Faux Vows, True Desires
Chapter 160

Trenton laid it out straight: "Even if they didn't hold a wedding, they have already applied for a marriage certificate. They are already husband and wife. They're legally married. Don't you want to show her some respect? Weren't you just complaining about Owen still being single at almost thirty?"

Olina tried to respond, but her hubby cut her off.

She closed her mouth and fuming.

She shot Cecilia a look like she was the enemy.

Cecilia held her ground, not backing down, no matter what kind of dirty looks were thrown her way.

Maybe that's why they didn't like her.

With Trenton on her side, they couldn't do anything about Cecilia because Trenton held their futures in his hands.

Between giving up being the heir and marrying Cecilia, Olina also chose to let Owen marry Cecilia.

Cecilia served coffee to all the elders present.

Trenton gave her gifts, and the others didn't dare not give. They basically gave her checks, but May gave Cecilia an extra jewellery set.

Out of everyone there, May was the friendliest to Cecilia.

Once they confirmed their relationship, Cecilia officially became a part of the Martinez family.

Trenton ordered Derek to inform all the maids, bodyguards and drivers of Cecilia's status.

Around nine o'clock in the evening, Cecilia told Trenton, "It's getting late. I should head home."

"Home?" Trenton asked. "Where are you going? This is your home."

Cecilia quickly explained, "Owen and I just got the certificate, and we still need to get used to each other, and when I came back, I didn't tell my family members. I should go back so they don't worry." Trenton glanced at Owen, who had a scowl all night.

"Fine, let Owen take you home."

Owen coldly responded, "We have plenty of drivers. Let one of them take her."

With that, he walked out on Cecilia and headed upstairs.

As soon as he left, Olina followed suit.

Trenton was about to blow his top, but Cecilia said, "Let the driver take me. Owen's had a busy day. He's tired. Let him rest. Plus, he had a few drinks at dinner. It's not safe for him to drive." "Owen only drank because he didn't want to take you."

Seeing Cecilia defending Owen, Trenton cooled down.

"I'll have Derek arrange a driver for you."

Trenton called Derek over and told him to arrange a ride for Cecilia.

Owen went upstairs. Instead of going back to the bedroom, he went up to the top floor, where he looked down and could see the yard.

Once he saw Cecilia leave in a car, Owen's face softened slightly.

"Owen," Olina approached him.

Owen turned to acknowledge her.

Olina took two opened bottles of wine, and she handed him one of them, saying, "I know you're suffering. I'll drink a bottle of wine with you."

Owen took a sip of wine silently.

"Your grandfather is too much. He actually forced you to marry a poor girl. Look at May's satisfied expression. She probably thinks he's giving up on you as his heir."

"She's dreaming! The Ikella group and the Martinez family's assets belong to us and the Henry Martinez family!"

Olina added, "Does she think Harry can take over the Ikella group? Owen, you must show your strength, or both of our families will be stepped on by May."

In wealthy families, even blood brothers can become enemies over inheritance, let alone half-brothers.

The atmosphere in the Martinez family wasn't as warm as the Anderson family.

Schemes and battles were a common occurrence.

"What's so bad about Ruby? Even if Ruby's heart belongs to Stefan, she's a hundred times better than Cecilia. The Yates family is nothing. They can't even keep pace with us." "Cecilia must have used some tricks to get your grandfather's trust and support. Owen, hold on. Once you completely control the Ikella group, you won't have to listen to your grandfather. You can divorce Cecilia and marry Ruby."

"I'll support you even if you cheat. Everyone knows you truly love Ruby. Your grandfather forcing you to marry Cecilia is outrageous. Seeing May's satisfied expression, I'm about to lose it."

"Don't worry. I'm here. I won't let Cecilia have it easy. Does she think she can easily become part of the Martinez family? She's dreaming."

Owen just kept drinking, ignoring her rambling.

"Ruby is coming back soon. She'll be heartbroken when she finds out you're married. I've already told Megan that your wife should be Ruby. Megan said she'll persuade Ruby to give up on Stefan and accept your love when she comes back."

Finally, Owen spoke, "Will Ruby listen to Megan?"

He wasn't blind. He knew Megan was on Stefan's side.

Stefan was a tough nut to crack. Ruby couldn't get him, so Megan Scott feared her daughter would waste her efforts and suggested that she consider Owen as a backup.

Owen knew what was going on. He was just too in love with Ruby to see her and her mother's scheme.

"Now that Stefan is married, Ruby should give up on him. In Pinehurst, apart from Stefan, you're the most outstanding. You also love her the most. She'll definitely accept your love."

Owen thought that when Ruby came back, she'll probably try to wreck Stefan and Lucinda's marriage.

She's too obsessed with Stefan.

If she can't have him, she'd rather destroy him than watch him in a loving relationship with someone else.

"Mom, I'm married now," Owen said under his breath.

"Just because you married Cecilia doesn't mean you're in love, dude. You were forced into this by your grandpa. He just wanted you to tie the knot with her. But who you love and want to be with is none of his business."

"When Ruby comes back, you and Ruby, you know, get it on. Once you have a kid, maybe your grandpa will accept Ruby and kick Cecilia to the curb."

Owen stayed silent.

Ruby didn't even allow him to kiss her, let alone anything more. It'd be a miracle if she were up for that.

He didn't want to force anything on Ruby.

"I'll talk to my grandpa again," Owen said, thinking he needed to convince his grandpa not to publicize his relationship with Cecilia.

A flash of discontent appeared in Olina's eyes. "What's there left to talk about with him? He's just been hoodwinked by Cecilia. That's why he pushed you to marry her. Maybe he's smitten by Cecilia, wanting

to,"