Wedding My Ex's Uncle (Kaia and Alden) novel Chapter 24

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Wedding My Ex’s Uncle

Chapter 24 The Dinner

Joanne’s expression stiffened. She quickly reached for Kaia’s hand.

“Kaia, sweetie, let’s talk after dinner, okay? It’s already past seven. You must be starving.”

Zane, who had been silent all along, finally chimed in, clearly catching on.

“Right. Let’s eat first. Dad, let’s get started.”

Lucien stood up, casting a lazy glance toward Kaia’s pale face, then toward Alden’s stiff one.

Alden was terrified she’d say it. If she did, Luna might end up shipped off overseas again.

The rest of the meal was tense and flavorless.

Kaia had saved Joanne some face, but she wasn’t leaving without saying what she came to say.

“Grandpa, Dad, Mom, I’m done. I’m going upstairs.” Luna was the first to set her fork down.

Allen didn’t even look up. “Alright.”

Joanne jumped in, smoothing things over. “Okay, Luna, go on

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up and rest.”

Then she threw Zane a look.

He got the cue. “Dad, I wanted to talk with you and Lucien about that Houston project.”

Allen frowned, “You’ve got to do that now?”

Zane hesitated. “It’s urgent, Dad.”

Allen stood, grumbling, but started upstairs. He paused at the steps. “Kaia, keep eating. I’ll be right back down.”

Joanne had successfully cleared the room.

Kaia set her utensils down, already guessing Joanne wanted to talk one–on–one.

“Alden, go upstairs and get that box from my closet. Now.”

Alden glanced at Kaia, then turned and left.

Joanne turned back and clasped Kaia’s hand.

“Kaia, I’m sorry for what you’ve been through. Alden’s an idiot, but you know how long you two have been together. It’s been five years. You’ve come so far. Don’t let one stupid mistake in

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Chapter 24 The Dinner

“Trust me, once you’re married, if he ever messes up again, I’ll be the first to smack him. And if I don’t, his grandfather will. Please forgive him, honey. I’ve always seen you as his future wife. I’m counting the days till your wedding.”

Kaia gave a small smile. “Joanne, I’m not marrying him. He didn’t tell you? When we couldn’t get the license that day, I knew I was done.”

Joanne’s smile broke. “Kaia, tell me the truth. Did he do

something bad to you? If he hurt you, I’ll make it right. But the wedding’s just around the corner. You can’t say something like this now.”

Kaia laughed bitterly inside.

Right, all about what’s convenient for her son.

She took a breath and continued, “Joanne, I’ve spent five years convincing myself he loved me, but I still can’t feel it.

“I remember every single thing he liked, even his favorite colors. I followed him everywhere, thinking I was special because he let me tag along. I thought he finally loved me back.

“But you can’t fake real love. When he’s with her, he remembers everything without even trying. He notices every little thing.

“No one has to remind him. He never forgets anything abo her. But with me? He couldn’t even remember the day we were

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Chapter 24 The Dinner

supposed to get our marriage license.”

(*)

12 min left

Kaia met her gaze squarely. “I can’t commit to a marriage without love. I’m not the kind of girl who can play pretend forever. So, tell me, shouldn’t I walk away?”

That landed hard. Joanne opened her mouth, but all that came out was a sigh.

“You’re right. It’s Alden’s fault. You’ve done nothing wrong. It’s my fault I didn’t raise him better.”

She gave Kaia’s hand a firm squeeze. “But Kaia, please… just give us a little more time. Allen’s getting old. I’m afraid he won’t take the shock well.

“Look, you can forget about the license for now. Just go through with the ceremony. After that, you can tell him it didn’t work out. How’s that sound?”

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