Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 482

Nathan grinned as he yanked open the car door, eager to slide into the driver’s seat. But Janice was giving him the stink eye, her face a perfect picture of frosty disapproval. He froze mid-motion. Quickly, he backed out and turned to Stefan, “Hey, buddy, mind if I ride shotgun?”

Stefan chuckled, “Sure thing, man.” Then, turning to his wife, he said, “Lucy, why don’t you and Mom take the backseat?”

Lucinda watched as her husband graciously offered her father a ride, well aware of her mother’s reluctance to object, simply to save face for Stefan. Since her mother didn’t protest, Lucinda was more than happy to share the car ride with her parents. “Sounds good,” she agreed, climbing in.

Stefan then gestured for his father-in-law to join them. Once everyone was settled, he made his way over to Ike’s car, where Vincent Moore and Fiona were set to ride with their son.

“Mom, Dad,” Stefan greeted them with a smile, “Wanna join us instead?”

Fiona hastily replied, “It doesn’t really matter whose car we take; we're all headed to the hotel. Ike’s car is fine for us. Belinda’s there too; we’d love to catch up with her.”

Stefan’s mere acknowledgment had already brightened their day. They didn't feel the need to cram into Nathan and Janice’s space. Besides, they were genuinely looking forward to some quality time with their future daughter-in-law.

Belinda had won the Moore family over when she first visited. The Moores were a gentle bunch, not ones to nitpick, and Belinda left them nothing to critique. They felt like their son had hit the jackpot.

“Stefan, your mom’s right. Go on, don’t keep Nathan and the others waiting,” Vincent added.

Ike couldn’t resist a playful jab, “Stefan, you know you're not the favorite in-law anymore. Belinda’s got that title now.”

Belinda gave Ike a gentle pinch in response, her usually stern features softening as she nodded at Stefan.

Stefan clapped Ike on the shoulder and nodded back at Belinda with a laugh, “Alright then, we’ll catch up at the hotel.”

He turned and strolled back to his car.

Nathan and Janice had been observing Stefan’s interactions, feeling a twinge of guilt for neglecting Vincent and Fiona. Lucinda knew her adoptive parents were riding with her brother. Ever since Ms. Bishop had come home to meet the parents, they had been over the moon, lavishing affection on her to the point where Lucy felt a tad jealous. Considering she was soon to return to her biological parents’ home, unable to stay by her adoptive parents’ side, she had no reason to be envious of the attention Ms. Bishop and her brother could provide.

The wedding guests gradually left the church, following the long line of cars heading to the hotel. Lagging at the end were probably Owen and Cecilia, the love-struck pair. After a passionate embrace and kiss, Cecilia snapped back to reality to find they were alone. “Where did everyone go? Did they leave already?”

God only knew how nervous and fearful he was of rejection.

“I was also worried I wouldn’t catch the bouquet, with the Blue family playing dirty tricks to help Keith get it. If Keith hadn’t been so disinterested, I might not have caught it.”

Owen felt he owed Keith for his successful proposal—if Keith ever needed help, considering the friendship between Lucinda and Cecilia, he would lend a hand. Mr. Martinez felt reassured. He hadn’t burned all bridges back then, hoping to leave a path open for the Martinez family. Now, it seemed his decision had been the right one.

Owen ultimately didn't let his father down. After falling for Cecilia, his feud with Stefan began to thaw, and he even started shooting the breeze with the Blues. Sure, the Martins and the Blues weren't going to be chummy overnight, but at least for the time being, the Blues weren't going to mess with the Martins. Despite the chaos within the Blue clan, the sheer size of Blue Enterprises was enough to make anyone think twice before crossing them.

If the Martins really went head-to-head with the Blues, they might not go belly up, but a serious hit to their bottom line was a sure thing. And that's just a stone's throw away from going under. That was the last thing Mr. Martin wanted to see. The empire that the older generation had built with blood, sweat, and tears—the thought of it crumbling or being destroyed on their watch was something that would haunt them to their graves.

Cecilia had witnessed the whole affair. She chuckled, "Nathan's a bit antsy, don't you think? Keith doesn't even have a girlfriend. Lucy told me he's not planning on settling down anytime soon, and besides, he's as cold as ice. I'm Lucy's bestie, and even I get the chills from him."

Keith's aloofness was practically lethal. Cecilia figured most girls wouldn't dare get close to Keith.