Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 451

After breaking their passionate kiss, Cecilia quickly pushed Owen away and got out of the car. Leaning against the car, she took a moment to catch her breath.

That was one memorable kiss.

Owen had skills that almost made her want to pounce on him.

His tall figure loomed over her.

Cecilia looked up into Owen's soulful eyes and instinctively covered her mouth.

Her gesture seemed to please Owen, and he chuckled, "Giving up? Scared?"

"Not at all. We're at your place, and it would be embarrassing if someone saw us," Cecilia retorted.

She wasn't about to admit defeat.

Before Owen could make another move, she took his arm and said, "Come on, show me all the presents you've got for me."

Owen loved her forwardness, feeling as if he were walking on air.

The grand house was ablaze with lights, making the inside as bright as day.

The butler, along with a handful of servants and the chauffeur, came out to greet them, lining up at the entrance.

"Sir, Ma'am."

Cecilia had long given up on correcting the Martinez family's servants for calling her "Ma'am."

It was as if they were oblivious to the fact that she and Owen were divorced.

She didn’t believe they were unaware.

"This is my butler, Edith," Owen introduced, "If you need anything done, just let Edith know, and she'll arrange it."

Cecilia nodded and smiled at Edith, acknowledging her.

As for Owen’s suggestion to command Edith, Cecilia thought, she wasn’t moving in, so what would she possibly have to order?

Maybe if she actually married him, but that was a conversation for another time.

"Sir, all the items have been moved to the second floor," Edith mentioned, understanding the purpose of their visit.

Owen hummed in acknowledgment and dismissed the staff, "Edith, that'll be all. I'll show Cecilia around."

With the staff dispersed, Owen led Cecilia inside, "Cecilia, I bought this villa especially for you. I'm not sure if you'll like the decor. If you don’t, just let me know, and I'll have it redone."

Upon entering and seeing the room full of splendor, Cecilia was speechless.

"Cecilia, I'm going to transfer the villa into your name. Let me know when you're free to handle the paperwork. We'll only need your name on the deed."

She declined naturally.

Owen stopped and faced her seriously, "Cecilia, I meant every word I said before. Once we're married, I'll transfer all my assets to you. My money, myself – all yours."

Cecilia watched him for a long moment before breaking into a smile, "Aren’t you afraid I'll take the money and run, leaving you with nothing?"

"You won't, and you can't bear to leave me. Where else would you find a man who can make money like I do?"

Cecilia laughed, "Such arrogance, such ego. If you do this, your mother will accuse me of being after your money again."

"I'll handle my mother. You just relax. After we marry, I swear you won't face another moment of discomfort."

Owen couldn't just threaten his mother. He had to communicate with her properly.

Cecilia saw his earnestness and let her smile fade, "Owen, you're so serious, working hard for our future. I should make an effort too. The issues between your mother and me can't always be resolved by you alone. I'll try to reach out as well."

Owen hugged her tightly, "Cecilia, thank you."

She stayed in his embrace for a moment before pushing him away, "Let's finish the tour. I need to get home."

Owen complained about her mood-breaking, but he continued to show her around their future home.

This villa was smaller than the Martinez family mansion but still sizable compared to neighboring properties.

With both front and back yards, Cecilia decided not to explore outside since it was night. Since she was committing to a future with Owen, there was no rush.

The second floor was filled with clothes, handbags, and luxury items Owen bought for her, leaving Cecilia wide-eyed in astonishment.

Two words came to mind: Rich and ostentatious!

She remembered Lucy telling her about Stefan buying rooms full of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and designer bags, but she'd never seen it herself. Now, she understood Lucy's shock and awe.

In many ways, Owen and Stefan were cut from the same cloth, no wonder they never got along.

"From now on, no matter where we stay overnight, you won't have to worry about not having clothes to change into."

Cecilia was stunned, "You’ve prepared all this in other places too?"

"Of course, we have many homes. We can spontaneously decide where we want to stay without any preparation. How cool is that?"

"You're quite the dreamer. We haven't even gotten married again yet."

"We're practically there. Don't forget, you were once my lawful wife."

Cecilia was left speechless.

"Bro, I suspect Darlene Bishop is the mystery woman who helped you," Lucinda sprawled on her bed while on the phone with her brother, sharing her suspicions.

On the other end, Keith couldn't help but picture Darlene's face when he heard his sister's theory.

Keith had a knack for faces; he rarely forgot someone he'd met. And he had gone shopping with Darlene—no way. He was merely tagging along with his mom and little sister, and happened to carry a few bags for Darlene. That's all. He definitely wasn't there to keep her company.

If it had been just the two of them, he would have kept a solid ten-foot distance from Darlene, that's for sure.

"That girl? The one who's all delicate and soft, who speaks so faintly you'd think she's a mosquito buzzing? How could she possibly be the dame I'm looking for? It's like comparing heaven and earth!" Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Keith couldn't conceal his disdain for Darlene.

Sure, she was a knockout, no question about it. But her gentle demeanor was just not his cup of tea.

So, despite acknowledging Darlene's beauty, Keith's opinion of her was pretty low. Still, because Darlene was his sister's BFF and Belinda was the apple of his buddy Ike's eye, he'd always been careful not to let Lucinda catch on to just how much Darlene's frailty irked him.

But when Lucinda suggested that Darlene might be the mysterious lady he was searching for, Keith couldn't help himself and blurted out all the disdain he felt for her.