Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 433

Olina's face grew even more sour at the thought of having to appease Cecilia in the future.

She knew her son was a man of deep affections and loyalty.

The way he had loved Ruby for over a decade despite her indifferent treatment was testament to his steadfast nature when it came to the matter of love.

In the past, his love was for Ruby, and Olina had liked Ruby too. Owen's devotion to Ruby was something she had encouraged, considering his loyalty to love a virtue.

But now, it had become his flaw.

What was so special about Cecilia?

Even now, Olina found it impossible to warm up to Cecilia.

Yet Cecilia had become the apple of Owen's eye, and Olina had no choice but to accept.

Cecilia had hidden herself in the restroom, taking her clothes with her to change but hadn't done so.

Owen's words to his mother had reached Cecilia's ears as she hesitated inside.

She feared that Owen might give up everything for her.

That would only fuel the fires of discord between her and her future mother-in-law.

Standing before the mirror, Cecilia examined her reflection.

The evening gown was a gift from Owen. He would never let her dress too revealingly. That man was too possessive to ever let her show too much skin. So the gown was modest, revealing very little of her back.

Megan's insults were completely uncalled for.

Knock.

Owen was outside knocking on the door, calling out her name and apologizing.

Cecilia felt a sudden pang of sympathy for the man outside.

Wealthy as he was, he was pitiful in his own way.

He had loved Ruby with all his heart, but Ruby had eyes only for Stefan, using Owen as a fallback plan, enjoying his attentiveness and taking advantage of him.

When Owen was finally ready to move on, Ruby couldn't bear the thought of losing him and pleaded for a second chance.

Considering how his relationship with herself had started, with his mother's disapproval and interference, Cecilia sighed. Love had not been an easy path for him.

"Cecilia, I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me. If I had known my mother would bring that woman to insult you, I would have picked you up before going home to change," Owen apologized continuously from the other side of the door.

"Cecilia, please forgive me. If you're upset, it hurts me too. Can you open the door and let me in?"

After a moment of silence, Cecilia responded, "You know this is the ladies' room, right?"

Relieved that Cecilia was finally speaking to him, Owen dreaded the thought of her silent treatment more than anything.

Cecilia opened the door, and they stood face to face.

Seeing her still in the gown, Owen's eyes lit up with joy. But he didn't dare to reach out to her.

"Cecilia, I promise I'll make Megan apologize to you. I never let anyone talk to you that way."

Megan had no right to insult his Cecilia!

If she thought she could get away with it because of her seniority. Well, as Lucy said, "What right does Megan have to act superior?"

When he was in love with Ruby, he respected Megan for Ruby's sake.

Now that he had let go of Ruby, Megan's persistence was unwelcomed, and he wouldn't tolerate her anymore.

When you truly love someone, you love everything about them. And when you don't, nothing matters.

When you’re in love, flaws can become strengths. And when the love is gone, strengths can seem like flaws.

So, when someone doesn't love you, it's best to let go. It's better for everyone.

"My mother's actually quite naive, easily swayed by Megan's influence."

Cecilia thought to herself that her future mother-in-law wasn't naive but foolish.

Still, she didn't voice it out loud. After all, Olina was Owen's mother.

Like Stefan, Owen was raised by his grandparents. But without his parents, there would be no him. It wasn't right to speak ill of his mother in front of him.

"Cecilia," Owen called out gently, "please, don't be angry."

"If it helps, you can yell at me. It's my fault you were insulted. Go ahead and let it out, however you want."

Cecilia looked at him, and a small laugh escaped her.

"Used to being scolded by me, are you?"

Seeing her smile, Owen breathed another sigh of relief. The crisis seemed mostly averted.

"It's not your fault. Megan couldn't stand it, so she lashed out at me. She probably wanted to insult Lucy as well, but due to Lucy's status, she didn't dare and took it all out on me."

"Your mother, she's close with Megan and has always liked Ruby. Our acquaintance is but of a few months – how can it compare to Ruby's decade-long bond with you? It's natural for her to side with Megan."

Cecilia reached out to straighten Owen's collar, "I'm not so easily bullied. You don't need to argue with your mother on my behalf. It will only worsen the tension between us."

"But I can't let anyone bully you, not even my own mother! Cecilia, if I plan to marry you, I'm committed to protecting you for life. How can I tolerate anyone to harm the person I've vowed to protect?"

Owen spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

When he loved, he gave his all. When he didn't, he could cut ties cleanly, without lingering attachments.

What Cecilia admired was his ability to both fully commit and let go when it came to love.

"If our conflict escalates, would you really give up everything to be the man of my house?"

"Would your family even accept me as their son-in-law? I can work hard and earn my keep. If your family takes me in, I'll do whatever it takes to ensure your happiness!"

Cecilia watched him in silence. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Then, after a brief moment, she said, "You look really handsome tonight. You actually look better in a white suit than a black one."

"But I only have one white suit, Cecilia. How about you buy me a few more? Then I can be decked out in your favorite color every day to make you happy."

Cecilia finished straightening his collar and pinched his face.

"Yeah," she scoffed.

As if she'd fall for that old trick and start gifting him clothes.

"I'll pass on wearing your grandma's jewels. Let's just go as we are. Unless you think I'm so hideous that I need some bling to spruce me up. C'mon, you might be the big boss, but that doesn't give you the right to be late or keep your clients waiting."

At her words, Owen flashed a grin.

"Don't go grinning like a loon," Cecilia chuckled, giving his cheek another playful twist. But this time, he caught her hand. With a gentle tug, he pulled her into his embrace. She tilted her head back, and he seized the chance to plant a kiss on her lips.