Faux Vows, True Desires
Chapter 36

Ike instinctively asked, "Who is he? Isn't he Stefan? Is his name fake or something?"

Without waiting for Lucinda to continue, Ike said, "I told you before that Stefan is not someone you can control. He's a deep guy, don't be fooled by his current gentleness. Just by his aloof demeanor back in school, I knew his gentleness now is all an act. You should hurry up and divorce him. As long as our parents don't replace out, mom won't keep bothering you about blind dates. You can still live your life freely."

Ike was getting really annoyed with Stefan. The guy had sneaked off with his beloved sister. How could he possibly be okay with that? His attempt to badmouth Stefan in front of their mom didn't work. Instead, Stefan explained everything himself.

"Lucinda, you and Stefan haven't consummate your marriage yet, right?"

"No."

"Good. Get a divorce, then when you meet a man you truly love, get married. By then, I promise I'll prepare a generous gift for you. I only have one sister, and I can't let your wedding be shabby."

Ike had already decided to work overtime to earn extra money and prepare a wedding gift for his sister.

"Let me explain."

Lucinda finally had a chance to speak. "Stefan's name isn't fake. He is indeed called Stefan, but he took his mother's surname. His father is from the Anderson family."

"So he took his mother's surname. I was his classmate for several years, and I had no idea."

"Stefan is also the CEO of Ascend Global and the heir to the Anderson family. He's not ordinary at all. He's the high and mighty heir to the Anderson family. I apparently hired a big shot as my husband." Oops, she just spilled the beans.

Ike on the other side processed this information and immediately growled, "Lucinda, say that again? You're saying Stefan is your hired husband? You two aren't real? Lucinda, you've got guts!"

After his outburst, Ike felt that since it was a fake marriage, his sister didn't lose much. He suddenly thought his sister's boldness wasn't too bad.

"Wait, you said Stefan is the CEO of Ascend Global and the heir to the Anderson family? That guy hid it so well!"

Ike was also shocked. He wasn't surprised that Stefan worked at Ascend Global because Stefan was exceptional. But being the CEO of Ascend Global was a real surprise.

The heir to the Anderson family? The heir of Pinehurst's number one family! Damn!

If Stefan was in front of Ike right now, he would definitely give Stefan a good punch.

"Lucinda, it doesn't matter what his status is. Since you two are just under a contract, dissolve it. Right, you two have registered, so even if it's a contractual relationship, you are now legally married. You need to go to get a divorce. Tomorrow, I'll take a day off and go with you to replace Stefan. I won't rest easy until I see you two complete the divorce procedure."

Lucinda, "Bro, it's not so easy to get off this pirate ship."

"What do you mean?"

"Stefan won't divorce me!"

Ike, "I'm coming over right now!"

"Don't be impulsive. This is between me and Stefan. After all, I was the one who started it. I'll handle it. You don't have to come over."

"How are you going to handle it? He won't divorce you. He's clearly got you in his grasp! Bastard, I considered him as a classmate, a friend, a brother, and he stole my sister whom I cherished!" Lucinda was touched. It was great to have a brother who loved her so much! "Ike, even if we don't divorce, I won't lose out. Worst comes to worst, I'll just really marry him."

Ike didn't know what to say. Stefan, that bastard, was ruining his sister.

Ah! His sister was taken away!

Although Ike felt that Stefan was deep and uncontrollable, he trusted Stefan very much. If Stefan truly loved his sister, then Lucinda would live a happy life with Stefan.

As for practical problems like family conditions, Ike didn't need to worry. Lucinda was excellent in all aspects. As long as Stefan was sincere, given some time, she could definitely stand firm by Stefan's side. He had to work harder and harder. If his sister had a powerful brother to rely on, Lucinda would have a better time in the Anderson family.

Lucinda and Ike talked for a while before she returned to her rented place.

Stefan had already prepared her clothes; even the bath water was ready. When she came back, he smiled and said, "Lucy, I've prepared the bath for you. You go take a bath first, the clothes you change out of bring them out, and I'll wash them together."

Lucinda was a bit surprised. She couldn't get herself to let the high and mighty heir of the Anderson family hand wash her clothes. However, she didn't refuse Stefan's thoughtfulness and quietly went to take a bath.

Ten minutes later.

Lucinda came out of the bathroom and didn't see Stefan. She thought he had left. When she returned to the room, she found Stefan lying on her bed.

"Stefan!"

Stefan rolled over on the bed, staring at her beautiful face with affection, his voice deep yet irresistible. "Lucy, I won't divorce you. Our relationship cannot be terminated. Since we're legally married, I think it's better if we sleep together."

Lucinda, "I just bought you a new bed today."

"The new bed has a smell."

"Then you sleep here. I'll go sleep on the new bed."

Lucinda turned around and was about to leave.

Stefan quickly got out of bed and in a few steps caught her. From behind, he hugged her waist, not letting her go. "Lucy."

His chin rested on her shoulder, whispering her name with a softness that turned Lucinda's bones to jelly each time he said Lucy.

She never knew a man's voice could be so tender. Stefan was a real dark horse, full of surprises.

"Lucy."

His hot breath against her neck made her body soften involuntarily.

Lucinda thought Stefan was a dangerous man. She was blind as a bat before, thinking Stefan was a straight arrow. Now she knew, he was dangerous, and nothing like the gentleman she thought he was. Stefan turned her around, using one hand to lift her chin, studying her with an intensity that grew stronger each second.

Before she knew it, his lips were nearing, meeting hers. All Lucinda felt was a sudden warmth on her lips, then her mind went blank. Stefan was kissing her!

For eleven years, Lucinda had always seen Stefan as a brother. It was because she never had any other feelings for Stefan that she boldly partnered with him to pretend to be married to trick her mother.