Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 446

"Cecilia, ease up, would ya?" Owen winced, his ears trapped in Cecilia's firm grip. Despite his protests, his hands made no move to free himself.

He could have easily saved his ears from her wrath, but he knew Cecilia was steamed and needed to blow off some steam, so he took it on the chin.

She wouldn't actually tear his ears off, no matter how hard she tugged.

Relenting, Cecilia let go.

"If you pinch my cheek again, if you trick me one more time, I'll grab those ears of yours," she warned.

Rubbing his tender ears, Owen offered her a rueful grin. "Cecilia, when I pinch your cheek, I'm gentle as a lamb. Did I ever hurt you? I got addicted after touching it. I can't help but give it a light pinch."

"As for tricking you, it's just second nature to me," he said, refusing to admit any foul play.

It was true, though. In the cutthroat world of business, his mind was constantly scheming to turn competitors into conquests.

"Second nature to trick people, huh?"

Owen paused and then said, "Even if I did trick you, it's only because I want to steal you away to be my wife, to love you for a lifetime."

Cecilia was speechless, struck by the raw emotion he had suddenly revealed.

"Kept saying we were heading home for dinner, yet here you are, not even starting the car," she prodded, desperate to change the subject.

She took out her phone, first calling her friend Lucinda to let her know she wouldn't be at the store tonight, reassuring her that the Martinez family's bodyguards were on hand to help so Lucinda could focus on other matters.

Then she called her mother to say she'd be dining with the Martinez family.

Becca, after a small pause, reminded her, "You're not a Martinez daughter-in-law anymore. When visiting, don't go empty-handed."

"I know, Mom."

"And come home early. Don't keep staying overnight with Owen. You're not husband and wife anymore. Save the sleepovers for when you're married again."

Self-respect was crucial for a woman to earn respect from others. The gap between the Yates and the Martinez families was already significant; without self-respect, Cecilia would only invite more disdain from Mrs. Martinez.

These reminders were Becca's way of looking out for her daughter's future and ensuring Owen truly cherished Cecilia. People often take for granted what comes easy and treasure what is hard to obtain.

"I'll be home early, Mom."