Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 550

""They're worried, you know. They think if you get too close to them, your family here might feel uncomfortable. But look, Dad said he's going to buy some meat tomorrow to make braised pork, and Cecilia will bring it over for you," Stefan said with a gentle smile.

Lucinda leaned against his shoulder, her eyes slightly reddened. A father's love is like a mountain.

Both sides were her parents, and she tried so hard to be fair, but somehow, one side always ended up feeling hurt.

"We’ll go visit them soon, okay? Don't be sad. They all love you and care about you. As long as you’re happy and well, they’ll be at ease. We’re not settling in Skywatch permanently; this is just a temporary stay, like visiting family," Stefan reassured her.

"Our home is in Pinehurst. That’s where our roots are," Lucinda sniffed and nodded. "I know. I just got emotional for a moment. They're both my parents and family, and I'm still young, so I can handle the travel. I'll just fly back and forth, make sure no one feels left out."

"They’ll understand you, and they’ll appreciate the effort you make," Stefan said gently.

Whether biological or adoptive, they both loved Lucinda dearly and would never blame her. With Stefan’s comforting words, Lucinda’s emotional turmoil soon settled.

"Let’s head back inside. It’s getting colder out here," Stefan suggested.

"Alright."

He took her hand, and they walked back to the main house, fingers intertwined. To some, the couple’s affection was a bit too much to bear, but there was nothing they could do about it.

As the night deepened, Nathan finally returned home, weary from the day. The house was dark until he stepped inside, and the lights flickered on. He lingered in the grand hall for a moment before heading upstairs.

"Dad."

Nathan turned to see Lucinda, and the stern lines on his face softened into a warm smile. "Why are you still up so late? Are you hungry or thirsty? I can have someone make you something," he offered, already reaching for his phone.

"Dad, I’m not hungry or thirsty. I just have something I wanted to talk to you about."

Nathan approached her, gently tapping her forehead with affection. "We can talk tomorrow, you know. You didn’t have to wait up for me. Has Stefan gone to bed?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sure you’re not hungry? I could make something for us to snack on while we chat?" Nathan offered again.

He shook his head. "I don’t like eating late at night; I’m trying to keep in shape. Your mom already barely gives me a glance. If I get a beer belly, she’ll really start to avoid me," he joked lightly, trying to maintain his fit figure to match his still-vibrant wife, Janice.

"Well, what did you want to talk about? Want to go to my study?" he asked.

"No, it’s nothing big. I just wanted to let you know."

Lucinda knew her father’s study was off-limits unless given permission—even her brother wasn’t allowed in without it. Only highly confidential matters warranted a meeting in there.

They settled on the sofa downstairs.

Lucinda noticed her father seemed a bit tense and couldn’t help but chuckle. "Dad, relax. It’s not anything that’ll put you in a tough spot. I’ve been back for a few days now, and staying home all the time is boring. I’ve been thinking about investing in opening a store."

Nathan let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. At least it wasn’t about Janice.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify