Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 62

The door to the lounge swung open and out came only Stefan. The man who just played the role of a "peacemaker" was now lying in bed, half asleep.

It was a rainy day and quite refreshing. A perfect day to be in bed.

Lucinda thought about the crappy weather and how she couldn't get back to the coffee shop, so she decided to catch some Z's in Stefan's lounge. Then she drifted off without a care in the world.

She had no idea how long she had been sleeping when her stomach growled and woke her up. She grabbed her phone from the nightstand, glanced at the time, and it was already past one in the afternoon. No wonder her tummy was rumbling.

She jumped out of bed, ran her fingers through her hair, clipped her long hair at the back of her head, and dashed out.

“Stefan… Ike, you're here too?”

She saw her own brother sitting across from Stefan, their conversation interrupted by her sudden appearance.

Ike was here to discuss a partnership with Ascend Global on behalf of his company. They were so engrossed in their discussion that they even forgot to eat until Lucinda barged in.

Ike looked at his sister dressed in Stefan's clothes, then at Stefan, and noticed how Stefan was looking at his sister with such gentleness. Stefan quickly got up and walked over to Lucinda.

“Lucy, you're awake? Hungry, huh? I've asked the manager at Ascend Global Hotel to prepare some food. We can go eat now, no need to wait.”NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

Ike suddenly realized Stefan didn't forget about eating because of his work, but he was intentionally waiting for Lucinda to wake up.

“I was woken up by my hunger.”

Lucinda whispered, then asked him, “Why is my brother here?”

“Your brother's company wants to work with mine, we're in the middle of negotiations.”

Lucinda just nodded. She didn't understand the business operations of big companies, nor was she interested. She enjoyed writing stories or reading.

Running a coffee shop, writing in her free time, making a little money, was enough for her. She felt that was the peaceful life she wanted.

People could laugh at her for not being ambitious. But everyone had their own dreams, and hers was to become a great writer. She hoped her books could be published, adapted into movies, comics, audiobooks, games, etc. Of course, she mainly aimed to write a bestseller, so she could count money until her hands got tired.

“Because of you, I will…”

Stefan was cut off by Lucinda. “Stefan, let's keep it professional.”

She didn't want Stefan to work with her brother just because of her. She wanted Stefan to be willing to cooperate because of her brother's ability and sincerity.

Stefan laughed, “Your brother is not only my old classmate but also your brother. It's only natural for me to help my wife's brother.”

“Did you two forget that I'm sitting right here?”

Ike knocked on the table, “Stefan, Lucy is right. Let's keep it professional. I don't need your help to take shortcuts. As long as you approve of our cooperation plan, we can work together. If not, don't force it. We're hoping for a win-win situation, not for anyone to suffer.”

Stefan came over with his arm around Lucinda, laughing, “I've seen your plan, it's very innovative. I'm somewhat fascinated. But let's not talk about work now, Ike, let's go eat.”

Ike got up, “Alright, let's go eat.”

Stefan was a bit taken aback by Ike's reaction. Ike raised an eyebrow, and he then said with a smile, “Let's go.”

He thought Ike would have the decency not to be a third wheel, but when he pretended to invite him to eat, Ike actually accepted.

“Why is Lucy wearing your clothes?” Ike asked.

“I was out delivering coffee and pastries when it suddenly started to rain heavily. It wouldn't stop, so I had no choice but to call Stefan for help. He brought me back to his company. There were no clothes for me in his lounge, so I had to wear his temporarily.”

Ike was silent for a moment, then said to Stefan, “Stefan, I'll take Lucy home to change, we'll meet at Ascend Global Hotel.”

Ike pulled Lucinda over and walked away with her. Stefan was speechless. What was he supposed to do with his wife being taken away by Ike?

On the way home, Ike asked his sister, “Lucy, have you made up your mind?”

Lucinda was silent for a moment, then said, “Yes.”

“His family is high up there, and you might not be able to adapt after marrying him. It could be very exhausting.” Ike reminded his sister.

“Marriage is not just between two people; it involves both families. You don't have to worry about our family, but will his family accept you? He hasn't taken you home to meet his parents yet, has he?”

“I'm not ready yet. I went to his house at Diamond Ridge Estates with him last night. He said he could take me home to meet his family anytime during the weekend as long as I'm willing.”

Lucinda unconsciously defended Stefan, not wanting her brother to criticize him.

“He said his family is very easy to get along with and very open-minded.”

Ike laughed, “Who would say their family is bad and hard to get along with? Some people are very good to their family but very cold to outsiders. Different social classes, different social circles, what he can give you is a position as a high-status wife, but can you handle it? Not to mention his family's attitude towards you, just his suitors alone would give you a headache. I know, his childhood sweetheart Ruby is back in the country.”

Ike had been investigating Stefan's affairs recently. He regretted, regretted that even though he and Stefan were college classmates for four years and kept in touch after graduation, he still didn't understand Stefan. He didn't even know Stefan's real identity.

“Lucy, like I said before, Stefan is a hard man to handle. You don't have the schemes and tactics to compete with him…”

“Ike, Stefan and I are husband and wife, not enemies. We don't need to compete.”

Ike, “...I mean you can't control him. You'll be controlled by him. You like a simple life, but his life is destined to be anything but simple.”

Lucinda kept calm.

"I've spilled all these beans in the hope that you'd understand. If you decide to kick him to the curb, I've got your back. If not, I won't twist your arm. But if you choose to stick around and play house, you gotta switch up your attitude and get with his program."

After a brief pause, Ike added, "Honestly, I'd rather you give him the boot."

"I've already told you, Stefan's not up for a breakup. We're the real deal now. He... actually has a lot of aspects you guys don't know about. I think...I'm falling for Stefan."

Ike was bummed out.

After all the gabbing his sister wasn't taking a blind bit of notice. Kids these days, they just didn’t get it!