Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 445

"What are you mumbling about?"

"Nothing, just saying how my mom seems to be getting younger and more gorgeous by the day."

Becca chuckled and playfully flicked her forehead, "You silver-tongued devil."

Under the gentle prodding of her dear mother, Cecilia had no choice but to drag Owen, the big-shot CEO, out to go shopping and buy clothes.

Even though it was the afternoon, the sun was still blazing outside, scorching enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk.

Watching a delighted Owen stride towards the car, an impish thought struck Cecilia and she called out to him, "Since we're going shopping, let's not drive. Walking is what real shopping is all about."

After all, they were in the heart of the city, brimming with pedestrian zones perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Owen glanced up at the sun then back at her and said, "Cecilia, with the sun this fierce, let's take the car. Wouldn't want your skin to get a tan."

He circled back, adding, "And you're in heels. Trudging under the sun will not only tan you but will have you exhausted in no time. You'd be the one suffering, while I don't mind either way."

Cecilia said, "Fine, I'll ride the e-scooter."

Seeing her determination, Owen didn't argue further.

He wanted to give her a lift, but she refused, so he obediently sat behind her. As soon as the scooter started, he naturally wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Stop hugging me."

"If I don't hold on, I'm afraid I'll fall off. You drive this e-scooter as if it's a jet. I'm scared."

Cecilia was beyond words.

"Besides, we're a couple now, right? Couples cuddle. It's normal."

Cecilia surrendered. Happy now?

She noticed that ever since she developed feelings for him, their playful arguments always seemed to tilt in his favor.

Could it be that he had always been letting her win before?

"Mr. Martinez."

"Cecilia, you can call me Owen now. Look how quickly my mom-in-law changed her tune."

"Owen! We aren't even married yet. Stop getting ahead of yourself. You're like a fox, sly to the core. I used to think you were the naive one, but now I realize I'm the fool."

Owen rested his head against her back, tightening his embrace, causing Cecilia to nearly crash into a streetlamp.

"Cecilia, I've told you, there's so much about me you don't know. You'll need a lifetime to discover it all. But trust me, I'm a treasure. The more you explore, the more delightful surprises you'll find."

Cecilia laughed but didn't contradict him.

"Where do you want to shop for clothes?"

"With your boyfriend's dashing looks, we definitely need to hit up some designer boutiques."

Today was destined to be a day of budget shrinkage.

Thanks to her savvy friend Lucinda, Cecilia was well-versed in the city's upscale fashion haunts.

She thought Owen, being a man, wouldn't be picky about clothes and would settle quickly. How wrong she was.

Owen had the stamina for shopping and was incredibly selective.

Cecilia trailed after him until her feet ached.

Finally, after choosing a few outfits and some ties, Cecilia was relieved when he signaled her to pay.

Even though it meant parting with a hefty sum, she didn't feel the pinch, eager for the prince to head home so she could rest her weary legs.

She vowed never to accompany him on a shopping spree again.

Coming out from the boutique laden with bags, Owen looked like a walking department store while Cecilia's hands were empty.

"Mr. Martinez, Mrs. Martinez."

Jay and Rex, the bodyguard, appeared out of thin air, it seemed.