Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 189

Cecilia once again pulled him close, their bodies near enough that she could smell the cologne he always wore.

She didn't particularly like that scent, but it was always on him, probably because Ruby liked it.

"Owen, you don't need to remind me. I'm clear about our business relationship. Don't worry, I won't make any move on you. There are plenty of good guys out there. You may be a good guy for Ruby, but not for me. I'm not stupid enough to fall for someone like you."

Owen's face turned ugly as he shook off Cecilia's hand.

He sat up straight and said seriously, "During our partnership, I hope you won't betray me."

"Our agreement didn't mention anything about not having other relationships, did it? Besides, you've been flaunting your relationship in front of me, and I'm supposed to remain loyal to you? You think I enjoy being betrayed?"

Owen was left speechless.

She didn't ask for his loyalty, so what right did he have to demand hers?

After all, they were a couple in name only. She was doing this to repay a favor, and he was doing it to protect his position and status.

He truly had no right to make demands.

After a while, Owen said, "If you have someone you like, you can date him secretly first. Once we get a divorce, then you can publicly date him. I don't want to end up being the joke of the town."

"I'm the one who's the joke. After all, everyone knows about you and your goddess."

Owen was left speechless again.

"Let's go, it's almost midnight." Cecilia urged Owen to start the car.

Despite shooting her a glare, Owen started the engine.

What could he do when he was too soft-hearted to let her make her own way home?

If he had just let her ride her scooter home, it wouldn't be his problem anymore.

He was just too worried, worried that she would be in danger on the road...

"Have you told Ruby you're married?"

"I didn't," Owen didn't dare to admit.

When he was single, Ruby didn't choose him.

If he told Ruby that he was married, Ruby definitely wouldn't choose him.

But when he was single, they were closer. Ruby was more dependent on him.

He wasn't Stefan. Ruby knew Stefan was married, she would be jealous, she would go crazy. As for him, it was impossible.

"But she'll find out. My mom told Mrs. Scott, who is Ruby's biological mom."

After a pause, he said, "Cecilia, if Ruby comes to make trouble, you hide first, then call me. I'll handle it, don't fight with her. You won't want to hurt her, and if she hurts you..."

It took Owen a long time to finish that sentence. He said, "If she hurts you, I'll have to pay. I don't want either outcome."

Cecilia glanced at him, nodded, saying, "If I have time, I'll try to notify you to handle it. If I don't, I'll handle it myself."

She leaned back in the car seat, yawning several times, "So sleepy."

"If you're tired, you can rest a bit. I'll wake you up."

"No need, we're almost there."

Owen shut his mouth and didn't say anything more.

The Yates family's house wasn't far from the Serendipity Cafe.

Cecilia usually only needed about ten minutes on her scooter.

By car, it was even quicker.

It felt like they arrived in the blink of an eye. Owen's car stopped on the street where the Yates family lived.

He didn't park too close to the house because he didn't want to disturb them.

Cecilia also didn't want her family to know she came home in Owen's car.

Although everyone at home was asleep, her mom was a light sleeper. Any small noise could wake her up.

She didn't want to risk it.

As Cecilia prepared to open the car door and get out, Owen called out to her.

"Is there anything else?" she asked, turning back towards him.

Owen pulled out his wallet, took out a few bills and handed them to her.

"What's this for?"

"This is for your taxi fare tomorrow. You're making so much money, yet you're so frugal."

Cecilia took the money without hesitation, "Thanks."

"You always say it's not about the money, but it is."

"What are you to me now?" Cecilia suddenly asked Owen.

"We're legally married, so naturally, I'm your husband."

Cecilia laughed and asked him, "Then you must be familiar with the saying 'a husband's money is meant to be spent by his wife’."

Owen was speechless.

"I'm going now, goodnight."

Cecilia waved, wished him good night, and left without looking back.

Owen watched her until she was out of sight.

"This heartless girl doesn't even look back." Owen grumbled.

"Ring, ring..." His phone suddenly rang.

Seeing the caller ID, Owen immediately answered.

"Ruby, you're still awake?"

His voice sounded very gentle.

If Cecilia were there to hear him talk like this, she might have felt sick.

"Owen, you don't want me anymore? Didn't you say you'd be with me forever? You promised to take risks for me whenever I needed you."

On the other end of the phone, Ruby was crying, blaming Owen.

Owen understood. Ruby had found out about him and Cecilia.

He felt a headache coming on. His free hand massaged his temple. Couldn't Megan have chosen a better time to tell her? Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

It was late at night. By telling Ruby now, Megan clearly didn't want Ruby to sleep well.

"Ruby, it's not what you think. How could I not want you? Everyone in Pinehurst knows about my feelings for you."

Many people had advised him not to keep chasing Ruby, saying she wasn't worth his effort.

But he couldn't let go.

They had grown up together. He was 29 this year, and had known Ruby for 25 years. After all this time, even though he knew Ruby didn't love him, he couldn't let go.

"Ruby, don't cry. It breaks my heart hearing you cry. I'll be right there to explain everything in person."

Owen hung up the phone, fired up the car, and drove to the Scotts'.

By the time he got there, Megan was already waiting at the villa entrance.

Seeing him, Megan looked apologetic and apologized to him, "Owen, I screwed up. I didn't mean to say those things. I just wanted Ruby to get over her crush on Stefan."

"Mrs. Scott, where's Ruby?" Owen asked.

"She's holed up in her room upstairs. I can hear her throwing a fit from outside her door. She's still going at it even at this late hour..." Megan said, beating herself up, as she led Owen inside.

Owen made a beeline for the stairs.

As he was still on the stairs, he could already hear Ruby making a racket. His pace quickened with concern that Ruby might hurt herself in her tantrum.