Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 373

"Olina didn't indeed fancy me even a bit. In her mind, the perfect daughter-in-law was always Ruby Scott. When Lucy unearthed some of Ruby's past, I bet my former mother-in-law was cursing Lucy and her husband for meddling."

After all, had Ruby's past remained hidden, Olina would still view her as a good girl.

The perfect daughter-in-law in Olina's eyes was ruined by the actions of the Coleman couple.

"The Martinez family and the Anderson family have always been at odds. Lucy is the wife of the Anderson family’s oldest son. From the fact of being her close friend, Mrs. Martinez would never like me."

Hudson advised, "Since you're aware of this, you should keep your distance from Owen."

"I haven't been throwing myself at him. He's the one who's been pursuing me. Although I don't turn him down directly, I haven't accepted him either. Don't worry, I know what I’m doing." Cecilia was unfazed by Olina’s disapproval.

However, the idea of constantly engaging in family politics after marrying into the family was exhausting and unappealing. She didn't want to live such a life.

So, accepting or rejecting Owen required serious thought.

Seeing her still unswayed by Owen's sweet words and charm, Hudson was somewhat relieved.

Speak of the devil.

Owen walked in, holding a bouquet of money roses, attracting the attention of everyone in the café.

His eyes only saw Cecilia, ignoring everyone else.

With the large bouquet of money roses in hand, he strode towards Cecilia.

Upon seeing Hudson, Owen was taken aback but quickly greeted him respectfully, "Hudson, you're here too."

"Mr. Martinez, you've got it wrong. My mother only had two kids; my sister and me. I don't have a younger brother. Besides, you're older than me. Isn't it odd to take me as your older brother?"

Unfazed, Owen responded, "As Cecilia's biological brother, you're also my brother."

Hudson got speechless at Owen's thick-skinned response.

Has the CEO of the Ikella group never seen a beautiful woman before? He just can't let go of his sister.

Seeing Owen with a large bouquet of money roses, irate, Hudson immediately stood up, grabbed the bouquet from Owen and said, "Thanks for the flowers, Mr. Martinez. They're beautiful. I love them!"

He then sat down and began dismantling the money roses, stacking the bills neatly by his side.

Owen was benumbed by this move from Hudson. He knew the Yates family members weren't fond of him, but Hudson had always been polite to him.

What was happening tonight?

Hudson seemed as if he was ready to burn him at the stake.

Owen looked helplessly at Cecilia.

The money roses were meant for her, but the person who snatched them was his potential brother- in-law, someone he couldn't offend.

Seeing that Cecilia remained silent, Owen moved closer to her, pointed at Hudson dismantling the money roses and whispered, "Cecilia, is your brother in a bad mood tonight? Who upset him? Tell me, and I'll help him vent."

No one could bully his brother-in-law; it would be like a slap to his own face.

He was determined to please his future brother-in-law.

"Hudson is furious," Cecilia whispered back. "But it's no use knowing. You wouldn't dare do anything to that person."

"There's no one in Pinehurst I wouldn't dare to confront. Just name the person, and I'll get my men to help Hudson get justice."

Cecilia looked at him, "Aren't you afraid of divine retribution?"

Owen queried, "Is it someone from my family? My mother?"

Only his mother would think of bullying the Yates family.

Cecilia kindly enlightened Owen about the situation.

Owen's face turned dramatically. His own mother was ruining his chances!

He had finally managed to set foot in the Yates family's home. Although Devon Yates didn’t like Owen, at least he allowed him to join them for meals. But now, his mother's actions had pushed him back to square one.

"Brother Hudson, I'm sorry. I apologize for my mother's action. I'm really sorry."

He wished he could rush home to confront his mother, but Owen decided to apologize to Hudson on her behalf first.

Hudson didn't even look up, ignoring him completely.

Owen knew Hudson was truly upset. Both the Yates and the Moore families weren't interested in money. When they married off their daughters, they were truly caring their daughters’ felicity instead of money.

His mother's actions had deeply offended Hudson, and rightfully so. This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

Knowing his mother intended to ruin his chance with Cecilia, Owen lost interest in staying at the café. He whispered to Cecilia, "I'll bring you breakfast tomorrow morning. Come to the café early, or I'll have someone pick you up. I need to go home now."

Cecilia waved him off, indicating he could leave.

Owen fell silent and eventually turned and left.

He rushed home.

Upon arrival, he found out his mother was still out enjoying herself.

He decided to wait for her in the living room.

He waited until past eleven in the evening, when his mother finally returned, in high spirits.

Seeing her son at home, Olina was surprised and asked, "Owen, why are you home tonight? Why didn't you tell me? If you had told me, I wouldn't have gone out."

"Are you hungry? Do you want a late-night snack? I'll have someone make it for you."

Despite the distance between them, Olina truly loved her son. She always tried to please him. This stemmed from the fact that Owen was raised by his grandfather, not her, resulting in a lack of closeness between mother and son.

"Mom, I had enough. I'm so pissed off that I can't eat a thing."

"What's gotten you so worked up? Is it Ruby again?"

Owen abruptly stood up, "Mom, it's not anyone else, it's you! You're driving me mad. Can't you stop being a hindrance? Do you think it's easy to find a suitable wife these days?"

Olina was puzzled, "How did I upset you? You're barely home and I hardly see you to upset you. You want to get married, it's easy. Just let the word out, and there are plenty of women who'd love to marry you. Owen, did that guy from the Yates family say something to Cecilia? Did she come to you with complaints?"

Olina might not be as sharp as Jeannie Coleman, but with age comes wisdom. Plus, she was aware of her actions and understood the reason behind her son's anger.

"Owen, listen to me. The Yates family are dirt poor and we're loaded. When they come for the first time, don't give them a ton of money, lest they become parasites. They'll stick to us and we won't be able to shake them off."