#2

I noticed the teasing glint in his eyes, which made me frown. I couldn’t stand the way he looked at me, so I quickly turned to Faye.

“Where is your father?” I asked.

“Mama had a heart attack, and Papa is with her at the hospital. That’s why Uncle Clark will walk me down the aisle,” Faye replied, seeming unconcerned about her parents’ absence at her wedding.

I let out a deep breath, thinking we should postpone the wedding until her mother recovers. Even if our marriage is just an obligation, isn’t it important for her parents to be there? I couldn’t believe it.

If I were in her position, I would want my parents to walk me down the aisle, unless they had passed away.

“Let’s postpone the wedding,” I said to Faye. “I will talk to my parents about putting the ceremony on hold. We can reschedule once your mother feels better.”

“But…” she started.

“It’s better for your parents to be with you at the altar,” her uncle interrupted.

He then turned to me with a playful smile.

“I will speak to your parents on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law,” he added, placing his hand on my shoulder.

I flinched at the pressure of his grip and instinctively moved away from him. He looked away, then walked towards my parents, pausing briefly before he greeted them.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez.”

I noticed the seriousness in my father's eyes as he looked at Faye's uncle.

It was clear he didn't appreciate seeing him.

“It's been a long time,” Clark continued, his tone laden with meaning.

A heavy tension filled the air as their eyes locked. It seemed there was some unresolved conflict between them.

“It's been a while, Mr. Alcaide,” my father replied.

I stood by quietly next to Faye, who remained unaware to the growing tension between my father and her uncle.

“Such a small world. I know you're an Alcaide, but I didn’t realize that your brother is the father of my son’s fiancé,” my father remarked.

“Oh! Didn’t my brother inform you? Or is he just trying to avoid a misunderstanding between the two families?” Clark responded.

“Mr. Alcaide, you're noble, and I know you wouldn’t want to create a scene that could tarnish your image,” my father retorted.

“You're right about that; I’m here for my brother’s presence. I’ve come to say that the wedding between my niece and your son should be postponed.”

“Did your brother tell you that? Or is it simply that you refuse to agree?”

“You’re still as playful as ever, Mr. Hernandez. I wouldn’t be here just to joke around. If I intended to stop the union of our families, I wouldn’t use words; I would act.” His response to my father was loaded with significance.

I couldn't help but notice his glance towards me, making me quickly avert my eyes. Kaye held onto my arm, now feeling the tension between my father and her uncle. Her expression showed that she regretted bringing her uncle along.

“Well, that’s it. I will take my leave now. You can explain to them why the wedding between the two should be postponed.” With that, he turned to leave, casting one last glance at me with a slight smirk on his lips.

.....

Since Faye's parents wouldn't be able to attend, my parents decided to announce the postponement of our wedding.

They apologized to our guests and sought their understanding. They explained the real reason, which left no one brave enough to voice negative feedback about the event, leading to its pointless conclusion.

One by one, the guests began to leave.

Exhausted and still in pain, I couldn't accompany Faye home. Instead, I arranged for my driver to ensure her safety. My parents also returned to the mansion, while I went back to my penthouse to rest my weary body.

Upon arriving at my building, I took the elevator to the highest floor. As I reached my penthouse, I noticed an unfamiliar figure.

At first, I considered ignoring him, but just as I was about to pass by, he suddenly grabbed my arm and stopped me, pulling me forcefully.

Caught off guard and unable to react in time, I found myself easily restrained by the man, my back pressed against the wall where he had previously leaned.

My brow furrowed as recognition hit me. It was Clark Alcaide, my fiancé's young uncle—and the man I had spent the night with.

"Mmm, aren't you going to acknowledge me?" he asked, leaning closer and pinning me against the wall.

"Let me go, Mr. Alcaide. You seem to have forgotten who I am," I replied, my tone sharp as I tugged my hand from his tight grip. I squirmed, trying to escape his hold.

"Hmm, I know you. I remember how your body responded to every touch I gave," he smirked.

"Mr. Alcaide, watch your words. That was the biggest mistake I ever made, and you only took advantage of my drunkenness."

"Oh! I don’t think so. With a body like that, how could I resist?" he responded, forcefully grinding his hips against mine.

"Damn you, let me go before I punch you."

I threatened him, struggling against his grip on my wrist.

"You have no idea how much I held myself back last night, knowing I would see you again and that we might repeat it. But I never expected you to be my niece's fiancée. I wasn't informed about that," he continued, his lips brushing my ear as he spoke.

After his words, he nipped at my earlobe, sending a jolt of surprise through me and thrilling my senses.

That moment gave me the chance I needed to break free from his hold against the wall. I pushed him away with force, landing a solid punch to his cheek with a swift motion of my fist.

"I warned you, and I’m not joking. If you want to play games, make sure I’m not one of them, because I don’t have time for that nonsense," I snapped at him angrily before shoving him hard once more.

I shot him a sharp glare before turning my back to him and walking away. My fists were clenched as I stepped away, determined not to look back.

I felt chills run down my spine upon hearing his crisp laughter, just before I slammed the door of my penthouse shut.