Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 70

Lucinda was staring at Stefan. He was really good at lying; you couldn't tell at all from his face.

Fiona laughed, "Your intention to support us financially is enough for me, you don't really need to give us a third of your paycheck. We don't lack money. And don't forget to support your parents too."

Stefan laughed, "My parents are also well off, always worried about our generation not saving enough and want to subsidize us."

"Stefan, since you and Lucinda have signed the marriage agreement, it's time for us to meet your parents."

After saying this, Fiona turned to her daughter, "Have you met Stefan's parents since you came back to the city?"

"Mom, I've been busy."

"So, you haven’t met Stefan's parents yet? You're too busy? How's business at your restaurant..." Fiona glanced at the bustling restaurant, her voice dropped significantly, "Doesn’t the number of customers decrease in the evening? Can you ask Cecilia to help, and then find time to go with Stefan to meet his parents? Are you avoiding meeting Stefan's parents? Lucinda, you should do this, are you afraid his parents will dislike you because you're not pretty enough?"

Lucinda whispered, "I'm not ugly."

She wasn’t mentally prepared to meet Stefan's parents. If Stefan was an ordinary person like her, she wouldn't be stressed. But he was the heir to a wealthy family. Even if he said his family was easy to get along with, she still felt pressure.

"Mom, don't blame Lucinda. It's because I'm too busy. My home is far from the city and it takes too much time to commute. I plan to take Lucinda to meet my parents on my day off this weekend."

Stefan couldn’t stand his beloved wife being blamed, even if the person scolding her was her own mother.

Fiona said, "Stefan, don't protect her. I know her character very well. I know what she's thinking."

"Really, mom? So what am I thinking right now?"

After saying this, Fiona lightly patted her. Of course, not too hard.

"Mom, have some orange juice."

A certain husband, protective of his wife, quickly picked up the glass of orange juice and handed it back to Lucinda's mom.

Fiona could tell Stefan was a good man, and she was very satisfied with him. He knew how to protect Lucinda without offending her mother; he would definitely make a good husband, and a good son.

Fiona sipped the orange juice Stefan had squeezed for her. It was really sweet.

After she finished, she took a break. Stefan picked up her suitcase and said, "Mom, I'll take your suitcase back to our rented house first. Do you want to rest for a while?"

Fiona responded with a hidden agenda, "I am a bit tired. I'll go with you and rest at your place."

She got up and Stefan let her go first.

Lucinda whispered to Stefan: "Remember to check on Cecilia. Make sure she's safe."

She had a hunch that Cecilia's conflict with Owen had something to do with her.

Stefan replied with a reassuring look. He was a responsible guy, and she didn't need to worry at all.

Stefan dragged his mother-in-law's suitcase and accompanied her back to their rented house.

On the way, Fiona asked, "Stefan, are you living with Lucy now?"

"I used to live in Diamond Ridge Estates, but after marrying Lucy, I moved in with her to save costs. Lucy spends her free time writing, her quality of life has dropped and it breaks my heart. Now that we live together, I can take care of her."

"My daughter has always loved creating. She started writing novels in middle school, and I never thought she could actually make money from it."

Fiona's words were filled with pride. She thought her daughter was exceptional.

"Stefan, you work hard too, don't overdo it taking care of Lucy. There should be mutual respect and effort in a marriage. It shouldn't always fall on one person."

"Mom, it's my responsibility to take care of my wife. No matter what, it's my duty to take care of Lucy."

Fiona was satisfied with his answer, but still said, "You'll make Lucy dependent on you."

"Lucy is a well-educated girl. She won't become wilful just because I take care of her."

Fiona smiled. She thought her daughter made a great choice this time. Stefan was so much better than her daughter's ex-boyfriend George.

The two chatted while walking and soon arrived at Lucinda's rented house.

Upon opening the door, Fiona saw a bed in the living room and frowned, "Why is there a bed in the living room?"

They weren't sleeping in separate beds, were they?

"Mom, we bought this bed because you're here. It's new, and we just bought it, which is why we came back late."

Stefan's explanation was natural.

Fiona nodded. The bed was indeed new.

In fact, this bed was bought by Lucinda for Stefan. But since they bought it, Stefan hadn't slept on it. He spent every night in Lucinda's room.

In any case, he was her husband. It was only natural for a couple to sleep in the same bedroom.

"Mom, you sleep in the room. Lucy and I will sleep in the living room."

Stefan felt it was inappropriate for Lucinda's mother to sleep in the living room.

"No need, I'm only staying for a few days." © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"Mom, since you're here, why don't you stay a few more days and then go back? I can take a day off tomorrow and drive you around."

"You guys keep working. I'll ask Ike to take a day off and accompany me. You and Lucy need to work to make money. Ike is single, he makes so much but can't spend it all, I'll let him take a few days off to accompany me."

Ike: Mom, how could you do this to me!

Fiona: If you have any complaints, find a woman and get married!

Ike: Mom, I'm gonna take a day off tomorrow and take you around.

She insisted on sleeping in the living room, so Stefan had no choice but to put her suitcase next to the bed.

"Mom, take a breather, I'm off to lend a hand at the store. If something pops up, just hit us up. We're not far from home, we can be back in a jiffy. Tonight, I'll ring Ike up and invite him to have dinner at Ascend Hotel."

Fiona asked him, "Is Ascend Hotel a bit steep? If it's too costly, we can give it a miss. We can grab some groceries from the supermarket across the street and whip up a few dishes. That way you can save some dough for your future crib."

Stefan replied with a grin, "Mom, I'm employed at Ascend Global. Ascend Hotel is part of our firm, so it's a steal for me to dine there, won't cost an arm and a leg."

Fiona praised, "Your company's benefits are top-notch, a true hallmark of a big firm, no wonder it's one of the top dogs in town."

Fiona thought it was ace to work at a large company, with great perks, hefty paychecks, and ample opportunities for promotion.

She was chuffed with Stefan; he was really smashing.