5 His Uncle

Anna jolted upright as if pulled back from the brink of death. The sudden movement tugged at her injury, making her hiss in pain.

The indecent scenes from last night flooded her mind, and the vivid leading man stood right in front of her.

He looked even more striking than he had through her drunken haze.

If she did not know Lucas had no older brother, she would have almost assumed this tall, refined man was his brother.

Why are you here? Anna was mortified.

Once had been after drinking. This time, she was nearly half naked on an examination bed.

She hurriedly pulled up her pants and stared at him with open wariness.

Lorenzo stepped closer. Anna had just stood up when she dropped back down onto the bed.

He leaned in, bracing his hands on either side of her, enclosing her completely within his space. At this distance, she could clearly smell the faint, cool scent of pine on him.

His thin lips curved with amusement. If I did not come, I would not even know my girlfriend ran away.

Anna had spent three years in the business world. She was not some naive girl and had handled all kinds of situations.

But she never imagined she would face something this awkward.

About last night, I…

Lorenzo cut her off. Last night, you were very enthusiastic.

?

Anna blinked.

Her dazed expression made her look unexpectedly cute.

So I do not plan to end this relationship.

Her voice cooled instantly. We never started anything. How could there be an end? What happened last night was mutual. We are both adults. You know what a fleeting encounter is.

My first time is very precious to me.

Anna let out a cold laugh. Do not worry. I will not ask you to take responsibility.

He raised his hand and lifted her chin, the rough pad of his thumb brushing over her soft lips. What I mean is, you need to take responsibility for me.

Anna had never seen a man with such thick skin.

It was consensual, and she had not even asked him for anything.

What responsibility did a grown man need?

Then she heard him say clearly, Because it was my first time.

Anna pupils trembled. She looked him up and down. In this world, even Lucas, who was not yet twenty three, had plenty of experience.

This elegant and handsome man claimed he had never been with a woman. Who would believe that?

Let me ask. How old are you?

Thirty three.

Anna rolled her eyes, shoved him aside, and walked out.

At your age, pretending to be innocent. Shameless.

What kind of men did she keep running into? Was one free night not enough?

Lorenzo lowered his gaze. He was only eight years older than her. Did she really mind that much?

The female doctor hurried back and saw that the patient was gone and a handsome man was inexplicably standing there.

Lorenzo touched his face and asked casually, Do I look very old?

The doctor was baffled, thinking to herself that he looked good enough, just a bit unhinged.

Afraid the man would chase after her, Anna walked quickly in her heels.

Fine. She would do a full checkup again after returning to New York.

When Anna got home, Lucas was not there, just as she expected.

She called him. He only answered near the end, his voice lazy and breathless. Anna.

Thinking of how that man had sounded last night, Anna immediately understood.

He really was energetic, never resting even for a night.

What are you doing? Why are you breathing so hard?

Playing ball. Go to sleep first. I will be back soon.

Alright. Come home early.

Anna hung up.

Lucas, since you are heartless, do not blame me for being ruthless.

She did not sleep. Instead, she carefully put on makeup, making herself look sickly.

It was not until midnight that Lucas returned. She was not working in the study and had not gone to bed.

She always kept a strict routine. Something was off tonight.

Anna sat on the sofa in her pajamas, hair loose, so still she did not even notice him walking over.

Why are you still awake? Lucas squatted beside her and placed a hand on the back of hers.

She snapped back to herself and pulled her hand away.

When she looked up, her face was pale, her eyes red, dark lashes clinging with tears.

He was used to seeing Anna strong. He had never seen her cry.

Panic hit him. Did she know something?

Why are you crying? You look awful. Did something happen?

She hesitated, fell silent for a moment, then spoke. You really cannot marry me? I do not want any regrets.

You have always put your career first. Why are you suddenly thinking about marriage?

Anna looked flustered. I just… my family has been pressuring me. It is nothing. You must be tired from playing ball. I made you some late night food.

As she wiped her tears, she went to bring him the food.

When she turned back, she saw guilt and regret clearly written on his face.

Holding the bowl, she gently fed him.

Anna, you are suddenly being so nice to me. I am not used to it.

After all, he was usually the one making the effort. Anna was a workaholic who never stopped.

Before, you were always good to me. I will not have much ti…

What did you say?

Nothing. I have been too busy with work and neglected you. From now on, I want to treat you better. Drink more. You exercise a lot and work hard. I am going to rest now.

Lucas watched her lonely figure walk away, an unease rising in his chest.

She could not have found out. With her proud temperament, if she knew, she would never be this gentle.

Then what was it?

Did she really just want him to marry her?

Anna let out a cold smile. Let him guess slowly.

The next morning, Lucas woke to find a lavish breakfast laid out.

She stood by the table. He was not sure if it was his imagination, but her face looked extremely pale, almost sick.

You do not look well.

Maybe I did not sleep well last night.

How could she sleep?

At three in the morning, a stranger number had sent her a pile of explicit photos. She knew exactly who it was, that woman named Stell.

Anna said nothing. I am going to the office first.

The new CEO was arriving today. She needed to handle the handover.

Once work was settled, she could return to New York.

Come home early tonight.

Alright.

Anna walked out in her heels without looking back. Only after getting into the car did she apply another layer of lipstick.

Just as she was about to drive, a call came from the family estate.

It was the old butler, his voice lowered. Miss, when are you coming back? Lily marriage match has been decided.

Who is it?

Lucas from the Caldwell family. They are the same age and both studied in Miami.

Anna fingers tightened around the steering wheel, the image of the once obedient and attentive man flashing through her mind.

She replied quietly, He agreed?

I hear the Caldwell family is very satisfied. They will meet in three days. If nothing goes wrong, they should be getting engaged.

I see.

The butler voice grew urgent. If Lily has the Caldwell family backing her, your position in the Whitmore family…

She understood without him finishing.

If she revealed her identity now and claimed the marriage for herself, it was not impossible.

But thinking about what Lucas had done behind her back made her sick at the thought of living under the same roof with him.

Being tied to him for life would drive her insane.

Help me keep an eye out for suitable marriage candidates in New York. Someone with higher status than Lucas.

Across all of New York, who ranks higher than the Caldwell family? Actually, I just thought of someone.

Who? Anna eyes lit up.

Lucas uncle.