All Chapters of MARRIED TO MY EX-FIANCE'S RUTHLESS UNCLE: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Two days before the event, the invitation was delivered.The Annual Gala of the Blackwell Family FoundationBlack tie required. Attendance: Mandatory. That last line wasn't printed on the invitation. Kael added it when he showed me. "Saturday night," he said. "Seven PM.For my family, this is the most significant occasion of the year. Everyone is going to be present."Everyone?" "My mother. My brother. Damien."He put the invitation down. "Family gatherings are exempt from the restraining order. He is allowed to be there."And I have to attend." "Yes. As my wife, you represent the family now." His voice was matter-of-fact. "This is non-negotiable." "I understand." He studied me. "Are you going to be a problem?" "No.""Because if you can't handle seeing Damien—" "I can handle it." Good. He accepted the invitation."The stylist will be here on Friday afternoon. Full preparation. Hair, makeup, dress. I've already selected what you'll wear." Of course, he had. Saturday arrived too quickly

I started avoiding him. Not obviously. Not in ways he could call out.However, I sought another place to be when I heard his office door open.I quickly exited the room when he came in.I answered him succinctly when he spoke.Polite. Distant.Because noticing was the alternative.And I was no longer able to afford to notice.I got up early on Tuesday morning.Made coffee before he appeared.I heard footsteps behind me as I was pouring it."You're up early," Kael said.I continued to stare at the coffee. "Couldn't sleep."That makes both of us.I heard him approach.Felt the shift in the air. He reached past me for a mug. His arm brushed mine—barely a touch. My hand trembled. Coffee spilled on the counter. "Careful." His hand came to my wrist. Steadying it."You'll burn yourself." His touch was warm. Firm. His thumb pressed against my pulse point. I pulled away. "I'm fine." I grabbed a towel. Wiped up the spill. Didn't look at him. "Aria." "What?" Silence.I sensed that he was observing

It was different on Sunday morning.The air in the penthouse felt heavier. Charged with something building for weeks, finally ready to burst.I saw Kael in the kitchen. He had made coffee for both of us.Breakfast was set. As if this was normal. As if last night hadn't happened."Morning," he said without looking at me."Morning."I sat. We ate in silence. Every clink of silverware was too loud.Every look across the table took too long. Finally, he remarked, "I have to go to work today." "Meeting in an emergency."Something with the Tokyo merger.""On Sunday?""Can't be helped." He stood. Started clearing his plate. Our hands brushed as we reached for the same cup.We both froze.His fingers were warm against mine. Neither of us pulled away immediately; we just stood there, hands touching, eyes locked.He stepped back."I'm going to be home late." "Don't wait."He departed before I could say anything.I sat there with my coffee getting cold. Wondering how much longer we could keep do

Marcus showed up three days later without warning.The lift opened while I was in the living room. He stepped out with his usual briefcase and professional look, but something was off. He had a tight look on his face. Worried. "Mrs. Blackwell," he said. He nodded."Is Kael here?""In his office.""Good. I need to speak with both of you."That couldn't be good.Kael emerged before I could get him. He must have heard the elevator. "Marcus. What's wrong?""We need to talk. Privately." Marcus glanced at me. "Both of you."We sat in Kael's office.Marcus took out a file. Put it on the desk with the kind of care that showed that what was inside was important. He began by saying, "I've been going over the original evidence against Aria." "The case of corporate spying. The papers that caused the criminal charges.My stomach dropped. We were doing so well.Three days of normalcy. Of trying. And now this.Kael's hand found mine under the desk and squeezed. "What about them?" There are things th

Morning came with silence.I emerged from my room around eight. Found the penthouse empty. No Kael in the kitchen. No coffee waiting. No notes.Just Mrs. Chen, arranging fresh flowers."Good morning, Mrs. Blackwell." She looked at me carefully. "Can I get you anything?""Where's Kael?""He left early. Asked me to give you this." She handed me an envelope.I opened it. A note in his handwriting.Giving you space as you asked. I'll be at the office. Come and go as you please. The security codes have been changed - attached. You're not a prisoner anymore. - KAttached was a paper with elevator codes, building access, everything. No restrictions. No permissions needed.Complete freedom.I sat at the counter. Stared at the codes.This was what I'd wanted. Freedom to leave. To go anywhere. To make my own choices.So why did it feel hollow?Mrs. Chen set down coffee. "He also asked me to tell you that Marcus will call today. About the case.You can be involved in the prosecution if you want