Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 5

Lucinda heaved a sigh of relief. Now she wouldn't have to pay for his rent.

Stefan's phone started ringing out of the blue. He was driving, so he couldn’t pick up, but the caller was relentless, the phone kept ringing non-stop. He had no choice but to take out his phone from his pocket with one hand and handed it to Lucinda, who looked puzzled.

"I'm driving, can't answer the phone, can you check who it is?"

Lucinda felt awkward about it, but she couldn't say no. When she saw the caller ID was "Ike", she felt nervous.

Ike had no idea that his sister Lucinda was the one holding Stefan's phone, neither did he know that Stefan was driving when he called again. Stefan looked at Lucinda quizzically, "Who is it, Lucinda? Why didn't you pick up for me?"

"Stefan, I can't take the call."

Although Lucinda had prepared herself for how to face her family when she decided to rent Stefan, she still felt a bit flustered when her brother Ike called.

Well, she needed some time to compose herself.

"It's my brother." Lucinda added.

Stefan was a bit surprised. He and Ike were college buddies, but they weren't close. They just kept in touch sporadically over the years since graduation, and occasionally met up for a few drinks. That was it.

"I'll take it." Stefan slowed down and pulled over, luckily, parking was allowed here.

He took the phone from Lucinda and answered Ike's call.

"What's up, Ike?" Stefan's deep and sultry voice was music to Lucinda's ears.

Even without his good looks, just hearing him speak, Lucinda felt that renting him as a husband wasn't a bad deal at all.

"Nothing much, just got a call from Gabriel saying you got married. It’s such big news. As your friend, I've got to congratulate you right away."

Ike laughed, "Stefan, who's the girl? She's incredible, even you couldn't resist her. When are you introducing her to us? And remember, save a best man spot for me at your wedding."

Stefan was quite popular at school, although he appeared to be amiable, he was actually quite aloof. Many girls had crushes on him, but he never paid them any attention, and there were no rumors about him. Upon hearing the news from Gabriel, Ike couldn't resist his curiosity and immediately called Stefan, curious about what the girl who attracted Stefan looked like, she must be quite something to have tamed this lofty character.

Stefan was speechless. He had forgotten that Gabriel was not only his friend but also his junior, so Ike also knew him.

"Stefan, you're married now, why hide it? Indulge me in my love for gossip, tell me."

Stefan glanced at his newlywed wife, Lucinda.

Lucinda immediately got his drift. She took a couple of deep breaths, then took the phone from Stefan again.

"Ike, it's me."