Faux Vows, True Desires

Lucinda glanced around the deserted park, making sure they were alone before wrapping her arms around Stefan's neck and tiptoeing to plant a spontaneous kiss

on his lips.

Stefan responded with equal fervor, tightening his embrace around her waist as the kiss deepened.

As Keith rounded the corner, he stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of his sister and brother-in-law locked in an unapologetic embrace. He quickly backed away, not wanting to embarrass Lucinda by making his presence known.

The couple's affection for each other was the envy of all their friends, a stark contrast to his own single status. "Sometimes, I really do envy them," Keith muttered to himself, pondering when his own love story would begin.

With the weight of familial responsibilities and the complexities of his environment, he sighed, resigning himself to bachelorhood, unwilling to burden any unsuspecting lady with his troubles.

Unless, of course, she was like the mysterious lady behind the mask, a match for his complicated life. But without concrete proof that the masked lady was actually Darlene, Keith hesitated to make a move, fearing a misstep could lead to misunderstandings and trouble.

He had learned from his father's youthful mishaps-charmed by many, his father's romantic entanglements had only brought pain to the family. Determined not to follow in those footsteps, Keith had a personal rule: no woman, other than family, was allowed within three feet of him. And so far, his defenses against would-be suitors had held strong.

After their passionate kiss, the young couple continued on their way.

"I wonder if Mom's woken up yet," Lucinda pondered, her thoughts still with her mother. "If she sees Dad when she wakes up, it might just start another row."

"Do you think Dad's actions are because of that bullet he took years ago?” she asked Stefan. "Mom's been vague, but from the snippets she's let slip, I'm pretty sure Dad took a bullet for her."

"It's possible," Stefan replied thoughtfully. "Your dad must have weighed his options for a long time before deciding. They were deeply in love once, and whatever he's doing now, it's tearing him up more than anyone else."

tracks. "Let's go back, Stefan. I'm worried. If Mom wakes up and they start fighting again, and we're not

ready to support her. The tension between her parents was suffocating, and

like Lucinda, had stayed overnight at

"Mom," Lucinda answered.

Stefan head home early?"

of at home. How are Dad

no complaints about headaches. Your brother's gone to the Bishop's, and your father and I wanted to invite you and Stefan to lunch, but seems like you headed home early.

Fiona's voice, "Janice isn't

.n

with Janice often confiding in Fiona about her daughter Lucinda and her

intensity of her resentment.

belongs to s

moment's hesitation, didn't hide the truth

from

Fiona sighed, empathizing deeply

Let her

will work out in

go shopping after lunch

to catch up on after being away for