Faux Vows, True Desires

Driver Noah almost called Stefan "young master" as he got out of the car. He was about to slip, but a gentle nudge from Emma reminded him of Stefan's previous warning, and he quickly corrected himself. "Sir, can we get going now?"

Noah tried his best to sound like an ordinary driver, devoid of any formal reverence, fearing that Lucinda might notice something.

"Sure thing."

Stefan was quite pleased with Emma and the driver's cooperation. He planned to give them a raise after meeting Lucinda's parents.

As Stefan tried to take the gifts from Emma, she and the driver quickly loaded all the presents into the car, filling the vehicle with all sorts of gifts.

Lucinda thought Emma had bought too many things but did not voice it out in front of Stefan to save Emma from embarrassment.

After all, Emma was the one who had done the shopping on their behalf.

"Stefan, Lucy, it's getting late. You guys should head out. Drop me a text when you get there."

After sorting out the stuff, Emma turned to the couple and said.

"Emma, could you look after my bike?"

"Sure thing."

This was the Anderson Hotel, no one would dare lay a finger on Stefan's bike even if it was left here.

Stefan said this to avoid any suspicion from Lucinda.

He helped Lucinda into the car. Lucinda waved goodbye to Emma.

Once the car was on the move, Lucinda turned to Stefan, "Emma is so sweet, she must be really close with your mom, right? She treats you like her own nephew." Emma had worked for the Anderson family for over a decade, taking care of Stefan since he was small.

"Yep, we're pretty close."

Stefan replied smoothly without exposing any flaws.

Whatever he said, even if it was a lie, was convincing.

"You let Emma buy too much stuff."

Stefan smiled slightly, "I'm meeting your parents for the first time, I want to make a good impression."

Looking at him, Lucinda praised, "Stefan, with your hardworking attitude, you'll surely make it big in the company."

Noah almost burst into laughter at Lucinda's words.

Mr. Coleman was already the CEO of Ascend Global, how much higher could he possibly go?

"As long as I'm getting your money, I'm gonna do my job. That's the principle."

Lucinda nodded in agreement.

"Lucinda, if you're tired, you can rest on my shoulder. I'll wake you up when we get there."

"Do you know where my house is?"

"Have you forgotten that I was classmates with your brother for four years. Even though we were just classmates, I obviously know where you guys live." Stefan had thought about establishing a good relationship with Ike.

But their personalities were too different, they could only be ordinary classmates.

However, Stefan was very clear about the Moore family's situation.

All these years, he never actively disturbed Lucinda, but everything about her was in his control...

Lucinda laughed, "I totally forgot about that."

Stefan noticed her hair was scattered and gently used his fingers to tidy it up, then placed it lightly behind her ear.

His actions were natural and gentle, his eyes never leaving Lucinda.

At such close proximity, face to face, Lucinda once again sighed, "Stefan, you're really handsome."

A man like Stefan was the real deal. The blind date her mom chose for her was nowhere close to Stefan.

Stefan lowered his head, subtly closing their gap, his lips curling into a warm smile that almost made Lucinda lose herself.

His voice was gentle and charming, "Apart from handsome, what do you think about me?"

Lucinda, oblivious to Stefan closing the gap, laughed, "You're awesome, Stefan. You're the real catch. I'm so lucky to have you as my husband for just $500."

Noah was so shocked he almost hit the brakes.

Holy moly!

She got Stefan for just $500?

That's not the point.

The point is, Stefan and Lucinda aren't actually married?

Then why was Emma so happy, even telling them that they had a new boss named Lucinda and they should respect her like they respect Stefan?

Did the old lady not inform the household?

Turns out, Stefan was actually rented by Lucinda to be her husband.

Luckily, Noah managed to hold himself together without reacting, not daring to turn back, speak, or attract any attention.

He was a bit nervous because he had inadvertently overheard Stefan's secret.

Would Stefan fire him to keep the secret?

Stefan's eyes deepened.

This girl had no guards against him.

He had a lifetime to make her fall for him.

Now, it was just the beginning, he didn't need to rush.

"I'm really tired, I'll take a small nap. Stefan, wake me up when we get there."

Lucinda leaned against the seat and closed her eyes.

Before she knew it, she was asleep.

After she fell asleep, her body started to lose control, slowly leaning towards Stefan.

Stefan was more than ready to accept.

He carefully pulled her into his arms, letting her sleep against his chest.

"Noah."

Stefan called out softly.

Noah immediately responded, "Mr. Stefan, I didn't hear anything."

Stefan smiled slightly, Noah was quite smart.

"No one is to speak about me and Lucinda. When the time is right, I will bring Lucinda home myself."

Lucinda had no clue about his real identity, he didn't want to freak her out.

He had to play it cool.

Once they got real close, he would spill the beans about his true identity to Lucinda.

"No worries, Mr. Coleman, we'll keep your secret for as long as you need."

Only a handful knew that Lucinda had rented Stefan.

As the housekeeper, Emma didn't leak any info to the old house, so they wouldn't stick their noses in.

"You guys did a good job just now, once I get back, I'll give you a raise."

Noah's face lit up instantly. Who wouldn't love more salary?

He said with a smile, "Mr. Coleman, it's all part of the job."

"From now on, whenever I'm with Lucinda, don't call me Mr. Coleman. She doesn't know my real identity yet, I don't want to scare her."

If she found out he was the big shot of the Anderson family, she would definitely ask for a divorce on the spot.

And he didn't want a divorce.

He won't ever get a divorce in his lifetime!

Noah assured him, "Yes, I promise not to drop the ball."

After a slight pause, Noah still asked, "Mr. Coleman, are you and Ms. Moore officially hitched?"

"Yup, but... this is none of your business, knowing too much might come back to bite you."

Stefan didn't go into detail about his situation with Lucinda.