Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 92

"Owen, you gotta listen to me, don't waste your time on Ruby. She's never gonna be satisfied," Owen's grandpa seriously advised him.

"Think about it, mate. You've given her years of your feelings. What have you got in return?"

"Stefan's tied the knot, but she's still head over heels for him. To her, you're just a means to an end. How could a smart bloke like you get it so wrong in love?"

Owen stayed silent.

He had tried to let go of his love for Ruby.

Every time he tried to walk away, Ruby would come back and act as if nothing happened, showering him with affection and that just...

"Next month, it's my birthday. I wasn't planning on making a big deal of it, but now I think we should throw a big bash at our place. Invite all the big shots from our city, maybe you'll spot someone better for you."

Owen's grandpa believed that the best way to help Owen get over Ruby was to set him up on some dates.

Owen wanted to say something, but his grandpa didn't give him the chance. "If you don't heed my advice, Harry could take the CEO position at the Ikella Group."

Harry Martinez, Owen's cousin, was only eight months younger than him and currently the vice president of the Ikella Group, a right-hand man to Owen. From NôvelDrama.Org.

"Dad, rest assured, we're planning a magnificent birthday celebration for you," Olina chimed in, glancing at Owen to prompt him to reassure their grandfather. The prospect of losing the CEO role

to Harry weighed heavily on her; she couldn’t bear the thought of being overshadowed in her own family.

In contrast to the Andersons, the Martinez family dynamics were far from seamless. Their relationships were tangled with complexities.

Owen's grandpa had two wives, Shane Martinez and his brother shared the same mother, and he had a younger brother and two sisters from his stepmother.

If it wasn't for Owen's grandpa's favoritism and his capability to take the CEO position, Owen's family would have a hard time in the Martinez family.

Harry was another capable contender in the family.

While the Martinez family appeared united on the outside, internally, they were locked in a power struggle.

Stefan's complaint to Owen's grandfather led to Owen being reprimanded and pushed to marry. All this went on unbeknownst to Lucinda.

After her store faced operational challenges, Lucinda packed her laptop and headed home.

When Stefan called inviting her to lunch, he was disappointed to learn she'd already left.

"Babe, are you upset?"

Lucinda could tell her man was unhappy.

"My lady ditched me and sneaked back to her parents'. How could I possibly be happy?"

Lucinda chuckled, "Don't be so dramatic. I'm just staying at my parents' for a few days. I'll be back soon."

"Lucy, didn't we agree to head back to Ascend Estate this weekend? Aren't you excited about the artificial starry sky I prepared for you?"

"What day is it today?"

Lucinda asked and then answered herself, "It's Thursday. I'll be back by Sunday to see your artificial starry sky."

She was curious about how he created a starry sky for her.

The mere thought of it was incredibly romantic.

And it could also be a great material for her novel.

"I'll pick you up after work."

Lucinda was speechless.

"I can't sleep without you."

Stefan whispered.

Lucinda's cheeks turned red instantly.

Stefan was always so sweet to her.

"I just got home... Come pick me up tomorrow."

"If you promise to call me 'hubby' from now on, I'll pick you up tomorrow."

Lucinda: "It's just a title..."

"I just love it when you call me 'hubby'."

Lucinda couldn't help but laugh, "You're not around anyone right now, are you? Your colleagues should see you like this. They'd be shocked."

Stefan said seriously, "I only behave like this around you. I feel lonely when you're not here."

"We'll see each other tomorrow."

Stefan said with a soft chuckle.

"I'm at my front door now. Gotta go, hubby. Focus on your work. I'm jobless now, all depend on you to bring home the bacon."

"Don't worry, you won't starve as long as I'm around."

Finally hearing her call him 'hubby', Stefan felt content.

After hanging up, he immediately transferred today's pocket money to Lucinda.

When Lucinda saw the amount Stefan gave her, she was at a loss for words.

Every day, the allowance he provided was more than she would earn in several months.

Three times daily, Stefan would hand her between five to ten thousand dollars.

To him, it was pocket change.

This disparity made Lucinda acutely aware of the vast difference in their worlds. He could spend without a second thought, while she always sought the best value for money.

Back at home, Lucinda felt the need for some distance, some time away from Stefan to process everything.

After the incident at her shop with Ruby, her brother warned that this was only the beginning. Many women coveted Stefan, and now that their relationship was public, Lucinda was thrust into the limelight while her competitors lurked in the shadows.

She was outnumbered, unaware of how many rivals she truly faced. Her brother shared this, hoping it would convince her to end things with Stefan.

All said and done, Lucinda was overwhelmed.

She was into Stefan, wanted to grow old with him, and she was trying to fit into his world.

But reality bites, and she had to deal with it.

No one in her family was rooting for her to keep going with Stefan.

"Lucy, you're back? Why didn't you give us a heads up so your mom could get more of the food you like?"

Mason Moore just happened to come out of the house, saw Lucinda coming back, beamed up, and announced to the room, "Lucy's back."

"Grandpa."

With a smile, Lucinda approached her grandfather, saying, "I'm not a fussy eater. I enjoy whatever Mom cooks; her dishes are incredibly tasty. I can eat a lot even when I'm not hungry."

Lucinda then joined her grandfather as he led the way into the room.

"Grandma."

Upon entering the room, Lucinda saw her grandma picking vegetables. She greeted her and put the groceries she'd bought onto the table, then she headed for the kitchen.

"Smells amazing, mom. What are you cooking?"

Entering the kitchen and finding only her mom, she went over, hugged her, and asked, "Mom, where's dad?"

"He went to buy your favorite veggies, knowing you're coming back. So, your dad said he wanted to treat you with more food."

After Fiona finished speaking, she gently tapped Lucinda's forehead.

"Do you think we can't help you, so you keep us in the dark every time you're in trouble?"

The news of Lucinda's shop getting smashed had gone viral.

Fiona, being internet-savvy, would surf the web in her spare time, watching videos, and reading some news. She just never thought she'd stumble upon news about her daughter.