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."

sat down across from Stefan, and asked, "Your office is bug-free,

on Sunday. Now, spill it. You've got my curiosity piqued." Owen's face turned

puzzled, wondering what could make Owen blush

What's got you all

blurted out, "I think I might be...

Owen, impotent?

Stefan slowly stood up, leaned over the desk, and

Owen clamped his legs

do you think you're doing?" Owen snapped,

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 young. With early

did you

appreciate the topic, especially coming from his lifelong rival. He once claimed Stefan had the same problem to undermine him in front of

moment, Owen confessed

own awkward first

he said, "You've been pining after Ruby for years, and yet you're as inexperienced as they

some advice into Owen's ear.

smirk. "And about Cecilia, weren't you

business,"

dying to meddle. You've been here what, twenty-six minutes? Let's say a hundred grand a minute, that's two and a half million

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

consulting fees are

I'd charge more. You're lucky I'm friends with

nodding in agreement. "Of course. This stays between you, me, and the heavens. If a third person finds

two million a year for

might as well rob a

rivals, remember? You've been gunning for me since we were kids. Why would I