Faux Vows, True Desires

Chapter 443

Belinda was a force to be reckoned with—a true "tomboy" who did things her own way. When she had decided to confess her feelings, she couldn't care less about the setting.

That's right, Belinda wanted to lay her heart bare to Ike.

Their time together had deepened their bond, and Belinda felt herself falling for him—hard. She was a straight shooter, always forthright with her feelings. Having seen her own heart clearly, she was determined to confess to Ike. No more guessing games or beating around the bush—that was just a waste of time.

So, as Lucinda dragged Stefan away, Belinda stepped forward and handed Ike a bouquet of flowers, her sharp eyes twinkling with warmth. "Ike, I know it's usually the guys who give flowers," she said. "But I think a nice bouquet sets the scene for a confession."

"Lucy told me you're quite the green thumb. Thought you might like these."

Belinda had learned from her sister that Ike had a soft spot for plants, so she boldly bought flowers for her confession.

"Ike, we've known each other for a while, and we get along great. I really enjoy our time together and I want you to be my boyfriend. I'm looking at this with marriage in mind. Are you in?"

Ike's grin split his face.

This must be what being surrounded by happiness felt like.

He eagerly took the bouquet from Belinda, and in turn, handed her his own flowers, saying, "Well, Belinda, it's funny you should say that. I've been wanting to tell you I've fallen for you a long time ago. I'd be honored to be your boyfriend, with an eye toward marriage, of course."

Truth be told, if Belinda asked him to head to city hall right then and there for a marriage certificate, he'd leap at the chance.

"Ike, I've got a demanding job, and I won't have much time to spend with you. Our dating life might have to rely on phone calls, and dates will have to fit into my hectic schedule. You mind?"

When two hearts resonate, it's a joyful thing.

But Belinda wanted to lay it all out clearly.

The Bishop Group was a larger operation than Ike's company, and Belinda, the boss, was busier and more worn out than he was. She wasn't one to play the dainty damsel.

Dating her might indeed mean relying on a smartphone to keep in touch, and squeezing in the occasional dinner date around her packed calendar.

"I know, and it won't bother me," Ike assured her, understanding the demands of her career.

Only then did Belinda hand over a bag containing a new outfit and a tie. "For you, my boyfriend."

Ike took the bag with the new clothes, his smile broader than ever.

Meanwhile, Lucinda, who had been spying on them, turned to her companion and remarked, "Doesn't it feel like my brother and Belinda are sealing a business deal rather than confessing love? If it weren't for my brother's radiant smile, I wouldn't believe they were actually being romantic."

Stefan pulled her away, saying, "Everyone has their own way of expressing love. Belinda is just being herself, and since your brother has fallen for her, he's prepared for what that entails. Their marriage will likely be the same, but that doesn't mean they're without emotion. Some people don't express love with words; it shows in their actions and the little things in life."

"You're right," Lucinda conceded. "Now that they're official, I can finally tell my parents that my brother is off the market."

Their mother had always been pushing for marriage.

Now with her married, and her brother taken, their mother would surely be overjoyed.

"It's a pity though, my other brother and Darlene have no spark. I guess my hope of having the Bishop sisters as sisters-in-law is dashed," Lucinda mused, her matchmaking inclinations flaring up again just as she celebrated one brother's escape from singledom.

The couple made their way up to the penthouse suite, where Eric Anderson had thoughtfully prepared a meal that was still piping hot, clearly timed perfectly.

"Keith has a soft spot for that mysterious lady who helped him. If we could find out who she is, your sister-in-law situation would be settled," Stefan commented as he served his wife.

"But she wore a mask, so she might be hard to track down."

Lucinda remembered the portrait Keith had drawn of the mysterious lady. She felt a sense of familiarity, certain she had seen her before but couldn't place who it was.

"I still prefer Darlene as my sister-in-law. She seems more than just the gentle soul she appears to be. I've seen a sharpness in her eyes I'm not imagining. She's probably playing possum."

Lucinda had a knack for reading people.

Stefan chuckled. "If that mysterious lady turned out to be Darlene, your wish would be granted."

Lucinda paused, "Right. Why didn't I connect Darlene with the mysterious lady?"

Now it was Stefan's turn to be speechless, laughing, "Lucy, I was just making a casual remark. Ms. Darlene, an ethereal creature with a gentle and delicate demeanor, hardly seems like the type to overlap with a skilled and mysterious vigilante."

"But I told you, Darlene might be playing a role. Despite Belinda's protection, after all they've been through, I can't believe Darlene would remain naïve and innocent."

Lucinda, with her rich imagination and love for storytelling, now firmly believed Darlene was the mysterious lady who had aided her brother.

"The Bishop family only has two daughters, Belinda and Darlene. If Darlene had training in self- defense, Belinda would surely know."

Lucinda rolled her eyes, "Come on, everyone has their secrets. Belinda's swamped with work, it's not out of the question that Darlene's keeping something from her."

"Alright, alright, you've got a point," he conceded.

Stefan loaded another helping onto Lucinda's plate, his voice dripping with affection, "Let's eat up, honey. After you're done, you can rest here for a bit before I drive you back to the office. Besides, you're about to head back to Skywatch, right? Revealing your identity now wouldn't be the end of the world. My dear wife, you're so close yet feel so far away. If some blind fool takes a shine to you and starts courting you, I'll be green with jealousy." Exclusive © material by Nô(/v)elDrama.Org.

Lucinda gave a self-deprecating chuckle, "With this hideous makeup on? I doubt anyone would be blind enough to chase after me."

But as she thought of that colleague who had been all too eager lately, a flicker of guilt passed over her.

Stefan, sharp as a tack, caught the fleeting look of unease on Lucinda's face. Even as she quickly composed herself, it was too late; her husband had spotted it.

"Lucy," he said, his tone sharpening slightly, "is someone at the office hitting on you?"