Wedding My Ex's Uncle (Kaia and Alden) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56 Call Me ‘Lucien’

As she reached the corridor, she heard Kimberly’s cloying voice. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Lucien! I lost my balance and spilled coffee on your suit.”

“Let me clean it up for you,” Kimberly offered, her hand reaching toward the taut lines of Lucien’s frame, her heart

racing.

“No need,” he said curtly. “Also, we’re not that close. Don’t forget that.”

Kimberly faltered, stung by the disdain in his gaze, but she pressed on. “Well, Mr. Graves, could we be friends?”

“I didn’t mean to spill the coffee,” she added, inching closer, aiming to fall into his arms.

Lucien sidestepped swiftly, and Kimberly stumbled, crashing to

the floor with a thud.

“My apologies,” Lucien said, his tone tinged with impatience. “It’s your grandmother’s funeral today. Show some respect.”

With that, he turned and left.

Lucien wanted to find Kaia, to offer her some comfort. As he rounded a corner, he nearly bumped into her.

He licked his dry lips, his heart aching. Though Kaia seemed composed, he sensed the grief tearing her apart beneath the surface.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

Kaia nodded faintly. “I’m fine.”

Lucien took a step closer, gently patting her head. “Liar.”

“You’re not fine,” he said, his voice tender.

“Mr. Graves, I…” Kaia’s voice cracked, words failing her.

Lucien stopped, carefully drawing her head to his shoulder.

His stern features softened with a rare warmth, his voice low. “Kaia, you don’t have to be so strong around me.”

In the distance, Kimberly watched, her lips nearly bleeding from

how hard she bit them.

She muttered under her breath, venom in her voice. “That witch! She’s seducing Lucien! She doesn’t deserve him!”

Kaia took a moment, steadied her breath, and brushed the last tears off her cheeks.

“You’re good now?” Lucien asked, his eyes still on her.

Kaia gave a weak, lopsided grin. “Getting there. I’m okay, Lucien, really.”

“You and Alden are done, Kaia. That’s final,” he said.

Kaia’s chest tightened at the words.

Lucien narrowed his eyes, studying her face. “So stop calling me ‘Mr. Graves.’ I’m only seven years older than you. Lucien will do.”

Kaia blinked, caught off guard. Her mouth parted slightly. “Why?” Her voice rasped.

Lucien tilted his head. “Why what?”

“Why do you want me to call you that?”

He smirked. “Guess that sounds like I’m young. Seriously, Kaia. I mean it. Alden’s my nephew, but if he messes up, I’ll take care of it.”

Lucien gave her a slow once-over, his gaze landing on how much weight she’d lost. “Say the word, Kaia. Whatever you want, name it. I’ll make it happen.”

Kaia raised an eyebrow, unsure. “Anything?”

“Yes. Anything,” Lucien said firmly, barely hiding his eagerness.

Most people would’ve picked up on the shift in his tone-but Kaia was too drained.

“Alright,” she muttered, her voice catching. “Thanks… Lucien.”

“Don’t mention it. Just don’t forget what I said. I gotta run-

business stuff.”

He walked away, but his steps had a spring to them now. He kept hearing her say his name in his head, playing it on a loop. That was a good start. The next time, maybe she’d say it softer.

Meanwhile, Kimberly stormed off, her face dark. Why does Lucien talk so softly with Kaia?

He never acted like this, more of a gentleman than she had ever seen before.

And just the thought of Kaia landing someone better made her sick with jealousy.

Alden and Luna arrived last, separate from the Graves family. Once the ceremony ended, Alden scanned the place, but Kaia wasn’t there. Luna noticed and kept her irritation barely under wraps.

“Looking for someone?” she asked smoothly.

Alden forced a chuckle. “No, no one. I just… need the bathroom. Excuse me, Luna.”

Like Lucien, he knew how much Claire meant to Kaia after their five years together. He pictured her crying but trying to stay strong-and it hit him hard. Even if she hated him, he couldn’t let her deal with it alone.

“Alden, who’re you looking for?” Kimberly’s voice came from the hall.

“Hey, Kimberly. Have you seen Kaia?” He tried to sound casual.

Kimberly’s gaze turned sharp. “Looking for her?” she asked, arms crossed.

“Yeah. She loved her grandmother deeply. I just want to talk to her.” He and Kaia had broken up recently, but it felt like an eternity. “I know she’s strong, but I need to make sure she’s okay.”

He didn’t even realize how arrogant that sounded, like he could fix it all in a minute. Kimberly, messy as ever, figured it’d be drama if he caught Kaia all snuggled up on Lucien’s shoulder.

“You’re way too sweet, Alden. Kaia’s got nerve. But, uh… I saw her talking to some guy at the corner. Want me to show you?”

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