Faux Vows, True Desires
Chapter 28

Lucinda chuckled, "I believe that if destiny decides he's meant for me, then he will be. If not, no amount of effort will change that."

Take her relationship with George, for instance. They were in love for years, yet they still broke up. It was clear that they were not each other's true love. "You're right. You can't force something that's not yours, and if it is yours, no one can take it away." The shop owner smiled and started preparing their meal.

Lucinda led Stefan to a table by the window and said, "I come here a lot. I really like this spot."

Stefan smiled back, "Since you enjoy eating here, that must mean the food is good. I can't wait to try it."

"As long as you're okay with it. You're a high-level executive, must be used to fancy restaurants."

"Not really, I'm pretty laid-back. I don't fuss over food or places."

Lucinda remembered the day he brought clients to her café. Despite having high rent and nice décor, her place wasn't exactly high-end. But he still brought clients over, proving that he truly didn't care about appearances.

Of course, it could also mean his clients weren't elite either.

"Stefan, you haven't told me what your position at Ascend Global is." Lucinda leaned in and whispered, "Tell me, I can use it to show off."

She wanted to know how outstanding her hired man really was.

Stefan chuckled, "There's nothing to brag about being an employee. I'm the assistant to the CEO."

If the real assistant Edgar heard that, he would probably complain, "Boss, you stole my job."

And Stefan would just calmly reply, "Just borrowing it temporarily."

Lucinda immediately gave him a thumbs up and praised, "Stefan, you're really something. Ascend Global is the largest company in our city, owned by the Anderson family, right?"

She remembered Stefan saying the wealthiest family in their city was the Andersons. Such grandeur was unreachable for an ordinary citizen like Lucinda.

"You're already impressive for working at Ascend Global, let alone being the CEO's assistant. I feel like I've struck gold. Considering the little fee I pay you, I feel kind of guilty."

Hiring the assistant to the CEO of Ascend Global for just $500.

"I'm helping you because of your brother, not for your money."

They chatted for a while until their food arrived. They continued their conversation while eating.

"Lucinda."

Stefan poured Lucinda a drink and asked cautiously, "I've helped you out a lot and now you're comfortable. If I need your help, would you..."

"Stefan, stop being so formal. If you need anything, just say it. As long as I can help, I'll definitely do my best," Lucinda interrupted, declaring that she would help him unless it involved huge risks. "It's nothing serious. Due to my position, I often have to attend social events at night. My secretary has a boyfriend, and I'm afraid he might misunderstand if I bring her along. Could you accompany me instead? Don't worry, you won't have to entertain guests, just be there with me."

He wanted to slowly bring her into his world, into his social circle.

"Of course, I can have my employees watch the café at night. It's not busy anyway. I can accompany you whenever you need me to. I can handle my drinks well."

Lucinda was more than willing to accompany Stefan to social events. Little did she know she was slowly falling into the trap Stefan had set up for her. Once she realized something was off, it would be too late for her to escape.

"And would you accompany me to gatherings with friends?"

Lucinda laughed, "You're asking so nervously as if it's something very important. Sure, I can accompany you to that too. Your friends probably already know about us, right? Mr. Turner even informed Ike, how could the others not know?"

Stefan cursed inwardly, "...Gabriel, that big-mouthed jerk!"

"Then, could you accompany me to a business cocktail party tonight?" Stefan asked.

Lucinda nearly choked on her food. She quickly swallowed her food, took a sip of her drink, and then said, "Are you setting a trap for me? A business cocktail party tonight, and I don't have an evening dress. If you don't mind my casual attire, I can go with you."

In summer, she usually wore a T-shirt and shorts. It was light and cool.

Stefan served her more food and laughed, "Don't make me out to be a bad guy. I can take care of the evening dress. No worries."

"Alright, as long as I show up, you handle the rest."

Stefan nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything you need as long as you accompany me to the party. If anyone asks about our relationship, just ignore them and let them speculate." "What if we run into your friend Ruby? She has a misunderstanding about our relationship."

The mention of Ruby made Stefan's smile fade. He said calmly, "Just ignore her. And she's just a friend I grew up with, not someone I've liked since childhood. The girl I've liked since childhood isn't her." Lucinda was the one he had liked since childhood. It took him eleven years, watching her grow up, and an accidental opportunity made him her legal husband.

Upon hearing this, Lucinda's eyes lit up. She asked curiously, "Who have you liked since childhood? Is she better than Ruby? Everyone says you've liked Ruby since childhood, but you say you like someone else. Have you been using Ruby as a decoy to distract everyone and protect your lover's safety?"

Hearing this, Stefan couldn't help but flick her forehead lightly.

Rubbing the spot he just flicked, Lucinda pouted and said coyly, "Ouch, that hurt."

"I'll blow on it for you."

"No, it's okay. I was just joking. You didn't hit hard. It didn't hurt, really."

"You have such a wild imagination. No wonder you're an outstanding novelist. Do you think I'm the kind of guy who can't protect his woman?"

Instinctively, Lucinda shook her head. Stefan had a very gentle nature, giving her a feeling of a gentleman. But she knew it was just the surface. At the age of twenty-nine, Stefan rose to the position of Executive Assistant to the CEO of Ascend Global. How could he possibly be a gentle person?

"So, stop overthinking. When the time is right, I'll tell you who I've really liked since I was a child."

Lucinda laughed happily. The more time she spent with Stefan, the more he felt like a thick book to her, each page full of surprises.