Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 99

Owen was gazing at Cecilia, whose hand he held. Her hand was soft and smooth, with slender fingers that must be just as soft to the touch. Unlike Ruby, she didn't maintain long nails or wear nail polish. Her fingers were in their natural state.

"Owen, you're here to get back at me, aren't you?"

Cecilia let go of Owen's hand, anger burning in her eyes as if she could incinerate him with it.

"Why did you tell my mom those things? Don't you know she's been hassling me about blind dates? Lucinda is already married, and my mom is getting anxious about my marital status."

Owen couldn't help but laugh. "I didn't know your mom was pushing for blind dates. I just got here. I told her the truth, proving I'm an honest guy."

His words made Cecilia feel sick.

"If you're considered honest, then there are no sly people in this world."

Seeing her still angry, Owen asked, "So what if I told your mom I was your boyfriend? I admit I paid you to act as my girlfriend. But didn't you accept the money?"

"So what if I told your mom? Is she going to dislike you because we had a thing? Maybe she's secretly happy, thinking her daughter's going to marry a rich man and live happily ever after."

"My mom wouldn't think like that."

Cecilia defended her mother, "My mom isn't greedy for money. All she wants is for me and my brother to live a healthy, happy life."

"She would never pick you as a son-in-law."

And that was the truth.

Cecilia and Lucinda bonded deeply, given their shared personalities and family values. Becca and Fiona, on the other hand, often connected over phone conversations about their children. When Fiona visited the city, Cecilia's mother would often join her for shopping trips and meals.

Upon discovering the identity of her son-in-law, Fiona fervently advised her daughter to end the marriage. Cecilia's mother echoed these sentiments, hesitant about her daughter joining a wealthy family. They both understood societal expectations and believed that in a marriage, a woman shouldn't be undermined. Either she should come from a formidable family, or she should possess personal strength and resilience.

The Yates were an ordinary family. If you were to compare backgrounds, they wouldn't even match up to Lucinda's family. The Moore's owned an orchard, which provided a decent income during harvest season.

They also raised chickens and ducks and had contracts with several hotels, so they never worried about sales.

Compared to Cecilia's brother, Ike was more outstanding.

Even the Moore family didn't want to have any involvement with rich families, let alone the Yates.

"Am I really that bad?" Owen asked, feeling hurt.

Cecilia’s mother would choose anyone but him!

Owen's emotions weren't tied to Cecilia; it was his wounded pride that bothered him. He could come to terms with Ruby's preference for Stefan, acknowledging his superiority. However, Becca's rejection of him as a potential son-in-law stung his ego. He couldn't help but wonder what was lacking in him that even someone from an average family like Becca's disapproved of him.

Cecilia's gaze shifted to Owen. He was undeniably handsome, and as the CEO of the Ikella Group, he had a remarkable profile.

"You're great. But we're from different worlds."

"Are you not from Earth? Are you from Mars?"

Cecilia was speechless.

After his tantrum, Owen understood what Cecilia meant. He looked at her deeply and said, "No wonder you and Lucinda are good friends. You're the same type."

"Could you please be more polite? You and Ruby are the same type. Mr. Martinez, I get it. I'll never forgive Ruby's actions."

"Today she vandalized the shop and hurt people, tomorrow she might commit a more serious crime. We'll see. With your help, she'll sooner or later get herself into big trouble. Something you can't fix, and might even harm you."

"Enough!"

Owen suddenly yelled, startling Cecilia.

"What am I to you? What business is it of yours what I do? Are you trying to lecture me? So what if I like helping Ruby? So what if I want to help her solve her problems?"

Owen took out his wallet, pulled out all the cash he had, and threw it at Cecilia.

"This is for your medical bills on behalf of Ruby. She's been punished, and when she gets out, she won't owe you anything."

"I have no business with you and Ruby," Owen said coldly.

Cecilia scoffed, "Mr. Martinez sure likes making excuses for himself. I don't want to deal with your business. If Ruby hadn't wrecked my shop and hurt me, and you hadn't come to ask me to forgive her, do you think I'd want to talk to you?"

Owen remained silent.

He came to see her, not for Ruby.

He had heard her hand was badly swollen, and for some reason, he wanted to check on her.

It was her prejudice against him that made it impossible for them to have a proper conversation.

"Whoever does wrong has to take responsibility. I'll seek compensation from Ruby for my shop's loss and my medical bills when she gets out."

"I don't want Mr. Martinez's money!"

After saying this, Cecilia turned and left.

She had forgotten she once pretended to be Owen's girlfriend to provoke Ruby and got paid for it.

Owen remained motionless, watching Cecilia's retreating figure. The Martinez family bodyguards averted their gazes, looking skyward, avoiding getting involved or uttering a word.

After some moments, Owen motioned for two of his bodyguards. "Collect that money and deliver it to the Yates family on behalf of Ms. Yates," he instructed. Without hesitation, the two bodyguards began gathering the scattered cash.

Taking several deep breaths to regain his composure, Owen made his way to his car, silently promising himself that he would steer clear of Cecilia in the future.

Upon entering her house, Cecilia was immediately met with a barrage of questions from her mother.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

"Cecilia, what's the deal between you and Mr. Martinez?"

"Were you guys friends before or something?"

"I can't believe you kept such a big thing from us."

"Our family doesn't exactly match up to the social standing of the Martinez family. I did a quick internet search just now and besides finding out that their family business is the Ikella Group and he's one of the main guys in charge, I know nothing."

"If you join a wealthy family like that, you'll need to handle their high expectations and adapt to their traditions. You value your freedom, and I'm not sure their way of life suits you. I'm concerned about you being with Mr. Martinez."

Becca's flurry of questions left Cecilia flustered.

After her mom paused, she touched her own face and asked, "Mom, how do you see me? Do you find me beautiful? Do you think I'm the most beautiful woman in the world?"