Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 182

His tongue swept in with bold intent, silencing every muffled sound she made.

The kiss was commanding—unyielding, leaving her no room to resist.

The first time he'd kissed her had been sudden, catching her off guard while he was taking his medicine—a kiss that left her reeling. The second was at the altar, barely a brush of lips, fleeting and formal.

But now, the air between them grew warmer with each passing second.

He was no longer hesitant; with practiced ease, he parted her lips and slipped in, gentle yet utterly sure of himself.

Stellan closed his eyes, lost in the taste of her, exploring every inch with an intensity that brooked no opposition.

Sunny's lips, flushed and parted, looked so inviting that he couldn't help but be drawn in further.

He finally pulled back a little, breath ragged. "The ring—was it for me?"

Her breathing was just as unsteady. "Yeah. It's a thank you gift."

"A thank you gift?" He nearly laughed. This little minx was always finding new ways to get under his skin.

With his voice rough and low, he pressed his forehead to hers. "Sunny, I love it." He smiled crookedly. "But you know, giving rings? That's our job."

Without waiting for an answer, Stellan knelt on one knee and slipped the simple band onto her finger—her ring, just for her.

"My turn now. Put mine on me."

Sunny's cheeks burned. Her breath was still tangled with his, her hands trembling as she picked up his ring. She slid it onto his finger, awkward and careful.

"There. Happy now? You can go."

But the look in Stellan's eyes turned dark, his gaze drawn to her soft, kiss-swollen lips.

He hooked a finger under her chin and kissed her again, stealing her breath with the faint taste of whiskey lingering between them.

Sunny's eyes fluttered, dizzy from the way their breaths mingled, her nerves tingling like she'd touched a live wire.

Stellan cradled her face in his hands as if she were something precious and fragile, his kisses gentle and lingering.

Only after he'd tamed the wild rush of desire inside did he let her go. He ruffled her hair. "Your ring won't be ready for another week. Didn't expect you to beat me to it."

He kissed her forehead softly. "Goodnight. Get some sleep."

Sunny lay there, dazed and breathless, realizing that all of this had started because of the ring she'd given him.

Suddenly, she regretted it.

If she'd known, she would've picked a different gift.

But, if she was honest—she didn't mind kissing Stellan.

She curled back into bed, chasing away the thoughts, and drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

—

In a private room across town, Luna nursed her stinging cheek, rage simmering in her eyes.

"So, Luna, you're saying you ran into my sister just now?" Chloe had rushed over as soon as she got the call.

Luna gave a cold snort. "I did. Not just that—she was buying matching rings. Is your sister getting married?"

Chloe shook her head decisively. "No way. That old man would never marry her. I haven't heard a thing about a wedding."

If her sister were getting married, she'd have picked up at least a rumor.

"Then why's she buying rings? Trying to please her sugar daddy?" Luna spat.

Chloe linked arms with her, trying to soothe her. "Come on, Luna, don't let her get to you. You're about to be the most beautiful bride in the world. Why bother being upset?"

"Besides, I'm your maid of honor, right? Maybe you should invite Sunny too. Is there anything more painful than attending the wedding of the man you can't have?"

Luna's eyes glinted as she let out a sly smile. "You're right. And thanks for passing along the invitation to your sister."

Luna couldn't argue. She helped Tristan to his feet and out to the car, silently grateful the driver was already waiting.

But with him this drunk, would he even be able to get up for the ceremony tomorrow?

She'd planned to stay at her own apartment tonight, expecting Tristan to pick her up the next morning. Now, she had no choice but to take him back with her.

In the car, Tristan slumped against her shoulder, mumbling under his breath.

"Sunny... you're so heartless."

Luna's brows knit in confusion. "What did you say, Tristan?"

His words slurred, "Sunny, you really don't care? You're just going to watch me marry someone else?"

A chill spread through Luna, freezing her to the core.

Was he regretting marrying her?

She bit her lip, trying not to let the driver see her tears.

"Take Tristan back to the family estate. I'll get a cab home." She tried to keep her voice steady.

"Miss, aren't you coming back?"

She forced a weak smile. "No, not tonight."

The driver nodded. It made sense—she'd be the bride tomorrow, after all. She had to stay elsewhere for the traditional morning rituals.

"Take care, Miss."

Luna watched as the car pulled away, her smile vanishing.

She didn't dare listen to whatever else Tristan might have said.

If he was going to hurt her even more, she wasn't sure she'd make it to the wedding tomorrow.