Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 492

Lucinda glanced around the deserted park, making sure they were alone before wrapping her arms around Stefan's neck and tiptoeing to plant a spontaneous kiss on his lips.

Stefan responded with equal fervor, tightening his embrace around her waist as the kiss deepened.

As Keith rounded the corner, he stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of his sister and brother-in-law locked in an unapologetic embrace. He quickly backed away, not wanting to embarrass Lucinda by making his presence known.

The couple’s affection for each other was the envy of all their friends, a stark contrast to his own single status. “Sometimes, I really do envy them,” Keith muttered to himself, pondering when his own love story would begin.

With the weight of familial responsibilities and the complexities of his environment, he sighed, resigning himself to bachelorhood, unwilling to burden any unsuspecting lady with his troubles.

Unless, of course, she was like the mysterious lady behind the mask, a match for his complicated life. But without concrete proof that the masked lady was actually Darlene, Keith hesitated to make a move, fearing a misstep could lead to misunderstandings and trouble.

He had learned from his father’s youthful mishaps—charmed by many, his father’s romantic entanglements had only brought pain to the family. Determined not to follow in those footsteps, Keith had a personal rule: no woman, other than family, was allowed within three feet of him. And so far, his defenses against would-be suitors had held strong.

After their passionate kiss, the young couple continued on their way.

“I wonder if Mom’s woken up yet,” Lucinda pondered, her thoughts still with her mother. “If she sees Dad when she wakes up, it might just start another row.”

“Do you think Dad’s actions are because of that bullet he took years ago?” she asked Stefan. “Mom’s been vague, but from the snippets she’s let slip, I’m pretty sure Dad took a bullet for her.”

“It’s possible,” Stefan replied thoughtfully. “Your dad must have weighed his options for a long time before deciding. They were deeply in love once, and whatever he’s doing now, it’s tearing him up more than anyone else.”

Lucinda stopped in her tracks. “Let’s go back, Stefan. I’m worried. If Mom wakes up and they start fighting again, and we’re not there, who knows what might happen?”

Stefan simply hummed in agreement, ready to support her. The tension between her parents was suffocating, and if it was unbearable for him, it must be even worse for Lucinda.

The ring of Lucinda’s phone broke the silence. It was Fiona calling. The Moore family, like Lucinda, had stayed overnight at the Ascend Hotel and were now planning a leisurely lunch.

“Mom,” Lucinda answered.

“Lucy, did you and Stefan head home early?” Fiona inquired.

“Yes, we had something to take care of at home. How are Dad and Keith doing? No hangovers, I hope?”

“They’re up and about; no complaints about headaches. Your brother’s gone to the Bishop’s, and your father and I wanted to invite you and Stefan to lunch, but seems like you headed home early. Anything wrong?”

Cecilia chuckled as she yanked off Owen's thin comforter.

"It's noon already, everyone's waiting for you to have lunch. Come on, get up."

Owen sat up, grumbling, "Cece, last night was such a perfect chance, you could've locked it down for good."

"We're engaged, aren't we? Once our parents sit down and hash out the wedding details, we'll be husband and wife. Why should I be in a rush to devour you? The best things are worth waiting for—like our wedding night."

She still remembered how he had reacted that day, and later, Cecilia had mustered up the courage to quietly ask her friend Lucinda about it. That's when she got the lowdown.

Turns out, that was Lucy's way of checking if a man was really untouched.

Suddenly recalling the conversation she once had with her buddy Tiffany about this very topic, Cecilia wished she could find a hole to crawl into.