#1

I accompanied my fiance to try on her gown, with our wedding set for tomorrow.

  “Is it beautiful?” she asked as she turned, the fabric swirling around her.

  “Yes,” was my curt reply, though it felt like a lie.

  She was undeniably beautiful, yet my heart remained untouched.

  I had only come along because my mother insisted; without her push, I would have willingly stayed away.

  I released a deep sigh and shifted my gaze to my phone, distractedly chatting with a friend. He had invited me to his club, suggesting we celebrate my last night of being single.

  I found myself agreeing, craving a brief escape from the suffocating expectations of my parents. Just for one night, I could indulge without remorse.

  “I’ll just get dressed,” Faye said, bringing my focus back to her.

  I nodded, noting the way her expression soured at my apparent indifference.

  From the beginning, I had made it clear to Faye that our marriage was merely a familial obligation. Initially, she seemed to accept this, but throughout our preparations, I sensed a shift in her demeanor. Her glances lingered longer, the tenderness in her eyes suggesting something deeper.

  “I’ll take you home so you can rest for tomorrow,” I offered as we stepped out of the bridal shop.

  “Uhm, how about we eat first?”

  The playfulness in her tone, along with her hand gripping my arm, twinged at something within me.

  “I still have work to do,” I replied, declining her invitation firmly.

  “Okay,” Her response was simply, accompanied by a frown that spoke volumes.

  The silence hung heavy, stretching the distance between us as I drove her to her penthouse.

  Once I dropped her off, I headed to my friend’s club. It was past six in the evening, and the atmosphere buzzed with life and laughter.

  Jacob greeted me with a smile, throwing an arm around my shoulders.

  “Let’s dance! It’s your last night as a single guy!” he exclaimed, urging me onward. “What about sleeping with another girl? Interested?” he joked, laughter in his voice.

  “I don’t plan on sleeping with anyone; I just want to get wasted,” I replied, feeling a weight lift as we began to drink.

  One bottle turned into many, and soon enough, I was lost in the revelry, drowned in the haze of alcohol.

  ……

  As the night progressed, my vision blurred from the drunkenness, but it didn’t stop me from noticing a man who had been watching me since my arrival.

  His gaze was intense, cutting through the crowd as if I were the only person that mattered. Feeling bold from the alcohol, I could no longer bear his stare and decided to confront him.

  I rose from my seat and walked over, pausing right in front of him. As he looked up, his eyes sparkled amidst the flashing lights in the club, making it challenging to decipher the thoughts swirling behind his penetrating gaze.

  “You want some fun?” I asked, the words bubbling up with reckless abandon.

  He remained silent, his eyes fixated on mine, unblinking. When he didn’t respond, a surge of audacity coursed through me.

  Without a second thought, I leaned down, driven by the alcohol coursing through my veins, acting on an impulse that I usually would have never considered.

  To my surprise, instead of pushing me away, he responded to my kiss, igniting a thrilling surge throughout my entire being.

  As I swallowed, my lips parted, and I felt his tongue invade my mouth. His actions sent a strange thrill spreading throughout my body.

  It was the first time I had ever done something like this, and kissing a man was beyond my usual limits. However, under the influence of alcohol, those thoughts faded away.

  I met his fiery kiss with equal fervor. Moments later, I found myself in a room with him, where he continued to kiss me passionately. I no longer resisted. He was like a wild beast, kissing me hungrily as if there were no tomorrow.

  To my astonishment, I allowed him to take control, surrendering in a way I never imagined I would. The intoxication enveloped my mind in darkness, leading me to follow his every move and caress.

  In that moment, a thought echoed in my mind: this would only happen once, and it would never repeat. I reassured myself that I wouldn’t see him again, and with that acceptance, I let go.

  ……

  The next morning, I awakened to an emptiness; the man from the night before was gone. My entire body ached as if I had engaged in a fierce battle and could hardly move.

  Yet, despite the pain, I forced myself to rise from bed and prepare. Ignoring my discomfort, I cleaned myself up before heading to my penthouse.

  Upon arriving home, I hurriedly dressed, conscious that I couldn’t afford to be late for my wedding. My parents would surely be upset if I arrived even a minute behind schedule. With every movement rushed, I made my way to the wedding reception, eager to wait for my bride’s arrival.

  As moments passed, Faye finally appeared.

  My heart raced at the sight of her, but it sank when I noticed the man accompanying her. An overwhelming wave of nervousness struck me; the man with my bride was the very same one I had been with the night before.

  “Angelo, I’m here,” Faye announced as they approached, her hand linked with his. “This is my uncle Clark. Uncle, this is my groom, Angelo,” she introduced us.

  I swallowed hard, particularly alarmed by the confident smile that graced his lips.

  “Nice to meet you, my nephew-in-law,” he said, extending his hand toward me.

  I hesitated for a moment, my palms clenched tight, unwilling to engage yet aware of the expectations around me.

  Reluctantly, I knew I had to uphold decorum in front of our gathered guests, especially with my parents watching. I loosened my grip, raised my hand, and reluctantly accepted his handshake.

  The moment our hands connected, I flinched at his firm grip and quickly withdrew my hand, overwhelmed by the unexpected intensity of the encounter.

#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.

#3:

I shook my head while watching his receding figure, my hand instinctively brushing against the spot where his fist had struck my cheek.

     I let out a loud laugh, intending for him to hear me.

     “Angelo Hernandez, you can’t escape the fire you started,” I whispered after hearing the door of his penthouse slam shut.

     Resolute, I decided to leave; despite the unpleasantness of our second encounter, I was determined he wouldn’t evade me the next time our paths crossed.

     I made my way to the hospital where my sister-in-law was confined.

     Upon entering her ward, her surprise was obvious as she saw me. I couldn’t help but smirk at the visible worry on her face during my visit. It was clear that she was afraid of me, a sentiment I couldn’t deny, given my reputation for causing trouble.

   Mr. Hernandez’s suspicions were indeed correct; I had no desire for our families to join forces.

     To ensure that the wedding would not take place, I instilled fear in my sister-in-law, causing her to suffer a heart attack.

     I am Clark Alcaide, the youngest son of a well-known and affluent family in the country.

     In the public eye, I appear noble, but to those who truly know me, I am recognized as a troublemaker—a demon capable of turning silence into chaos.

     My sister-in-law understands the implications of my words when I express my opposition to the marriage. If the wedding were to proceed, I would not hesitate to destroy their entire family, including their business.

     This opposition is not fueled by my feelings for Angelo, the one who captured my interest, but rather stem from a simple desire to cause disruption.

     And the fact that Mr. Hernandez, the father of Angelo—who is set to marry my niece—is one of the people I despise most only intensifies my determination.

  My hatred for him roots deep; he was the one who shattered my first relationship.

     I vividly remember how my girlfriend developed an attraction to him, and I had to witness their betrayal unfold right before my eyes.

     It infuriated me that this mature man could so easily capture the interest of women, while I was just a mere twenty-two-year-old, struggling to find my place in the world.

     Mr. Hernandez, at thirty-nine, had a magnetic pull that drew her in, despite being a married man. That was the spark that ignited my rebellion, flipping the goods upside down.

     After years of harboring resentment towards the Hernandez family, I discovered that my eldest brother intended to marry his daughter to the son of the man who once took my girlfriend from me.

     And now, Angelo, Mr. Hernandez’s son, has reached the age of twenty-two, just like I was back then. Yet here I am, eight years his senior, consumed by thoughts of revenge.

      The plan began to form in my mind: I could disrupt the very wedding that symbolized my hatred.

     But then, last night, as I entered the club, I spotted Angelo and recognized him immediately as the offspring of the man I loathed.

     In that moment, my plans shifted—why not turn this handsome straigth young man into my plaything?

   As I observed his every movement, each sip he took from his drink deepened my determination to toy with him.

     Indeed, Mr. Hernandez’s son was undeniably handsome, which is precisely why my niece couldn’t resist the prospect of marrying him.

     However, it was clear that Angelo was quite tipsy, and our eyes fortuitously met. I couldn’t help but smirk as his gaze landed on me.

     Time stood still as he continued to stare, and soon, I watched him rise from his seat and walk towards me. He paused three steps away, and I tilted my head up as he stooped in front of me.

     Once again, our eyes locked in a silent exchange.

      My hand instinctively rose as I noticed him leaning closer. He dipped down, and in a surprising move, his lips found mine.

     I couldn’t help but smirk as he kissed me, and without hesitation, I kissed him back. A flame of desire ignited within me.

     As moments passed, I led him to a room, claiming him as if there was no tomorrow. This is my first time, I couldn’t believe that being intimate with a man could feel so exhilarating instead of disgusting; I felt no repulsion, only an unexpected pleasure.

     My plans unfolded precisely as I envisioned. I lift him into the room where I had just claimed him.

     As intended, I went to see my brother to express that I would not support their daughter’s wedding, only to find my sister-in-law instead.

    I left behind a warning, threatening chaos if the wedding proceeded, vowing to turn their world upside down. I told them their daughter was free to marry, but not into the Hernandez family. My threats caused her chest to tighten, leading to a heart attack.

     My plan succeeded; neither my sibling nor my sister-in-law could attend.

     Next, I sought out Faye, my niece, to inform her that her mother was rushed to the hospital. I expected her to hurry and follow them, but to my surprise, Faye pleaded with me, suggesting that if her parents couldn’t make it, I should escort her down the aisle instead.

     She confided that she was attracted to Angelo, and even though it was merely an obligation passed down by their parents, she genuinely liked him since their first meeting.

     Despite my reluctance, Faye begged as if her life depended on her wedding to Angelo proceeding.

     Eventually, I decided to accompany her, not to walk her down the aisle, but to speak with Angelo’s parents about postponing the wedding.

     As I approached, I noticed Mr. Hernandez, Angelo’s father, recognizing me. I could see the tension in his jaw.

     I smirked, though seriousness filled my gaze. Instead of dredging up the past and how he had betrayed me with my girlfriend, I issued a warning and then turned to leave, casting one last teasing glance at Angelo before I exited the wedding reception, a sense of satisfaction bubbling within me.

     “How are you, sister-in-law?” I asked as I finally approached her.

     I couldn’t help but notice her fingers tightly gripping the white blanket wrapped around her. There was a tension in the air, and I could feel it shift as she looked up at me.

     “What do you want? We haven’t done anything wrong to you, so why are you doing this?” she demanded, her voice steady despite the fear radiating from her.

     “Oh! It’s nothing. I’m just having fun stirring up trouble,” I replied with a casual shrug. “But, as I’ve said before, Faye could marry, but not into that family.”

     “You have no right to choose who our daughter can marry, Clark,” she shot back, her eyes flashing with defiance.

     “Okay! As you say so. Then, just wait for what I can do next,” I responded, my voice dripping with menace.

     After leaving another warning hanging in the air, I turned my back on her, a grin spreading across my face as I exited her ward, eager to continue making chaos in their lives.

#4:

Before heading to my company, I made a quick stop at the hospital to visit Faye’s mother, bringing along a basket of fresh fruits for her.

     Upon my arrival, I found Faye’s father there, assisting his wife in getting up.

     “Good morning, Uncle and Aunt,” I greeted them as I approached.

     I set the fruit basket on the bedside table next to her hospital bed.

     “How are you feeling, Aunt?” I inquired.

     “I’m feeling better, but I’m sorry for not being able to attend your wedding with our daughter,” she replied.

     “It’s alright, Aunt. Your recovery is what matters most right now. We can discuss Faye and our wedding later,” I assured her with a smile.

     “Thank you for your understanding, hijo,” she said.

     I nodded in response and spent a few minutes with them before excusing myself to go to my company. They didn’t try to stop me.

     As I left the ward, I refrained from looking back and headed straight to my car.

     However, as I reached my parking spot, a familiar figure caught my eye: the man I had been trying to avoid since the day of my wedding.

     He seemed to linger like a shadow, always present yet never approaching, quietly watching my every move.

     Now, he leaned against the door opposite my driver’s seat, blocking my way. If I wanted to get in, I had to confront him.

     Stepping closer, I shot him a serious look.

     “What do you want, Mr. Alcaide?” I asked, my tone steady.

   He leaned casually against my car door, arms crossed, his intense gaze locked onto me. A playful smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

     I felt a chill run down my spine at that smile; I could see the desire in his eyes, especially when his gaze dropped to my midsection. He teasingly licked his lips, followed by a quick bite—a gesture that made me frown in confusion.

     I realized I had made a huge mistake that night, one I had no intention of repeating. I’m straight, and I have no desire to be in a relationship with someone like him, let alone any man.

     It felt like a significant misstep that shattered my quiet life, especially now that the guy I hooked up with is pursuing me.

     I regretted what happened that night, particularly for having let him take charge, knowing he is also my fiancé’s uncle.

      “Do I really need to answer that? Hmm,” he replied, his gaze lingering on me inappropriately.

     “Fuck off, Mr. Alcaide. As I told you yesterday, I have no time to play games with you. So, before my patience runs out, don’t block my path,” I warned him, my voice steady despite the turmoil within.

    In response to my threat, he let out a soft yet mocking laugh that sent a chill down my spine.

     With a casual push off from leaning against my car, he seemed to revel in the power he wielded over the situation.

     As soon as he stepped away, I dove inside, and started the engine, eager to escape.

     But just as I was about to drive off, he swung the door open with a suddenness that caught me off guard. In a shocking twist, he leaned down and kissed me—no ordinary kiss, but one that lingered, ending with him biting my lip. As he pulled back, a grin spread across his face, and he wiped his lips with a look that bore into me.

     “Fuck you!” I cursed, fighting the urge to strike him as he turned away too quickly for me to react.

     He raised his hand and waved casually, walking further away with a confidence that infuriated me.

     “See you around,” I heard him say, the words echoing in my mind like a taunt.

     My fists clenched tightly around the steering wheel, and I couldn’t help but curse under my breath.

     Damn him!

     Fueled by a mix of anger and disbelief, I slammed the gas pedal and sped away from the hospital, weaving through traffic without a care in the world.

    ……

       I have earned a reputation as a talented young businessman. By the age of twenty-two, I had already built my own considerable enterprises without any financial assistance from my parents, despite our family being one of the wealthiest in the country, second only to the Alcaide family.

     Speaking of the Alcaides, I couldn’t help but think of my fiancée’s uncle, Clark Alcaide, who feels like a ghost continually haunting me.

     “Damn him!”

     That thought made me curse again as I recalled our encounter earlier this morning in the hospital parking lot. My fists clenched, and I couldn’t resist striking the table in frustration.

     At that moment, the manager of my clothing department paused in his explanation of the company’s new endorsement.

     “Is there something wrong with what I’m saying, Mr. CEO?” he asked, confusion and concern evident on his face.

     Frowning, I took a deep breath and adjusted my posture; I was in front of several executive members of the company, and my thoughts were clouded by worries of the Alcaide incident.

     After my deep breath, I instructed him to continue with his report. The meeting resumed, albeit with a palpable tension due to my earlier outburst.

     Fortunately, the meeting concluded successfully without any further issues and was eventually adjourned.

     I returned to my office to continue signing other important documents. While I was engrossed in paperwork, my concentration was interrupted by a knock at my office door.

     “Come in,” I called out, looking away from what I was reading.

     Fave entered, walking towards me with a bright smile on her face.

     “Hi!” she greeted cheerfully.

     “Why are you here?” I asked as she stopped beside my chair.

     “My mom said you visited her earlier. So, I came by to bring you lunch.” Her voice was light, and she placed a lunch box on my desk.

     She seemed about to say more but then noticed my swollen lip, a result of an earlier encounter with Clark when he kissed me.

     “What happened to your lip?” she asked, her brow slightly furrowing as she stared at it.

     She raised her hand as if to reach for it, but I flinched away.

     “I accidentally bit it while eating breakfast,” I replied, concealing the truth.

     I couldn’t let her know that it was caused by an encounter with her uncle.

     No one should know what transpired between Clark and me, as I had no intention of tarnishing my reputation in the eyes of others—especially not because it seemed I had been involved with someone like him.

#5:

Faye and I had to reschedule our wedding once again, which meant that our entire family was busy with preparations.

     As Faye and I tackled the planning, it was unavoidable for Clark and me to cross paths. He always seemed to be right behind me, ready to tease.

     No matter how hard I tried to avoid him, he would find a way to approach me deliberately.

     On our wedding day, I was preoccupied with putting on my suit. As I was getting dressed, I didn’t notice the door to my dressing room opening.

     Just as I was about to change out of my t-shirt into my polo shirt, I was startled when someone suddenly hugged me from behind. I felt his palm pressing against my stomach, and he began to caress my abs.

     “Let go of me,” I said angrily, trying to pull away and squirm out of his grasp.

     Even though I didn’t have to look to know who it was, I was well aware that only one person would dare to act so boldly – Clark, Faye’s uncle.

     “What are you doing, Mr. Alcaide? You’re crossing the line with your actions,” I scolded him.

     However, my anger seemed to have no effect on him. He merely grinned as he glanced at my bare torso, having caught me shirtless just before he made his move.

   “You seem quite eager to marry my niece,” he remarked.

     “That’s none of your business, Mr. Alcaide. You are only my future spouse’s relative, so I expect you to respect this day.”

      “Oh! If you know you’re marrying my niece, then why did you allow me to sleep with you that night? You can’t deny that you enjoyed it.” He smirked.

   “I told you, that was just the result of my drunkenness. It won’t happen again. So please, Mr. Alcaide, even if you don’t respect me as your future relative, at least behave properly out of respect for your niece,” I replied firmly.

     I wanted to make it clear to him that I was not someone to be dismissed lightly. With that, I pushed him out of the dressing room.

     However, just before I could fully close the door, he caught my wrist with a strong grip and pulled me closer to him.

     I have a solid build with broad shoulders and defined abs, maintaining a strong posture typical of a man.

     Yet, when I compared myself to Clark’s physique, I felt inadequate. His body was impressive—not overwhelmingly large, but certainly well-built.

     I recalled that night when he displayed an eight-pack of abs, and they were undeniably sculpted. His sun-kissed skin contrasted sharply with my much fairer complexion, adding to the overall strength of his appearance.

      I stood tall at 5’10“, but in his presence, his towering height of 6’3“ to 6’4“ felt like an insurmountable difference.

      “Let me go!” I managed to gasp, struggling against his grip.

     Yet, his arms tightened around my waist, pulling me closer to him. I pushed my hands between our bodies, attempting to create some space. As I strained to push him away, he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my skin.

     I quickly turned my face away when I felt him try to kiss me. But he deftly captured my jaw with one hand, forcing my lips to meet his with an intensity that caught me off guard.

     “Ugh!” I stifled a groan, desperately trying to avoid his kiss.

     His grip was firm, keeping our lips locked together, refusing to let go.

     In that moment, a plan formed in my mind—I wanted to bite his lips. Just as I prepared to execute my tiny rebellion, it was as if he predict my move.

     He abruptly halted the kiss, yet his hold around my waist remained unyielding.

     A teasing smirk crept onto his lips, and he kissed me again, albeit a quick peck, before releasing me.

     Fueled by a mix of anger and defiance, I balled my fist, ready to deliver a punch that would hopefully reclaim my dignity. But before my fist could find its target, a loud knock interrupted us, pulling both our attention away.

     We turned to the door in unison. He smirked again, a devilish expression that unsettled me further. Stepping back, he made no move to leave.

     “Open it,” he commanded, leaning against the wall beside the door, arms crossed over his chest.

     My clenched fist relaxed as I tried to calm myself. I smoothed out my polo shirt before slowly opening the door. To my surprise, Faye stood outside, smiling brightly at me. But her smile faded when she noticed her Uncle Clark lounging against the wall.

      “Uncle, why are you here?” Faye asked, stepping closer and grabbing hold of my arms, her expression shifting from warmth to concern.

     “I just want to congratulate him for your wedding,” Clark answered seriously, his gaze fixed on me.

     “Oh! Thank you, Uncle,” Faye replied, trying to lighten the mood.

     “Yes, honey. Your uncle is quite a sweet talker,” I added with a sardonic tone that betrayed my anger towards Clark.

     In an attempt to erase his unwelcome affection, I decided to demonstrate my feelings for Faye by kissing her in front of him, making it clear that I preferred her lips over his.

     I turned Faye to face me, wrapping my arms around her waist and lifting her slightly off the ground. Gently, I held her chin to tilt her face up to mine.

     Surprised by my boldness, Faye’s eyes widened, but she didn’t resist my hold on her chin.  As I leaned in closer, she instinctively closed her eyes, waiting for our lips to meet.

     Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Clark standing upright from his leaning position against the wall, his furrowed brow and clenched fist revealing his growing tension.

     I couldn’t help but smirk as I finally closed the distance between Faye and me.  Just as my lips were about to touch hers, Clark’s voice interrupted us.

     “Your guests are waiting, niece,” he said.

     Faye’s eyes flew open in surprise, clearly taken aback by the moment.

     Reluctantly, I loosened my embrace around her waist and finally let her go.

     “Wait for me outside,” I said to Faye, “And bring your uncle along.”

     “S-sure,” she replied, looking back at her uncle. “Uncle, let’s go.”

     Clark said nothing, merely casting another glance at me—a look that sent shivers down my spine, tinged with an unspoken threat.

     Then he turned and walked away, with Faye following closely behind him.

○○○○

Continue po sa gustong magbasa, nasa good novel po ang other chapter. 🫣🫣🫣 N

asa comment section po ang Link sa gusto itong sundan sa Good Novel.

Maraming salamat!

Sana po suporthan niyo ako.

#6:

“Mr. Angelo Hernandez, do you take Ms. Faye Alcaide as your spouse, your life partner, in both good times and bad?”

     The officiant’s voice resonated in the air, filled with a formality that weighed heavily on my heart.

     “I do,” I replied, my voice steady yet surrounded by an uncertain.

     “Ms. Faye Alcaide, do you accept Mr. Hernandez as your husband, your companion in life, through hardships and ease?”

     “I do.” There was a brief pause, and then her response came, unwavering and crisp.

     The ceremony progressed seamlessly to the exchange of vows and rings, each word echoing in the sanctuary we stood in, like a beautiful setting full of love and hope.

     Before our guests, it was as if our affection for one another cut across reality, conveying a deep and genuine connection.

     Yet, little did they know that this representation of love was merely a facade, a performance crafted to fulfill the expectations of our two families.

     Suddenly, the officiant announced.

     “Now, you may kiss your bride,” signaling the moment where our fabricated unity would officially be sealed.

     We stood face to face, the world around us blurring into insignificance as our eyes locked in a fleeting moment. I lifted my hand, gently caressing her cheek, and leaned in slowly.

     Our lips almost touched as I pressed my thumb against the center of our mouths, careful to steer clear of a full contact kiss.

     To everyone watching, it appeared to be a tender embrace, a genuine kiss shared between the newlyweds. But in reality, it was a delicate illusion, carefully crafted to maintain the sanctity of the ceremony while concealing the truth of ourselves.

    ……

    “Congratulations, niece,” Faye’s uncle greeted with a wide smile that seemed joyous at first glance.

     Yet, I could see through the facade—it was a mere mask, a fake smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

     “Thank you, uncle,” Faye replied warmly, enveloping him in a heartfelt hug.

     As she gently stepped back, Clark’s attention shifted toward me, and I felt a sudden change in the air around us.

     “Welcome to our family, Mr. Hernandez. And congratulations,” he said, his words dripping with velvet softness.

     But as he took a few steps closer and halted right in front of me, the atmosphere darkened. The veneer of his smile faded, revealing a hint of menace beneath.

     The warmth he’d shown Faye evaporated, transforming into a cold, piercing glare directed at me that sent a shiver down my spine.

    I looked at him seriously, carefully masking the unease that bubbled beneath the surface as he fixed his gaze on me.

     “Thank you, uncle-in-law,” I replied, deliberately emphasizing the term “uncle-in-law.”

     As I spoke, I noticed the corners of his lips twitching upwards, almost as if he were about to utter something more.

     Luckily, my in-laws approached us just in time.

     “Congratulations, hija, hijo!”

     Faye’s mom beamed, her joy unmistakable at finally witnessing Faye and me tie the knot.

     “Thank you, Mom,” Faye said, wrapping her arms around her mother in a warm embrace, while I simply smiled, trying to ignore Clark’s lingering presence.

     However, Clark broke the moment with another word that drew our attention, particularly that of Faye’s mother, whose expression darkened as she regarded her brother-in-law.

     “Congratulations, sister-in-law. I hope your family’s joining forces will be successful,” he remarked, his tone dripping with an ambiguous undertone as he addressed her again.

    I felt an unsettling discomfort in his words when he congratulated me on my niece’s wedding.

     “I won’t stay long, and you, Mr. Hernandez, are welcome again. Enjoy your day; we’ll see each other more often in the coming days,” he added.

     Before any of us could respond, he turned and waved, leaving behind a heavy silence that felt almost suffocating.

     As Clark walked away, I couldn’t help but notice Faye’s mother’s fists clenched tightly around the hem of her dress, hinting at an underlying tension between her and her brother-in-law.

    …..

      As our wedding celebration continued, we moved to the historic mansion of the old Alcaide.

     With Faye’s grandfather being advanced in age and unable to endure a large gathering, we chose this more intimate setting.

     Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the cheerful staff who inhabited the mansion. Inside, the old Alcaide awaited us, and I noticed Clark standing at his side, his gaze fixed on me. I chose to ignore him as I approached the old man.

     After the old man stood to greet us, I exchanged kind words with him, and he offered his heartfelt wishes for our wedding.

     To our surprise, he gifted us a substantial amount of money, along with a house and lot for Faye and me to start our family.

     “Thank you, grandpa,” Faye said, her voice filled with joy as she hugged her grandfather’s arm in gratitude.

    As the gathering came to a close, the other relatives of Alcaide began to depart, leaving only Faye and me in the grand mansion of her grandfather.

     Her parents decided to stay behind as well, and it was clear they had no intention of sending us off on our first night as newlyweds.

     The elder Alcaide, with a knowing smile, mentioned that we would continue our celebration elsewhere the following day, but he insisted that our first night should be spent in this very mansion.

     It felt as if he was orchestrating our lives, leaving little doubt about their intentions. I could sense they were eager to hear all about how Faye and I would cherish our first intimate night together, curious about the tender moments we would share.

    …..

   As Faye and I entered our spacious room, I noticed her intense gaze fixed upon me.

    She walked closer, and despite the fact that our marriage was arranged by our parents, I found it impossible to look away, especially as she began to remove her clothes.

     When she stopped directly in front of me, I realized she had already undressed, leaving only a delicate lace garment to cover her most intimate areas.

     Her black lace bra hugged her curves tightly, accentuating the shape of her breasts, with her rosy nipples clearly visible. As for her lace panty, I admired the beautiful contours of her femininity, perfectly groomed.

    “Angelo, am I beautiful?” Faye asked as she gently caressed my cheek with her cold palm. I tilted my head, captivated by her presence.

     “Hmmm,” I murmured, my gaze locked on her.

     One of her hands moved to rest on my broad chest, and I felt her touch was delicate, almost as if she couldn’t quite feel it.

     “So hard,” she remarked softly.

     Her fingers, which had been brushing my cheek, now traveled up my neck to grip my nape. As she leaned in closer, eyes closed, our lips were almost to touch.

     Just then, the shrill ring of my phone shattered the moment. Faye’s eyes flew open in surprise, and instinctively, I removed her hand from her hold.

     “Just a moment,” I said, stepping away.

     I swiftly retrieved my cellphone from the pocket of my Americana and saw it was my father calling.

     “Yes, Dad? What’s the matter?” I inquired, puzzled as to why he would interrupt at such an intimate time, especially knowing it was our honeymoon night.

     “Your mother is in the hospital right now.” His words sent a jolt of shock through me.

     Without a second thought, I rushed out of the room, my mind racing with concern for my mother as I sought to find out how she was doing.

#7:

I hadn’t had the chance to properly explain my abrupt departure to Faye.

     As I was leaving our room, I came across her grandfather and parents outside. Their expressions mirrored my own shock at my hurried exit.

     “I apologize for any disappointment, but I need to step out for a moment. My mother is currently in the hospital, and I must check on her well-being,” I said, my tone rushed.

     Without waiting for a reply, I hurried past them and quickly descended the stairs from the third floor to the first.

     Each hurried step brought me closer to the main entrance, where I found Clark just as I was about to leave. Our eyes briefly met, but I quickly looked away and kept moving.

     “Where are you going?”

     I heard him ask, but I didn’t have time to respond; I pressed on until I reached my car. Just as I was about to open the door, a hand grasped my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.

     “You seem quite tense; you might accidentally cause an accident if you leave like this.”

     “I can drive just fine; so, let go of my hand,” I replied firmly.

     I jerked my hand away from his grasp, but he held on tight. In a swift move, he pulled me from the driver’s side and around to the passenger door.

     The door swung open, and before I could voice any objections, he forcefully pushed me inside the car.

     As I settled into the seat, he slammed the door shut with enough force to convey that resistance was not an option.

     Confusion and anger furrowed my brow as I watched him approach the driver’s seat.

     Climbing in, he turned to me with a smirk.

     “I’m just doing this as a favor for my niece,” he remarked, the atmosphere thick with intimidation. “You wouldn’t want her to become a widow right away on your wedding night, would you? Imagine the headlines if you were to get into an accident.”

    “Then, take me to the hospital, Uncle-in-law,” I said, clenching my fist as I spoke.

     He chuckled at my words before starting the engine and driving me to the hospital.

     As we made our way down the road, silence filled the space between us. He didn’t attempt to engage me in conversation, and I had no desire to speak to him either.

   After nearly an hour on the road, we finally arrived at the hospital.

     Without taking a moment to thank Clark, I jumped out of the car and rushed inside, searching for my mother’s ward.

     Although she is not my biological mother, she embraced me as her own after my real mother tragically died in a car accident.

     My memories of that day are hazy, having lost many of them in the aftermath of the crash.

     I was just thirteen at the time, and a year later, my father remarried a woman who is fifteen years younger than him and ten years older than me.

     Despite the unusual dynamics of our family, my stepmother treated me like her own child, showering me with parental care even after she had her own children with my dad.

     In appreciation for the love and support she provided when I needed a mother the most, I have always tried to be a good son to her, as her eldest son.

    “Angelo!”

     As I approached, my stepmother exclaimed, and the surprise on her face was unmistakable.

     “What are you doing here? You should be with your wife today; it’s your wedding night!” she remarked, her concern for my well-being evident.

      “Of course, I’m worried about you. What happened? Why are you in the hospital?”

     “Did your dad tell you?” Instead of answering, she asked. It was clear she didn’t want to divulge too much. “I told him not to disturb you since it was your first night with your wife. It’s just a little scratch,” she insisted.

      “Scratch? What really happened?” I pressed on.

     “I dropped off one of my friends who came to your wedding,” she explained. “On my way home, a motorcycle suddenly overtook me, and I lost control of the car, crashing into a wall.”

     My fists clenched with concern as the realization set in.

     “What? Did that motorcycle get caught?” I asked, alarmed.

     “Your dad is handling that at the moment, but don’t worry. It’s just a small scratch,” she reassured me.

  “Well then, where is Hannah?” I asked, my concern bubbling to the surface after learning the unsettling truth about my stepmother’s accident.

     “She’s at the mansion,” came the reply, tinged with a hint of urgency. “She doesn’t know what happened, so don’t mention it to your sister. We don’t want her to worry at such a young age.”

     I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. My sister, only eight years old and our beloved little princess, deserved to be sheltered from such painful realities.

     Just as I was pondering how best to convey this delicate situation, the door swung open. My gaze shifted, and I saw Clark—the man who had brought me to the hospital—entering with an air of intent.

     Yet, his focus was not on me; it was fixed unmistakably on my stepmother. A frown creased my brow as I observed the intensity of his stare.

     Did he find her attractive? I couldn’t deny that my stepmother was strikingly beautiful, a quality that had surely enchanted my father upon their first meeting, especially in her youth. Even now, at this moment of vulnerability, she retained an undeniable allure.

     My eyes darted back to my stepmother, and to my surprise, I found her attention drifting toward Clark.

     “Mom!” I called to her, breaking her trance.

     She blinked and briefly looked back at me before returning her focus to Clark.

     “Hi, Mrs. Hernandez, how are you?” Clark greeted her formally as he approached, standing beside me.

     The tension that had hung in the air during their earlier, shared glance seemed to dissolve.

     “You saw him at my wedding, Mom,”  I reminded her, just in case she didn’t recall Clark.

     “Yes, he is Faye’s uncle, right?” she replied.

     “That’s correct, Mrs. Hernandez,” Clark said with a polite smile. “Should I formally introduce myself? It would symbolize the unity of our two families.”

     She hesitated for a moment, her eyes still on Clark.

     “Clark Alcaide,” he introduced himself.

     “I’m Sanya, Angelo’s stepmother,” she replied, her curiosity piqued. “And why are you here, by the way?” she inquired again.

     “Well, I noticed that your stepson was a bit distracted earlier, so I thought I’d bring him over,“ Clark explained.

     “Oh! Thank you. His dad exaggerated a bit, but he knew he shouldn’t bother the newlyweds,” she acknowledged.

     “Hmm,” Clark nodded modestly. “You’re right, but your husband must be worried that no one will look after you, which is why he sent your stepson.”

     “There’s a personal nurse to take care of me, so please, Mr. Alcaide, if you’re heading back, could you take Angelo with you? He shouldn’t leave his wife, especially on their first night as a married couple.”

     “No need, Mom. I’ll stay here with you until Dad returns,” I interjected.

     “Yes, Mrs. Hernandez, it’s better this way. Your family will be here to support you, and this isn’t the only night the couple will be together.” Clark added.

     “But…”

     “No more buts, Mom,” I cut her off before she could object.

     I turned to Clark, who still wore that peculiar expression as he regarded my stepmother.

     “Uncle-in-law, thanks for bringing me here earlier. You don’t need to wait for me anymore; you can take my car to go home,” I encouraged him gently.

     “Okay then,” he replied, yet his eyes lingered on my stepmother until he finally turned away to say his goodbye.

     He didn’t even glance back at me as he exited the ward.

     I couldn’t help but wonder: was he experiencing love at first sight with my stepmother?

CONTEST FOR ME!

Iyan ang patakaran sa contest na sinalihan ko guys, at need ko ng tulong niyo para makaipon ng count reads na 20k hanggang sa naitakdang buwan.

Wala pong mauuna, wala pong mahuhuli, basta makaipon ng 20k reads count ay makakatanggap ng 200usd.

At bilang pagpapamahagi sa mga susubaybau sa story ko, ipapamahagi ko ang 50usd sakaling manalo tayo.

Kaya sana suporthan niyo sa GoodNovel ang story nila Angelo at Clark.

Doon ko na po xa itutuloy ngayon dahil nareview na siya para sa contest at nakapasa siya sa screening. So, hope your support guys.

“ One Night Mistake by My Fiance’s Uncle“

Hoping for your support!

YuChenXi

Penname in GoodNovel:

@Ellise

Updated!

Updated na po xa.  Ilalagay q po sa comment section ung link para masundan niyo sa sa GoodNovel!!

Here is a fantastic novel called   One Night Mistake By My Fiance’s Uncle, click the link to read it! https://www.novelol.com/goodnovel/share?bid=31001009967&uid=105191848&l=readerMenu&sc=fxrw_0_readerMenu&rd=0&type=3

CHAPTER 11: In GoodNovel

Gora na.

Sa mga hindi pa nakakasunod sa GoodNovel.

I search niyo lamang ang title or mas madaling i search niyo ang “Ellise” dahil siguradong magpapakita ang works ko doon.

Salamat.

Naghihintay po ako sa inyo doon.

CHAPTER 12 IS WAITING!

Pa support na guys..

Maraming salamat po sa susuporta sa kabila.

Hihontayin ko po kayo doon.

CHAPTER 14!

Chapter 14 na po xa. Sa link po para masundan niyo. Ilalapag ko po xa sa Comment section.

Salamat.

CHAPTER 16:

Chapter 16 is waiting for you to read!

Gora na!

CHAPTER 20.

Kumakaway na sa inyo ang chapter 21..

Gora na.

Sundan lamang ninyo sa Good Novel.

Just search the title or Ellise..

Thank you.

CHAPTER 21

Patikim ng chapter 21:

😁😁😁mention a

CLARK POV:

    He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple rolling downwards in a way that caught my attention.

     I mimicked his action, my mind wandering to the rebellious notion of flicking my tongue across his throat.

     I shook my head, brushing away the thought. It was as if my imagination had spiraled out of control ever since I claimed him.

    Days had passed since that night, yet his image lingered in my memory, refusing to fade.

     I could still feel the heady rush of pleasure as I thrust deep into him, his body trembling with ecstasy beneath me.

     Ugh! A low groan escaped me at the thought, a instinct reaction rising within. As that scene replayed vividly in my mind, I felt my pants tightening around me, a physical testament to my unstable emotions.

     “Go!” I urged him, a mix of authority and desperation lacing my voice as I tried to suppress the intense desire surging through my body.

     My thoughts raced; if he stayed any longer, I feared I would utterly lose control, envisioning a scenario where I could make him bend over my desk, succumbing to my cravings.

CHAPTER 24:

Asan na kayo. Haha. Ayaw niyo bang mabasa kung paano aangkinin ni Calrk si Angelo.

Hehe

CHAPTER 25:

Agahan muna tayo. Haha.. tara na at basahin ang chapter 25.

Hindi mo naman siguro hahayaang hindi mabasa kung paano ibaon ni Clark ang kanyang kahabaan sa lagusan ni Angelo.

Ahaha..

Hope you like it.

Sa good novel niyo po mababasa ng buo kung paano.

If you are there reading this..

Ugaliing magtabi ng tissue baka kailangan niyo lang naman. Hehe.

CHAPTER 35:

Gora na. Dami ng ganap. Baka mahuli kayo. Hehe..

Mga eksena lang na inyong mababasa sa Good Novel.

Tara na at basahin.

😅😅

CHPATER 36:

Nahuhuli na kayo guys.. nauna nang narating ni Angelo ang kalangitan. Haha.

CHAPTER 37:

Haha.. ano na. Asan na kayo? Nagtabi ba kayo ng tissue.. dahil kung nabasa niyo ang chapter 36.. hindi pa tapos at nandito ang 37.

Hehe.

CHAPTER 43_44

Car Scene..

Sino ang hindi pa nakabasa. Tara na po sa GoodNovel at ating basahin.

Sa hindi pa nakakasunod. Ilalapag ko po sa comment section ang link para mabasa niyo xa.

Salamat! Sana sundan niyo po siya sa kabila.

CHAPTER 48

“Brother, where are we going?” Hannah inquired as we stepped out of the mansion after I picked her up.

    “I’m taking you to a friend’s place while our parents are on vacation, princess. Just remember to tell him that our parents are on a business trip if he asks, alright?” I replied, glancing at my sister.

     “Hmm, okay, brother,” she responded with a smile, taking hold of my hand.

    We walked side by side to the car, and Hannah remained quiet the entire journey. In fact, she fell asleep before we even reached Clark’s house, which was a forty-minute drive away.

    I wasn’t sure if Clark was home from work; when I left his office earlier, he hadn’t spoken to me anymore after I insisted on not going to his house today.

    So, my return to the mansion was not just to accompany Hannah, but to take her to Clark’s home.

     I chose not to wake Hannah; instead, I carried her in her deep sleep. Just as I lifted her out of the car, Clark arrived, timing it perfectly.

     I waited for him to exit his car, and when he noticed us, he approached.

     “Where are her things?” he asked, his tone serious.I glanced back at Hannah’s small bag in the back seat, and Clark quickly looked there before opening the door to retrieve it.

     “Let’s go,” he said.I remained silent as we walked together to the elevator, both of us quiet until we reached the floor of his penthouse.

   “You probably won’t be sleeping next to your sister,” Clark remarked as we stepped into his house.

      He walked toward a room next to his own where we sleep together.

     “No, but I’ll stay with her until she falls asleep. This is the first time she’s sleeping away from home, so she’ll definitely need some comfort,” I replied, noticing his face brighten as he set Hannah’s bag down to the side.

     “Alright, lay her down so she can get some rest. I’ll prepare something for dinner,” he said he said cheerfully.   

     “Sure! Just let me know if you need any help,” I replied.  

     He nodded and left the room.

     I gently laid my sister on the bed, hoping not to disturb her. Unfortunately, as soon as I released my hold, she stirred awake.

     “Brother, where are we?” she asked, sitting up in surprise.

     “We’re at my friend Clark’s house, princess,” I answered. “Can’t you sleep anymore?

     “Yes, brother,” she answered.

     “Alright then! Let’s go help uncle Clark prepare dinner,” I suggested.

     “Okay, brother!”

     Hannah hopped off the bed with excitement. She clasped my hand as we walked out of the room, making our way to the kitchen where Clark was.

    …..

    Clark’s face brightened as he sensed our approach.

     He turned his gaze to Hannah, his eyes brimming with admiration.

     My sister is undeniably adorable, and it’s impossible to resist her charm. She embodies the best traits of both our father and Carlotta.

    “Hello, little Angel.”

    “Hello, uncle.”

    “Hmm, what would you like to eat? Uncle will cook for you,” Clark gently asked Hannah.

     “I like fried chicken,” she replied, her tone somewhat direct.

     I expected Hannah to be nervous since it was her first time meeting Clark, but she surprised me by being friendly; my sister usually doesn’t engage much with others.

     “Alright, we don’t have any chicken in the fridge at the moment, but I can order some for you,” Clark said.

     “Okay, uncle,” she replied with a nod.

     Clark then turned to me and asked.

     “What about you? What would you like?”

     “Anything will do,” I answered, then looked at Hannah. “Tomorrow we’ll get fried chicken, princess. For now, whatever Uncle Clark cooks is what we’ll eat. Is that okay?”

    “Hmm,” Hannah frowned. “But Uncle Clark said he would order it for me.”

     “Let your sister choose what she wants,” he added.

     “But…” I started to protest, but was interrupted when the doorbell rang.

     Clark set down the fried tapa and walked over to answer it. When he returned, I could see he was carrying a delivery bag, and my frown deepened. It was fried chicken.

     “How did you know that was Hannah’s favorite?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

     He didn’t respond immediately; instead, he turned to Hannah with a smile, presenting her the fried chicken she requested.

     “Your chicken is here,” he said, holding it out with a grin.

     “Wow. Thank you, Uncle!” she exclaimed happily.

     “Give it to me first. Look at what you’re cooking; it might burn,” I said, reaching for the paper bag of fried chicken.

     He handed it to me and quickly returned to the stove to check on his cooking. As I placed his order on the table, I turned to Hannah and gently lifted her to sit down.

     “Wait here,” I instructed.

     “Okay,” she replied obediently.

    I approached Clark, who was in the kitchen cooking. As I grabbed a plate for the fried chicken, I asked him again.

     “How did you know it was her favorite?”

     “Don’t all the kids like that? That’s why I ordered it a while ago,” he replied.

     “A while ago? You mean back when we weren’t here yet?” I challenged him.

     “Hmmm,” was his only response.

     “And how did you know I was going to bring my sister?” I pressed further.

     “I know you won’t disobey me,” he answered, leaving me momentarily speechless.

     Not wanting to dwell on it, I continued setting the table, arranging the dishes before opening the paper bag of fried chicken.

     A few moments later, Clark finished cooking and served the meal.

     “Let’s eat,” he said.

     My sister beamed at her plate of fried chicken, while I savored my favorite tapas prepared by Clark.

    By the time we finished eating, it was past seven o’clock in the evening.

     After our meal, Clark suggested we watch TV, and since Hannah was with us, we chose to watch Frozen.

     I sat on the left, he on the right, with my sister nestled in the middle. I felt his hand behind me, resting on the back of the couch and gently holding the nape of my neck. He squeezed it slightly.

     Part of me wanted to nudge his hand away, but I hesitated, fearing my sister might catch on. He wasn’t even looking at me; it felt like the entire moment was consumed by the TV.

     In the midst of our watching, Hannah dozed off again. I gently picked her up while Clark switched off the TV.

     “I’ll be waiting for you in our room,” Clark said as he stepped into his room first.

     Meanwhile, I went into Hannah’s room to prepare her for bed. I didn’t worry about her waking in the night; once she fell asleep, she slept soundly until morning. After all, Papa and Carlotta no longer slept with her, as she had her own room in the mansion now.

     I planned to wake up before her in the morning, especially since she had a habit of rising at exactly half-past five.

     After laying my sister down in the center of the bed, I tucked her blanket around her.

     Once I had settled her, I returned to Clark’s room. The moment I stepped inside, he greeted me warmly, pulling me playfully onto the bed. He leaned down and kissed me with a possessive tenderness.     

○○○○

Hindi ba kayo napapaisip? Kung ano at paano na ang kaganapan sa kanilang kwento.

Tara at inyong sundan sa GoodNovel.

I’m waiting with you there.

#49

Startled, I woke up to the realization that it was already past eight in the morning.

     I quickly jumped out of bed and hurried to Hannah’s room, only to find it empty.

     Just then, I heard her voice coming from the kitchen, chatting with Clark. As I entered, Hannah greeted me with a bright smile.

     “Good morning, brother,” she said.

     “Good morning, princess” I smiled and greeted back at her and then turned to Clark, who was also grinning at me.

     “Good morning, Angelo. How was your sleep?” he asked casualy, oblivious to the fact that he had kept me awake all night and was nearly as exhausted as I was.

     I had half a mind to retort with a sharp curse, but my sister’s presence kept me in check. The fact that I was suppressing my anger only seemed to amuse him more, as he smirked, clearly aware that I wouldn’t risk appearing rude in front of Hannah.

     I decided to redirect the conversation.

     “How was your sleep, princess?” I inquired, addressing Hannah instead of responding to Clark.

     “It was great, brother! I wanted to wake you up, but Uncle Clark said you were tired, so we let you sleep a little longer,” she replied cheerfully.

     I frowned and glanced at Clark.

     “Well, I just mentioned that you were worn out from your company work yesterday, so you slept well, Angelo. Your sister and I have been chatting in the meantime,” he explained with a casual tone.

     “Yes, brother,” Hannah chimed in, affirming her statement.

     “By the way,” Clark continued, a knowing look in his eye, “Hannah mentioned that your parents are on vacation, but if I recall correctly, you said they were on a business trip. Interesting huh!”

     I swallowed hard, realizing that my sister had become too comfortable with Clark and had forgotten my warning not to divulge that our parents were attending a business trip rather than on a vacation.

     “But don’t worry, I don’t mind at all. It’s nice to meet your little sister here,” Clark said, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.

     “And Uncle Clark promised to take me to the amusement park, but first, I need to know if you’re coming with us. If you don’t join, then we won’t go,” Hannah pleaded, her eyes sparkling with hope. “So please, brother, say you’ll come!”

     “But…” I hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

     “Can’t you just give in to your sister this one time? Missing a single day at work shouldn’t be a huge deal for your company,” Clark chimed in, sharing a knowing glance with Hannah as if they were in on some secret scheme.

     I let out a long sigh, gently patting Hannah on the head while forcing a smile and a nod.

     “Alright!” I finally conceded, realizing that it was Clark who held the reins of this situation, not Hannah.

     “Yay!” My sister leaped with joy at my agreement, and I caught a glimpse of Clark smirking, clearly pleased with himself for orchestrating this moment.

     “Do you want to eat first, Angelo? Or we can eat outside. I already gave Hannah some milk when she woke up. So…”

     “We can eat outside,” I replied, glancing at them as I noticed they were both fully dressed, while I was still in the process of waking up. “I just need to take a shower.”

     I shook my head in disbelief as they nodded in unison, clearly eager for their plans to unfold.

    …..

    “Come, brother. I want to ride there,” she said, pointing to the carousel.

     I felt her small hand tugging at mine as she urged me forward. Clark trailed behind us, watching silently. With no other choice, I joined my sister on the carousel, ensuring she wouldn’t be alone.

     Meanwhile, Clark stood by, capturing the moment with his camera, taking pictures and recording videos.

     As I glanced over at Hannah, I could see the pure joy on her face while she spun around on the ride.

     Although she had been on the carousel before, this time felt different, more special. Carlotta often accompanied Hannah to amusement parks, but she typically refrained from joining in the fun, opting instead to watch from the sidelines while her nanny took her on rides.

     Watching my sister’s delighted expression as she rode the various attractions brought a warmth to my heart.

     “Does this count as our first date?” Clark asked, standing beside me as we observed Hannah playing with the other kids.           I shot a glance at him, but words failed me. I had nothing to say in response to his comment. Our relationship was shaky at best, and for me, this outing didn’t feel like a date at all.

     I certainly didn’t have any desire to date him, especially in a public setting where attention could easily fall on us.

     If it hadn’t been for Hannah’s insistence, I wouldn’t have agreed to come out with Clark, particularly not to a crowded place like this.

    “Think whatever you want to think,” I said, attempting to keep the mood light. I was reluctant to voice my true feelings, knowing he wouldn’t appreciate them and didn’t want to dampen his spirits.

     “Hmmm, I’m not sure about that,” he mused thoughtfully. “You can’t hide the fact that this isn’t what you wanted,” he continued, seeming to understand my unvoiced emotions. “But don’t worry, I’m not too enthusiastic about dating in public places, either.”

     I was taken aback by his words, leaving me momentarily at a loss for words.

     “Your sister is adorable; she reminds me of Carlotta. Whenever I see her, I can’t help but wish she were my daughter with Carlotta,” he said earnestly, his gaze fixed intently on my sister.

     In that instant, I felt an unexpected flutter in my chest, as if something had grasped my heart and squeezed it tightly.

    If I had assumed earlier that he was inviting Hannah to the amusement park merely to spend time with me, I now realized I was mistaken. His intentions were rooted in something quite different—he was envisioning Hannah as his daugther with Carlotta.

    “Why?”

     I blinked in surprise upon hearing his question. A lump formed in my throat, momentarily rendering me speechless as a rush of conflicting emotions enveloped me.

     “Don’t you see it? When I look at your sister, I can see a resemblance. What do you think? From any angle, it’s clear to me that your sister could be my daughter,” he added.

     My gaze involuntarily shifted to Hannah, who was joyfully playing with the other children.

     Why hadn’t I considered this before? The tangled history between him, Carlotta, and my dad revealed a possibility that hadn’t crossed my mind—that my sister could indeed be Clark’s child with Carlotta, especially since Carlotta was still involved with him while also being with my dad.

     Damn!

     I cursed silently, my mind struggling to comprehend the weight of his words.