Faux Vows, True Desires

The thought of letting Cecilia go wrung Owen's heart like a wet cloth, his complexion growing paler by the second. He wasn't a saint, but he wasn't the devil incarnate either. Why was fate dealing him such a rough hand?

"Owen, what's wrong? Are you feeling okay?" Cecilia's voice came from beyond the bathroom door, her knocks growing more persistent in the absence of his response. What was wrong with him?

"Cecilia, just head back, I'm beat. I need to stay in and get some rest," Owen managed to say, knowing full well that she wouldn't stop knocking until he spoke up. Cecilia was still as innocent as they come in matters between men and women, clueless to the turmoil he was in. How could he possibly tell her the truth?

Facing Cecilia was harder than ever, especially when he thought about abandoning her. The pain was too much, like his heart was being carved out with a dull blade. It was a different kind of hurt than when he had let go of Ruby. With Ruby, there had been countless letdowns, so the pain, though sharp, wasn't as soul-rending as it was now.

"You sure you're okay?" Cecilia's voice was laced with concern. He was acting so strange. He had her all worked up, then just up and vanished into the bathroom, leaving her puzzled and frustrated.

"I'm fine, just really tired. Why don't you head back? I'll take another shower." Cecilia was still suspicious. "Another shower? Come out here, let me see that you're really okay."

"Cecilia, I'm really fine. I'm just exhausted. You go on back, and I'll come find you after I've rested up a bit," he said, his voice betraying his weariness. She could hear the fatigue in his tone. Remembering how he'd been burning the midnight oil with sudden work crises and had flown straight back to see her, she relented, "Alright, soak a bit longer then. But don't stay in too long, and don't fall asleep in the tub, okay? I'll head back to the bistro."

in response, straining his ears for the sound of her departure. Only after he heard the door close did he finally exhale in relief. After a while longer, he emerged from the bathroom and stepped back into the bedroom. The sight of the disheveled bed brought back his intentions of consummating his relationship with

through his hair. He was in prime shape, always taking care of his body, a regular at the gym. How could he suddenly be 'out of service'? It must be the exhaustion. He needed advice from

wait. He needed to find Stefan immediately. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than he was changing clothes, grabbing his car keys,

struggles, returned to the bistro. Lucinda was still there, bustling about with a throng of customers.

longer a surprise to the folks at Ascend Global. In the world of business, there were

and pass the corporate reins to Eric and Campbell before taking off with his love to her family home in Skywatch. Eric and Campbell, upon learning that they were to run the company in Stefan's absence, made a beeline to their

at they couldn't handle

It wasn't that

company operations well enough to take the helm in turns. In the CEO's office, Stefan was rapidly signing off documents while his cousins, Eric and Campbell, sat across from him.

I was saying, I'm part of the Anderson family, and I should definitely chip in," Eric said. "Let me come to Skywatch with you. Our company is starting a branch there, and as a family member, I want to

keep cooking those meals you love. That way, you and sis-in- law will stay well-fed, and maybe even give me a niece or nephew

capable. I can take care of all the housework when