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."

her desk, Owen closed the door, sat down

Now, spill it. You've got my

could make Owen blush like a

man. What's got you all tied up in knots?" Stefan

deep breath, Owen blurted out, "I think I might

Owen, impotent?

silence, Stefan slowly stood up, leaned over the desk, and peered down as if

clamped

What do you think you're doing?" Owen

back down, unsure whether to laugh or offer sympathy. Eventually, he opted for the latter, saying, "I'll ask around, see which doc's the best for this sort of thing. You're

himself, Stefan asked, "How did you even find out you were... you know,

from his lifelong rival. He once claimed Stefan had the same problem to undermine him in front of Ruby. Now it seemed like karma had

Owen confessed the

his own awkward first night with

after Ruby for years, and yet you're as

advice into Owen's ear. His words seemed to work magic; Owen's demeanor

a hefty consulting fee," Stefan added with a smirk. "And about Cecilia, weren't you always the respectful type? Planning to put the

business,"

been here what, twenty-six minutes? Let's say a hundred grand a minute, that's two and

bank account number on a piece of paper and handed it to

jaw clenched. "Your consulting fees are through

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

"Of course. This stays

make it two million a year for a

you might as well rob a

we're rivals, remember? You've been gunning for me since we were kids. Why would I do you any favors? And hey,