Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 518

"No, you'll be happier than Lucinda. Lucinda has a lot more to deal with than you do. You're different. You don't have to face all the scheming and plotting. All you need to do is marry Mr. Martinez and live a comfortable life as his wife. Simple and easy, that's happiness."

Darlene longed for a love and marriage that was just as simple and uncomplicated.

Cecilia thought about it for a moment, feeling much lighter. She chuckled, "Hearing you say that, I do feel like I've got it easier than Lucy. I wonder how she's doing with the Blue family. Whenever I ask, she always tells me the good stuff and leaves out the bad."

"It's only her second day back, and so much has already happened. If it were me, I'd be running away from that big family as fast as I could."

Cecilia felt a pang of sympathy for her friend.

"Don't worry about Lucy. She's got Mr. Coleman by her side. If we don't trust Lucy, we should at least trust Mr. Coleman. Besides, the Blue family can't possibly let anyone bully her. Our Lucy can be quite shrewd when she needs to be."

"Who knows, Lucy might be thriving there. She was born into a family like the Blues. Even if she didn't grow up with them, she's got their blood, and with it, a knack for handling things."

Cecilia was speechless.

"Darlene, how come you seem to know more about the Blue family than I do?"

She and Lucinda had been best friends for ages, while Darlene had only recently joined their circle. Yet, it seemed Darlene had a better grasp on the Blue family and Lucy than she did.

Darlene's expression didn't change as she said, "My future brother-in-law is Ike."

Cecilia laughed, "Oh, right. I almost forgot about Ike."

"Darlene, I feel like stepping out for a bit."

Understanding, Darlene smiled, "Go ahead. It's not my first time here, and you've got a full staff today."

Cecilia playfully brushed her hand across Darlene's cheek, giggling, "Your skin is so soft. Enjoy your coffee and pastries here. I'm heading over to the Ikella Group for a bit."

With that, she got up and left.

Darlene wiped the spot Cecilia had playfully touched, chuckling to herself.

Cecilia packed two boxes of freshly baked pastries and a steaming cup of coffee for Owen, called over two of the security guys, and had them drive her there.

Watching another friend leave the café for love, Darlene sipped her coffee and mused, "Love is beautiful, but freedom is pretty sweet too."

At the Ikella Group.

In a small meeting room on the top floor of the office building, Owen and a few key executives were deep in discussion when Walter leaned over and whispered something in Owen's ear.

The executives watched as their typically stern-faced CEO suddenly broke into a wide grin.

No need to ask; it was obvious the future Mrs. CEO had arrived.

"Harry, continue the discussion with them. Your sister-in-law is here."

Owen didn't hide his excitement, almost showing off Cecilia's arrival.

Harry Martinez quickly nodded, and then watched enviously as his cousin happily left them to go greet his future wife.

Despite their rivalry, Harry couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. His cousin had it a bit better.

The future sister-in-law was their grandfather's choice, and his cousin was clearly smitten. With her support, Owen's position as CEO seemed secure, leaving Harry to settle for vice president.

Harry couldn't deny his own ambition, but his nature prevented him from resorting to underhanded tactics. He was just as capable as Owen, but he lost out on luck and starting position.

He had once mentioned how valuable his time was, how every minute meant money.

Owen's smile broadened. Holding the pastries and coffee with one hand, he wrapped an arm around Cecilia, saying, "I love it when you suddenly miss me. No matter when you come, I always have time for you. Work is important, but you're more important."

"Cecilia, whenever you miss me, just come by or give me a call, and I'll come to you. No need for you to make the trip."

The two receptionists listened to their CEO's sweet words, smiling with envy.

Ms. Yates was indeed very lucky.

And the CEO and Ms. Yates were a perfect match, much better than that previous Ms. Scott.

Ms. Scott strutted around like she owned the place, blissfully unaware of how little she mattered to their CEO anymore. He had moved on and chosen Ms. Yates, which, if you asked anyone in the Ikella Group, was the right call. Most of them were rooting for the CEO and Ms. Yates to be together anyway.

"Let's head upstairs," Owen said, wrapping an arm around Cecilia as they walked back into the building.

He assured her she wasn't interrupting his work, so Cecilia felt comfortable following him into his office. It wasn’t long before they were back in his executive suite.

"Cecilia, you must have really missed me, showing up like this. Is everything okay?" Owen asked, guiding her to sit on the plush couch. He set out some cookies and coffee on the coffee table, smiling warmly at her.

"Can't a girl just miss her guy without there being a crisis?" Cecilia teased.

Owen chuckled, pulling her close to plant a couple of kisses on her cheek. "Of course you can miss me, but you don't usually drop by the office out of the blue. Something must be up."

"Are you worried I'm thinking about Lucinda?" Cecilia teased, catching the slight edge of jealousy in his voice.

Owen's eyes narrowed playfully. "Well, with Lucinda back at Skywatch, it's like Christmas came early for me. No one to steal your attention, and now I can work on securing my spot as your number one," he joked, his tone light but his intentions clear.