Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 472

Lucinda had just polished off a stack of pancakes and was sipping her second cup of coffee when Darlene finally sauntered downstairs “Lucy.”

With a habitual tender smile tinged with a hint of apology, Darlene said, “I'm so sorry—I was up late watching a movie marathon. Slept in and kept you waiting.”

She had put on makeup, but was worried that even with it. she couldn't hide the signs of fatigue. so she just came clean

“What flick was so gripping you had to stay up for it?”

Lucinda asked out of curiosity.

“Nothing spectacular, just some rom-coms. I started and just had to see how they ended. Don't you have work today? Isn’t it Monday?" Darlene sat down beside Lucinda, her concern evident. "Did something happen? Why aren’t you at work?”

“I quit my job today. I’m heading to Skywatch in a few days. Plus. there’s a bunch of stuff to help with for Tiffany’s wedding. As her sister-in-law, I’ve got to lend a hand, so I called it quits.

Her days of juggling jobs were over.

Although it wasn’t for long, she had learned a lot, a vast improvement from before.

Before, she hadn't worked a day in any company, without a shred of experience

“That makes sense.”

“You're all good on your end, right?”

Lucinda asked with genuine concern. “Anything comes up, you tell us early, and we'll help sort it out.” She was referring to Darlene being the bridesmaid for Tiffany.

“No worries, I'll be moving into the Paisley estate on Friday night, ready for the Saturday wedding. Lucy, I just got up and I’m starving. Gonna grab a bite. Join me?

Lucinda declined with a laugh, "I'm nearly bursting at the seams. Stefan always feeds me like I'm a pig. Ever since we got together, I must’ve gained a few pounds.

“Back in the day, I could eat anything and never gain an ounce.” Darlene chuckled, “That's a humble brag about your bliss if I ever heard one. I don’t see any change—you're still gorgeous.”

“Gorgeous is the last thing I'd claim sitting next to you. You're like a goddess in my eyes. Go eat, don't starve yourself. I'll wait for you. Let's take a walk afterward and drop by my shop.”

Despite her busy schedule, she needed to check in on the shop, not letting Cecilia run it all by herself.

Owen, too, was worried about Cecilia getting worn out and had arranged two bodyguards for her—not only for protection but also to help out for free. “Alright, give me a few.

The two women were close friends; Darlene wasn't formal, and Lucy wasn’t either. They did as they pleased.

“Oh, by the way, I’ve gat to pick someone up from the airport today. My brother's flying in early, not sure why.

Lucinda added suddenly.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Darlene, who had already moved to the dining area to eat, paused upon hearing this, then nonchalantly continued with her meal.

Sleeping in had left her genuinely hungry.

“Your brother’s probably coming to check on you. You and your mom are still in Pinehurst; it's only natural for him to come see you.”

Darlene remarked, “Lucy, sometimes I really envy you. You've got two brothers who adore you. You're married, and your husband dotes on you endlessly. You're living the dream.”

“Your sister adores you too, and my eldest brother treats you like his own sister.”

Ike was practically part of the Bishop family now.

With no elders left in the Bishop family, distant relatives couldn't influence Belinda’s marriage choices

As long as Darlene had no objections to Ike, Belinda and Ike could set a wedding date whenever they wanted.

Belinda had a busy career, and Ike was no slacker. Their romance was different from most, but since Belinda had agreed to meet Ike's parents, it suggested their relationship was on solid ground.

Maybe after meeting the parents, they'd start discussing marriage “Ike is great. Whenever Belinda mentions him, she can't help but soften up. Love is powerful.” Darlene mused.

Belinda had faced so much adversity that her heart had grown cold—except towards Darlene. Ike was the second person to receive Belinda’s warmth.

That showed the strength of love.

Lucinda laughed, “Why don’t you give love a try?

Darlene smiled back, “Haven't met the right person yet; I'm not thinking about it for now."

Her thoughts suddenly drifted to Keith.

She was quite intrigued by him.

But the Blue family was too complicated.

Then again, considering she could infiltrate the Blue family undetected, Darlene wasn't worried about being mistreated if she married into it. Wait.

Where were her thoughts going?

She and Keith had only met a few times, and he hadn’t treated her any differently than anyone else. These were all just fantasies. Darlene ate with grace, yet quickly.

Soon, she was content and rejoined Lucinda.

Looking at the time, Lucinda said, “You’ve pretty much merged breakfast and lunch. Don't stay up late again—it's bad for your skin. She playfully touched Darlene’s face, “Don’t ruin it; it would break my heart.”

Darlene grinned, “Got it.”

She was very conscious about her health and skincare.

Belinda said she resembled their mother greatly.

She couldn't ruin that resemblance; it would pain her sister, who looked to her to see their mother.

After a little more banter, they headed out together.

Seeing the bodyguards waiting outside didn’t surprise either of them

Belinda always protected her sister like a delicate flower in a greenhouse. Whenever Darlene stepped out, bodyguards were with her. It went without saying for Lucy.

Serendipity Café.

Cecilia had no idea her two friends were coming. As she watched patrons pay and leave, she pulled out her phone to order some delivery through an app.

But within minutes, she heard the familiar, steady footsteps approaching Then came the polite greeting from the waitress. “Hello, Mr. Martinez.” Cecilia snapped her head up toward the entrance to see Owen striding in, looking travel-worn.

He seemed exhausted, probably hadn't shaved for days, his stubble evident.

In the blink of an eye, he had circled around to the’sashier's counter, Standing byter side. His hands reached out, gripping her arms and> pulling her up to stand. Instinct she titted her head back to look at him;only to be drawn into hi is embrace. His arms tightened around her, holding her close as¢f he was

afraid she would slip away the moment he loosened his grip.

£

Cecilia feltthe embrace was almost. too tightand tried to squirm a bits but that just made him hold her even closer, as if he couldn't bear. the thought of letting her go. Content ~

With no option but to stay still, Cecilia nestled silently in his arms, taking in the familiar scent of him, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It took a while before Owen finally eased his hold. "Cecilia, I've missed you like crazy," he murmured

He had been on a business trip, working overtime to wrap things up so he could return to her sooner. A single day without Cecilia made him anxious. let alone several

She haunted even his dreams.

Stirred by emotion, Cecilia hugged him back just as tightly and said, "I've missed you too."

Seeing him every day, she had thought her-feclings for Owen were

just a passing fancy. But his =

absence‘ever the past few days f had provemher wrong; she realizecthat her affection for him ran much

deeper than she had ever imagined.