Faux Vows, True Desires

Stefan glanced up from the pile of documents he had been pretending to read and caught Owen's gaze fixed intently upon him. With a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, he teased, "What's with the stare, Owen? Jealous that I've got the edge in looks and luck?"

He gave a narcissistic chuckle and added, "Always thought I had the upper hand

- in looks, in success, and definitely in good fortune."

Owen winced internally. It hurt because Stefan was right.

Wasn't Stefan always the one with the better luck, the charmed life?

Envy clouded Owen's eyes as he looked at Stefan.

Stefan raised an eyebrow. "Out with it. What brings you to my office? You're back from your business trip, and you come straight to me instead of running to Cecilia? I'm flattered."

Swallowing his jealousy - years of it, enough to turn grapes into the sourest wine - Owen said, "I need to talk to you, Stefan."

"Shoot," Stefan replied, his tone surprisingly mellow.

Owen stood up, poured himself a glass of lukewarm water, and downed it in one

go, as if hydrating could somehow bolster his courage.

Stefan watched patiently, waiting for him to spill the beans.

Owen then walked to the office door, peeked out to make sure the coast was clear, and when Iris, the assistant, approached with a polite, "Mr. Martinez, do you need any help?" he quickly shooed her away.

"I need to discuss some big-time stuff with the boss man here," he told her. "Keep everyone out, even if it's the president himself."

Iris smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Mr. Martinez. Your conversation with our boss won't be disturbed."

desk, Owen closed the door, sat down

spill it. You've got my curiosity piqued."

wondering what could make Owen blush like

it out, man. What's got you

a deep breath, Owen blurted out, "I

Owen, impotent?

and peered down as if he could

Owen clamped

do you think you're doing?"

sympathy. Eventually, he opted for the latter, saying, "I'll ask around, see which doc's the best for

help himself, Stefan asked, "How did you

once claimed Stefan had the same problem to undermine him in front of Ruby. Now it seemed

Owen confessed the

his own awkward first night with

pining after Ruby for years, and yet you're as inexperienced as

leaned in and whispered some advice into Owen's ear. His words seemed to work magic;

fee," Stefan added with a smirk. "And about Cecilia,

my business," Owen

what, twenty-six minutes? Let's say a

scribbled a bank account number on a piece of paper and handed it to Owen. "Transfer the cash to

clenched. "Your consulting fees

grinned. "Had it been the old you, I'd charge more. You're lucky I'm friends with Cecilia. Oh, and do you

stays between you, me, and the heavens. If a

year for a lifetime of secrecy. You calculate how many years you've

"Stefan, you might as well

a bank when I'm the one filling them? Besides, we're rivals, remember? You've been gunning for me since we were kids. Why would I do you any favors?