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.

ever feeling lonely

haven't made many new friends, but don't worry, I'll take care of

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

let's not hear any more of that

a whiz at finding information, and her quick, accurate results had helped

reluctantly nudged Ike. "It's getting

glanced at his watch, surprised to see it was nearly midnight. Time had flown by. He got to his feet, saying, "Alright,

to the door.

home so I can see

"Okay, then. Are you renting or

to settle down, we'll choose something together.

hand when needed. But

he'd watched grow up, was now being cared for by someone else. Stefan, that sly fox, had swooped in and married her before

in the groomsmen lineup ke had wanted to

can find a good rental

"Sounds good."

Belinda stopped beside it. Ike gently adjusted her blazer and cradled her face

caught his hands, kissed the back of one, and murmured warmly, "You too. Drive safe, no speeding. Let me know when you're

you kiss me somewhere

wrapped her arms around his neck

she opened the car door for

a habit of coming home so