Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 510

If it were any other night, Darlene would have made some excuse about maintaining her figure and skipped out on a late-night snack with her sister. But tonight, she was throwing caution to the wind.

If she didn't join in, acting as the proverbial third wheel, who knew how long Belinda and Ike would keep at it over their midnight feast? Those two could whisper sweet nothings to each other until dawn if left to their own devices.

Darlene had plans for later, so she was determined to put up with being the third wheel just this once.

As expected, with Darlene there, Ike and Belinda's conversation stayed on business topics, though they occasionally exchanged meaningful glances that spoke volumes.

"Darlene, don't eat too much, or you'll be up half the night wandering around the yard," Belinda teased. She knew her sister well enough to know that a full stomach meant a restless night.

"Weren't you at dinner?" Belinda asked, surprised. It wasn't like Darlene to join her for late-night snacks.

"Oh, I ate," Darlene replied. "But eating alone just isn't the same, and I didn't eat much."

Belinda felt a pang of guilt. It had been ages since she'd been home to have dinner with her sister.

"Belinda, you shouldn't feel guilty. You're the rock of the Bishop family. Because of you, I have the peace and security I enjoy. We're both daughters of the Bishop family, but I can't help you as much as I'd like. I'm the one who should feel guilty."

Darlene knew her sister would start blaming herself, so she quickly offered some reassurance.

Feeling the weight of her responsibilities, Belinda suggested, "If you're ever feeling lonely at dinner, why not meet up with your friends?"

"Besides Cecilia and the others, I haven't made many new friends, but don't worry, I'll take care of myself. When I'm bored, I just paint or hang out at Cecilia's shop."

Belinda nodded, feeling reassured. She was glad her sister had friends like Lucinda and Cecilia, both of whom valued friendship deeply.

"You're a big help to me, too, so let's not hear any more of that guilt talk."

Darlene was a whiz at finding information, and her quick, accurate results had helped Belinda out more times than she could count.

After their late-night meal, Belinda checked the time and reluctantly nudged Ike. "It's getting late. You should head home and get some rest."

Ike glanced at his watch, surprised to see it was nearly midnight. Time had flown by. He got to his feet, saying, "Alright, I'll head out. I'll come by tomorrow to take you to work."

"That's too much trouble," Belinda protested as she walked him to the door. "I'd rather you get some extra sleep and rest well."

"No trouble at all. I'm looking for a place closer to your home so I can see you more often," Ike insisted. "After all, I am your boyfriend."

Belinda grinned, "Okay, then. Are you renting or buying?"

"Renting for now. When we decide to settle down, we'll choose something together. You can pick the style and everything."

"We have a lifetime," Belinda replied, cutting off any complaints.

She was promising him a future together, and Ike's heart soared. Now he understood Stefan and Owen's happiness—being in love truly changed everything.

Reluctantly, Ike got into his car, watching Belinda wave him off as he drove away from the Bishop family estate.

He respected Belinda, and Belinda valued herself; neither would do anything reckless before marriage. No matter how late it was, Belinda would never ask him to stay over at the Bishop family home.

Only after Ike's car disappeared down the street did Belinda turn and head back inside.

As she entered the house, she noticed her younger sister, Darlene, dozing off on the couch, her head nodding like she was fishing for dreams. With a chuckle, Belinda walked over and said, "Darlene, if you're tired, just go to bed. I'm home now, no need to wait up for me."

Darlene opened her eyes and rubbed them in a childlike manner. She asked, "Sis, has Ike gone home?"

"Yeah, he has. Go on upstairs and get some rest. You don’t need to wait for me in the future."

"But I want to wait. You're so busy, and it’s only late at night or early in the morning that I get to see you."

Darlene stood up, affectionately linking her arm through her sister's. The two of them headed upstairs together, Darlene playfully whining as she did so, easing any guilt Belinda felt. Only when she saw her sister satisfied did Darlene finally retreat to her room.