Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 475

The thought of letting Cecilia go wrung Owen's heart like a wet cloth, his complexion growing paler by the second. He wasn't a saint, but he wasn't the devil incarnate either. Why was fate dealing him such a rough hand?

"Owen, what's wrong? Are you feeling okay?" Cecilia's voice came from beyond the bathroom door, her knocks growing more persistent in the absence of his response. What was wrong with him?

"Cecilia, just head back, I'm beat. I need to stay in and get some rest," Owen managed to say, knowing full well that she wouldn't stop knocking until he spoke up. Cecilia was still as innocent as they come in matters between men and women, clueless to the turmoil he was in. How could he possibly tell her the truth?

Facing Cecilia was harder than ever, especially when he thought about abandoning her. The pain was too much, like his heart was being carved out with a dull blade. It was a different kind of hurt than when he had let go of Ruby. With Ruby, there had been countless letdowns, so the pain, though sharp, wasn’t as soul-rending as it was now.

"You sure you're okay?" Cecilia's voice was laced with concern. He was acting so strange. He had her all worked up, then just up and vanished into the bathroom, leaving her puzzled and frustrated.

"I'm fine, just really tired. Why don't you head back? I'll take another shower." Cecilia was still suspicious. "Another shower? Come out here, let me see that you're really okay."

"Cecilia, I'm really fine. I'm just exhausted. You go on back, and I'll come find you after I've rested up a bit," he said, his voice betraying his weariness. She could hear the fatigue in his tone. Remembering how he'd been burning the midnight oil with sudden work crises and had flown straight back to see her, she relented, "Alright, soak a bit longer then. But don't stay in too long, and don't fall asleep in the tub, okay? I'll head back to the bistro."

Owen just grunted in response, straining his ears for the sound of her departure. Only after he heard the door close did he finally exhale in relief. After a while longer, he emerged from the bathroom and stepped back into the bedroom. The sight of the disheveled bed brought back his intentions of consummating his relationship with Cecilia, now willingly on her part, only to be thwarted by his own body...

Slumping onto the bed, Owen raked his hands through his hair. He was in prime shape, always taking care of his body, a regular at the gym. How could he suddenly be 'out of service'? It must be the exhaustion. He needed advice from someone more experienced. Could extreme fatigue really do this?

With his future happiness with Cecilia at stake, Owen couldn't wait. He needed to find Stefan immediately. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than he was changing clothes, grabbing his car keys, and hastily leaving the presidential suite.

Meanwhile, Cecilia, oblivious to Owen's struggles, returned to the bistro. Lucinda was still there, bustling about with a throng of customers. Without a word, Cecilia slipped into the busy flow, masking her own concerns.

On the other side of town, Owen stormed into Ascend Global. His arrival was no longer a surprise to the folks at Ascend Global. In the world of business, there were no eternal enemies or friends. If Ascend Global and the Ikella Group became partners one day, it wouldn't be surprising.

Stefan, too, was swamped. He had to wrap up important affairs and pass the corporate reins to Eric and Campbell before taking off with his love to her family home in Skywatch. Eric and Campbell, upon learning that they were to run the company in Stefan's absence, made a beeline to their brother's office, hoping to sway his decision.

Eric whispered, "Bro, how long are we talking about here? If it's just a couple of days, I'll zip it."

Stefan glared at him. "If you two keep beating around the bush, I swear I'll step down as CEO. Whoever wants to take over can go ahead. Grandpa has his plans, and don't you forget, I was never meant to be in this seat in the first place."

Stefan was forced to play the tough card with his brothers. He continued, "Look at Harry, scheming day and night to snatch Owen's throne, and still can't manage to sit on it. I'm offering it to you guys, and you're turning up your noses."

Campbell smirked and muttered, "We're not exactly short on cash. Harry's league is nowhere near ours."

Each of them had their own enterprises; they didn't need to rely on the family fortune or have any desire to inherit the old man's empire. Chipping in to manage a few branches was one thing, but taking on the main responsibility? They'd definitely pass the torch.

Stefan's gaze hardened. Campbell clammed up immediately.