Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 158

Cecilia kept glancing back to make sure her mum wasn't tailing her, and only when she was sure did she breathe a sigh of relief.

But she was worried about being spotted by nosy neighbors, so she skedaddled to Owen's car, tapping his window to signal him to open up, all the while looking back like a thief in broad daylight.

Owen had intended to let her ride with his bodyguard, but after hesitating for a good ten seconds, he finally unlocked the door.

Cecilia quickly scrambled into the car, and only when she shut the door did she finally let out a sigh of relief.

As soon as she was in, the driver peeled out.

Owen gave the girl next to him a side-eye.

"Why the rush? You’ve got someone tailing you?"

"I don't want my mum and neighbors seeing me getting into your car."

Cecilia settled her bag next to her.

Owen furrowed his brow. "Am I not up to your standards?"

"Do you want my family to know about us?"

Owen was left speechless.

She didn't want others to know she got into his car, which left Owen feeling a little miffed. It felt like they were doing something shady.

But when she asked him outright, he was at a loss for words.

After all, he was the one who proposed a hush-hush marriage.

"Do I need to bring a present?"

Cecilia asked.

Owen responded nonchalantly, "No need."

"I am going to meet your parents; shouldn't I bring a present? Isn't it rude to show up empty-handed for my first meeting with my in-laws?"

"Even if you bring a load of gold, my parents won't be thrilled with you."

Cecilia gave him a curious look.

Owen bit his lip slightly before explaining, "My mum adores Ruby and always hoped I'd marry her."

Anyone other than Ruby was a no-go for his mum.

As for his dad, he had his own ideas.

In his dad's eyes, he didn't have to marry Ruby, but he must marry someone of equal social standing and background, which could be helpful on many occasions.

"So, I should brace myself for the challenge from your parents?" Cecilia asked.

Owen didn't respond.

Tonight, he was bringing Cecilia home and making their relationship public to his parents, which was bound to cause a stir.

Cecilia, being unwelcome and rejected, was bound to face some humiliation.

But Owen had no intention of shielding her.

He wanted his grandfather to see that this forced marriage would only hurt Cecilia.

"Owen, I think I’ve gotten the short end of the stick here; I've jumped into the fire."

"We've already got our marriage certificate; I won't be divorcing you anytime soon."

Even though he badly wanted to.

But as long as his grandfather was still alive, he couldn't divorce Cecilia; otherwise, he would lose his status.

Cecilia sighed, "I know, it's all 'cause you helped me out."

To repay him, she could only help him.

"Tonight, I'll talk to my grandfather again, and apart from my family, I won't let anyone else know about us. Remember what you promised; keep it under wraps."

Owen reminded Cecilia, "And don't fall for me; I won't fall for you. My heart belongs to Ruby, and it won't change for anyone else."

Cecilia laughed, leaning in closer to him and gently stroking his face. "Don't worry, I won't fall for you. We are just partners in crime, and I'm just repaying you. Once our deal is done, you pay up."