused upon hearing this, then

brother's probably coming to check on you. You and your mom are still in Pinehurst; it's only natural for him to come

remarked, "Lucy, sometimes I really envy you. You've got two brothers who adore you. You're married, and

you too, and my eldest brother treats you like

of the

in the Bishop family, distant relatives couldn't influence

no objections to Ike, Belinda and Ike could set a wedding

Their romance was different from most, but since Belinda had agreed to meet Ike's parents, it suggested their relationship was on solid ground. Maybe after meeting the parents, they'd start

him, she can't help but soften

Darlene mused.

grown cold-except towards Darlene. Ike was

the

laughed, "Why don't you give love a

met the right person yet; I'm not

suddenly drifted to

quite intrigued by

family was

family undetected, Darlene wasn't worried about

Wait.

her thoughts

hadn't

ate with grace,

was content and rejoined

at the time, Lucinda said, "You've pretty much merged breakfast and lunch. Don't stay up late again-it's bad

Darlene grinned, "Got it."

very conscious about her

resembled their mother

pain her sister, who looked

banter, they

waiting outside didn't surprise either of