Faux Vows, True Desires

"You and Cedric go way back. Do you really still need Auntie to set you up? Plus, Cedric swings the other way!"

The Frosts and the Paisleys were old neighbors, the Paisleys and the Andersons were long-time pals, and Tiffany and Liam got acquainted through Cedric.

"Let me guess, Cedric wants to play matchmakers with you, right? The Frost group is in hot water, and funds are tight as a drum, they're a hair's breadth from going belly up. Once that happens, the domino effect will kick in. The Frost group will go down the drain if nobody lends a hand."

Being part of the Anderson clan, Liam might not be as famous as his big brother, but he knew more about business than Tiffany did.

"Cedric wants to tie the knot with you, hoping to pull the Frost group out of the fire with the Paisleys' backing. If that doesn't cut it, he wants the Paisleys to lean on the Andersons. We go way back, and if Cedric becomes your son-in-law, we'll consider helping out. Cedric's as sly as a fox. He's clearly not into women, but he's got a male model on the sly. Does he think I don't know? What's Auntie thinking, trying to set you up with a guy like that? You'd be better off as a free agent than hitched to Cedric. At least you won't have to deal with family drama and a whole mess of trouble."

Tiffany: "Are you sure Cedric swings the other way?"

No wonder he's still single in his thirties. Auntie said it was because he was all wrapped up in work and neglecting his personal life. She also mentioned that their families were old and neighbors and knew each other well. If she married Cedric, she'll live close to her childhood home.

Knew each other well, huh?

Tiffany scoffed. If they knew each other so well, why didn't she know that Cedric was gay?

"I caught Cedric red-handed with his boyfriend. Out of respect for his dignity and considering the LGBTQ+ community is a bit sensitive, plus he's the CEO of the Frost group, I kept my mouth shut." But when Cedric started eyeing Tiffany, Liam couldn't stand by.

"Yes, I do know the Frost group is in a bit of a bind. Harlan Frost reached out to my dad, but my brothers now run our family business. My dad just said he'd discuss it with them, no promises to bail the Frost group out."

Her dad's retired now, living a quiet life with her mom. He said it's what he owed her mom.

"My Auntie is just a distant relative."

Tiffany circled back to the main topic, grinning at Liam, "Will you come with me to the date? Let's go find Cedric's boyfriend and see what kind of person he is. I mean, Cedric's a catch. He's gentle and polite and always greets me with a warm smile. I kind of have a soft spot for our neighbour. I find it hard to believe he's gay. Plus, you have no proof. Seeing is believing. Are you sure you didn't mistake someone else for him?"

Liam snorted, "I've got sharp eyes. No way I'd mistake him for someone else. Plus, the car I saw was definitely Cedric's."

People in the same social circle knew each other.

Liam would stake his life on not mistaking the person.

"Alright, I'll accompany you on the date tonight."

Upon learning that Cedric was Tiffany's suitor, Liam was fuming. The Frost group dared to deceive Tiffany, trying to save their family through marriage. But Liam wasn't worried about Tiffany falling for Cedric's tricks since Cedric was gay.

He hadn't seen the male model in person, but he heard he's the face of a menswear brand, a real hunk, bursting with vitality.

It just went to show people can't judge a book by its cover. Who would've thought he was gay?

Tiffany laughed, "To show my gratitude, I have a gift for you. Close your eyes, and I'll show it to you. It's definitely a surprise."

"What could possibly surprise me?"

Liam was intrigued. What rare treasure hadn't he seen?

The jewels in their family vault would have women drooling, refusing to leave.

"You just need to close your eyes."

Liam grumbled a bit, but his curiosity got the better of him. Plus, he'd never received a gift from Tiffany before, so he dutifully closed his eyes.

Tiffany looked at Liam, pushed against the wall by her. They've always been at each other's throats since they were kids, constantly bickering. But when he's not being a pain, he's quite attractive. "Hurry up and show me what it is!"

Even with his eyes closed, Liam could feel Tiffany watching him, which made him somewhat uneasy.

"Tiffany, I'm warning you, if you give me a rubber snake as a gift, I'm never speaking to you again!"

"Don't worry, it's not a rubber snake. They're only good for scaring you, not edible. How can they be a gift? If I were to give you a snake, I'd buy a few and cook them with some chicken to make a soup. Now that's a treat."

Liam was speechless.

After waiting for what felt like an eternity, he was about to ask when his mouth was suddenly covered by something warm and soft. Judging by the feel, it was a pair of lips, not a thing. Tiffany kissed him!

Liam's eyes popped open, and he was stunned, his eyes wide as saucers, staring at the person in front of him.

Her scent was intoxicating, a fragrance he knew all too well.

Her lips were warm and soft. When they pressed against him, it felt like he'd been zapped with electricity.

What floored Liam was how she could take the initiative to kiss him! Wasn't that supposed to be a guy's job?

And also, under what pretext did she kiss him?

As an arch-enemy?

A kiss from an arch-enemy!

Suddenly, Liam thought of his brother and Owen. They were also arch-enemies, Huh?

What the hell was he thinking?

"Liam, so this is what kissing feels like. It's not as intoxicating as they make it out to be in novels."

Tiffany pulled away from the kiss, looking as cool as a cucumber, while Liam failed to notice the panic in Tiffany's eyes. She was a brave girl.

When she was interested in something, she would go ahead and try it.

Being in her twenties, she wanted to experience the sweetness of a kiss. Of course she would experiment with a friend.

However, the result was not as beautiful as described in novels.

Tiffany was a bit unsatisfied. Liam's lunch tasted of onion.

"Did you have onions for lunch? I don't like the taste of onions."

Tiffany gently patted his chest, "Hey, you back to earth yet? I've paid you already. Remember to cancel all your plans tonight to go on a blind date with me." With that, she turned and walked away.