Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 69

"He ain't even drunk anymore, why's he still knockin' back lemonade?"

Cecilia grumbled, but did as he asked anyway.

He'd got a cold, probably 'cause he'd been drinking too much. Plus she did dunk a bucket of ice water over him.

Just as Cecilia headed to the kitchen, Lucinda gave her a call.

"Cecilia, you okay? Did Owen do something to you? How did his people find you?"

Lucinda and Stefan had returned to the store, only to find Cecilia was gone. After asking her mom, they found out Cecilia had left with some of Owen's people. She was worried about her friend, so she called her up. Luckily, Cecilia picked up, which meant she was okay. At least she was free to move and answer the phone.

"I'm okay."

Cecilia replied in a low voice. "It's a long story. Basically, I pissed off Owen and now he's getting back at me."

"What'd he do? Should I call the cops? I can get Stefan to come over with me."

Lucinda didn't know where Owen lived, but Stefan definitely would.

"Lucinda, no need. Owen didn't do anything. I just dumped a bucket of ice water on him and he's got a cold now. His retaliation is making me do household chores for a few days and taking care of him while he's sick, and I can't leave until he's better."

Cecilia let her friend know about Owen's retaliatory behavior.

"Lucinda, I can't get back to the cafe these days. I'll leave things there to you. Also, about my family. I'll tell them I'm super busy and I'm staying at your place for a while to make it easier for work. If my mom calls you to check. You gotta cover for me."

Lucinda: "…How did you getting involved with Owen, and dump ice water on him?"

"Let me explain when I get back. You don't need to come help me. In fact, I should take responsibility for Owen's cold. He's not going to hurt me, just make me do some chores. He's already being pretty decent."

Lucinda asked, "You sure you don't need me to come help?"

"No need. If you come, it might just stir up more trouble between me and him."

All Lucinda could say was, "Then you be careful. If Owen hurts you, you must call the police and let me know. I'll help you get justice."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of myself." Cecilia reassured her friend.

She was adamant about not letting Lucinda come over. Although Lucinda agreed verbally, she asked Stefan after hanging up, "Do you know where Owen lives? I need to get Cecilia back."

Stefan had heard their conversation. He comforted his wife, "Owen's not a good guy, but he's not that bad either. He won't hurt Cecilia. He just wants her to take care of him. You don't need to worry about her. It's her responsibility that Owen's sick, and she's willing to take it. We don't need to interfere. If we bring Cecilia back now, Owen will still find a way to get back at her. Better to let them settle this now, so Cecilia doesn't have to live in fear every day."

Stefan knew his archenemy Owen too well. If he wanted Cecilia to take care of him, then he wouldn't do anything else to her. After all, the woman he truly loved was Ruby. No other woman could catch his eye.

Persuaded by Stefan, Lucinda reluctantly gave up on the idea of going to get Cecilia.