Faux Vows, True Desires

No matter who had influenced Olina's thoughts, when she spoke those heartfelt words to Cecilia, it was deeply touching.

Cecilia paused, looked at Olina, and said, "Auntie, thank you. With your blessings, Owen and I are sure to be happy."

"Auntie, I know my family doesn't come close to the stature of the Martinez family. Please believe that neither I nor my family are after your money. We won't accept any financial help from Owen, not before or after our wedding."

"Our family doesn't need any support. My dad and brother both have jobs. Sure, their salaries might seem modest to a wealthy household, but they're more than sufficient for an average family. After covering our expenses, we still manage to save a bit."

"My little shop is turning a profit now, and I'm expanding the business. As long as I manage it with care, I'm confident it'll continue to thrive. I love Owen for who he is, not for his wealth or status. I can support myself, and the money I earn is more than enough for me, with some to spare."

"Perhaps, in your eyes, I'm not the ideal daughter-in-law, but please give us a chance. If we can't get along after living together, Owen and I can move out. Keeping a distance might prevent any deepening conflicts."

Cecilia believed that once they spent time together, Olina would see her without prejudice, and they could live in harmony.

In Olina's words, they both loved the same man, and neither wanted to make life difficult for him.

Communication could resolve issues, unless someone was completely unreasonable.

The fear was that without giving each other a chance, understanding and communication would be impossible, only deepening the rift.

Love is about mutual giving.

Marriage and family require everyone's effort to flourish.

Olina knew Cecilia had a bright future, if only because she was Lucinda's close friend. Cecilia's prospects were boundless.

Cecilia was willing to give her a chance. If they could get along, maybe they could live in peace.

If not, then distance was the answer.

As long as Cecilia took good care of her son and kept him happy, Olina had no cause for dissatisfaction.

After all, what more could a parent wish for than their child's happiness?

"Cecilia, thank you."

Cecilia smiled, "And thank you, Auntie."

shared smile dissolved

pregnant and couldn't travel far for a honeymoon, Liam still whisked her away for a local retreat, a blend

waving the young couple off, Lucinda and her husband were set to follow her

Ascend Estate, the sprawling green was dotted with

held her daughter's hand,

I'll come back to visit you and dad

smile, but her eyes reddened, and she couldn't help but hug her

as her own daughter. No matter where Lucinda went, Fiona would always be

I'm not here, you, dad, and my

deserve some rest. My brother's company is doing well; you don't need to worry

his heart had found

and his wife had nothing to

Fiona, who had raised Lucinda from the age of six months, sending her thousands of miles away, even with the Blue family's jets ready to bring her

it's not good to cry before a

pushing her daughter away and wiping away her tears. "I have no greater wish than to know that you and your brother are doing

it's not

nodded through her

back a few paces, then knelt down

"Lucy, get up, please."

defenses broke, and her tears flowed freely. They had brought her home as a baby and

was returning to her

this felt like losing a piece

expressed

daughter was simply

to love her. Fiona

helped Lucinda to her

was choked

man trying to hold back his tears. He gripped his daughter's hand for a moment before

Lucinda's hand in

s

good care

worry. I will

Lucinda more