HE WAS MY BOYFRIEND'S UNCLE?

Chapter 5

Endora's POV

A tight smile stretched across my face as I entered the hall, the whole room sparkled like scattered diamonds beneath the massive crystal chandelier.

Every table was draped in heavy silk that shimmered with silver.

My fingers clutched my dress instinctively, I had barely taken two steps when my aunt swept over to where I stood.

A frown etched across her face.

My lips parted to speak. "Good—"

"There is nothing good you have to say. If your cousin didn't want you here, I wouldn't have allowed you. Now go to the last seat over there because the tables are booked." She pointed at the corner where the light barely reached.

My brow furrowed in confusion. Oh, my aunt knew—she knew how much I loved Jace, even though she never approved of him and always told him I was too good for him.

Who would have thought she'd be the event planner today?

"Aunty, won't you ask..." I didn't get to finish before the sharp click of heels cut through.

Mia approached with a smug smile, Jace beside her. "Why did you bring her here?" Jace asked, clearly displeased that I was there.

The same man who had once looked at me with love now regarded me with disdain. Yet I managed a smile.

"Come on, babe, she deserves to see her cousin's engagement." Mia said with a pout.

"Yes, son-in-law, don't worry, she won't be a bother to you two." My aunt added, then waved me off.

"Go to your seat." Her voice rose sharply.

My lips parted, unable to form a word, as I watched the couple walk away.

Since I hadn't moved an inch, my aunt leaned closer, her mouth near my ear.

"You'd better not create a scene—if you do, you know what awaits you!" she hissed.

Her eyes locked on mine as she smirked, turned, and walked away, and my knees nearly buckled as I watched her go.

I swallowed hard. "You are doing this for your grandma endora," I reminded myself before shuffling to my chair.

From there I could see everything unfold, though I sat tucked away in a secluded corner, far from where the real guests were seated.

"Excuse me, ma'am, are you also among the guests?" the waiter asked, and I offered a small smile before nodding.

"Would you care for a drink or..." he asked, and I nodded. If possible, I didn't want to be sober for this.

He handed me a glass and walked off. Gulping down the whole drink, I bit my lip hard, watching my so-called boyfriend beam brightly at someone else.

"We have an important guest tonight," the host suddenly announced, and I hummed, tapping my foot with impatience.

All I wanted was for this madness to end so I could flee this hellhole.

Yet the host pressed on. "Over there is Mr. Dylan Harrison." The MC gestured toward the front seat, I could barely make him out from where I sat.

"He is the core founder, and we are honored he granted us his time tonight..." The rest of his words blurred into a buzz as I rose to my feet.

Sauntering to the restroom, I turned on the tap and splashed water on my face, hoping to calm my racing heart.

"I thought watching them would be easy, but I knew that witch had set this up on purpose to taunt me," I whispered with a heavy sigh.

After lingering in the restroom for who knows how long, I finally stepped out with my head hung low.

Along the way, my body suddenly collided with a firm chest. "Watch where you're going, ma'am!" the voice thundered.

Raising my head, "I'm so—" The words caught in my throat as my eyes widened.

Him...

He was the same man, the one I'd spent a single night with.

What was he doing here? Damn it, I needed to act like a stranger.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," I said in one breath, turning away, but a hand seized my wrist and yanked me back.

A gasp slipped from my lips. "It's you," he blurted, his eyes drilling into mine.

My toes curled as my heart hammered. "Excuse me, it's not appropriate to grab a lady..." My words dissolved as he pulled me closer.

My body pressed against his chest, leaving my mouth hanging open.

"What are you doing?" I whispered, trying to push him away, but he wouldn't budge.

"You left me with some changes and fled. I've never met a woman with such audacity." His voice sent my stomach churning.

He hooked a finger under my chin, tilting my head until our eyes locked.

My breath caught at the sight of his face. "Now you want to act like you don't know me?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.

My face flushed with embarrassment. "It was a one-time thing, and I paid for your service." I defended myself.

We were both adults, and I trusted he'd understand.

He chuckled dryly. "Paying me fifty dollars? You must really think I'm that cheap." My throat bobbed at his words.

What was wrong with him? "We both enjoyed it, so you can't charge me extra. Don't be ridiculous." To think he had literally fucked the living hell out of me that night—I could barely walk!

"That's not enough for what you took. You forced yourself on me, and I won't take a cent less than a million for it," he blurted.

My eyes nearly popped from their sockets.

What sort of daylight robbery was this?

He smiled as I tried to pull back. Before I could fully turn away, his mouth crashed over mine.

Everything froze. My hands flew to his chest, ready to shove, but a familiar voice behind me locked every muscle in place.

"Uncle."

I shoved hard and he let go. I spun around just as Jace closed the last few steps between us.

The easy smile on Jace's face cracked and vanished. His eyes flicked from me to the man.

"Uncle?" The word finally registered. I looked at the man beside me.

The same man who had just kissed me now wore an expression cold enough to freeze blood.

"Is there a reason you're looking for me?" he asked, his voice low and edged.

Jace's laugh came out thin and nervous. He shook his head a little too fast.

"No, I was just surprised you were still around." Then he turned to me. "What are you doing here, Endora?" Jace asked.

How was I supposed to explain this? Should I lie and say his uncle was my boyfriend?

But would his uncle even go along with it?

Before I could utter a single word, a strong arm slid around my waist and pulled me flush against a hard chest.

My breath hitched.

Then his uncle's deep, unhurried voice shattered the silence.

"She's here with me.”