Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 510

If it were any other night, Darlene would have made some excuse about

maintaining her figure and skipped out on a late-night snack with her sister. But tonight, she was throwing caution to the wind.

If she didn't join in, acting as the proverbial third wheel, who knew how long Belinda and Ike would keep at it over their midnight feast? Those two could whisper sweet nothings to each other until dawn if left to their own devices.

Darlene had plans for later, so she was determined to put up with being the third wheel just this once.

As expected, with Darlene there, Ike and Belinda's conversation stayed on business topics, though they occasionally exchanged meaningful glances that spoke volumes.

"Darlene, don't eat too much, or you'll be up half the night wandering around the yard," Belinda teased. She knew her sister well enough to know that a full stomach meant a restless night.

"Weren't you at dinner?" Belinda asked, surprised. It wasn't like Darlene to join her for late-night snacks.

"Oh, I ate," Darlene replied. "But eating alone just isn't the same, and I didn't eat much."

Belinda felt a pang of guilt. It had been ages since she'd been home to have dinner with her sister.

"Belinda, you shouldn't feel guilty. You're the rock of the Bishop family. Because of you, I have the peace and security I enjoy. We're both daughters of the Bishop family, but I can't help you as much as I'd like. I'm the one who should feel guilty."

Darlene knew her sister would start blaming herself, so she quickly offered some

reassurance.

the weight of her responsibilities, Belinda suggested, "If you're ever feeling lonely

but don't worry, I'll take care of myself. When I'm bored, I

sister had friends like Lucinda and Cecilia, both of whom valued

help to me, too, so let's not hear any more of

quick, accurate results

late-night meal, Belinda checked the time and reluctantly nudged Ike. "It's getting late. You

see it was nearly midnight. Time had flown by. He got to

to the door. "I'd rather you

place closer to your home so I can see you more often," Ike insisted. "After

Are

decide to settle down, we'll choose something together. You can

Pinehurst, not too far from his sister's store, so he could keep an eye on things and lend a hand when needed. But now that

now being cared for by someone

saving a spot for him in the groomsmen lineup ke had wanted to

if I can find a good rental

"Sounds good."

as they walked out to Ike's car, and Belinda stopped beside it. Ike gently adjusted her blazer and cradled her face in his hands, his

one, and murmured warmly, "You too. Drive safe, no speeding. Let me know

But couldn't you kiss me

a laugh, Belinda wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed

the car door

not make a habit of coming home