Chapter 7 Her Husband's Uncle
934 Words
In the bedroom, Faye stared blankly at her reflection in the mirror.
The simple black dress hugged her curves perfectly, her updo complemented by pearl accessories. What a beauty!
She looked stunning, but her eyes were lifeless.
Only Faye knew how unsuited she felt for attending this welcome dinner for Derek's uncle.
Before marrying Derek, Faye had lived at the Whitmore Manor.
This room was her sanctuary, decorated warmly and elegantly with handpicked items: paintings on the walls, gauzy canopies over the bed, and white lace bedspreads.
Now, only in this room could she find a moment of peace. This feeling reminded her of Josh and Emily.
They would probably forget her soon if they hadn't already.
As she gradually became sorrowful, her thoughts were interrupted by an intruder.
"My beautiful wife, are we ready to go?" Derek asked, draping a hand on her shoulder as if nothing had happened between them.
"Entering a room without knocking is basic etiquette, isn't it?" Faye moved away from him.
"Darling, no need to be so serious," Derek said, clearly enjoying her irritation.
He was messing with her on purpose, hoping to see what else she could do.
Derek leaned in close to her ear. "A husband entering his wife's room is perfectly natural."
"Derek, why did you marry me?"
Faye asked suddenly, meeting his gaze in the mirror. "You're the legitimate heir of the Whitmore family. Why did you deceive me and use our child to secure your inheritance?"
Derek's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold sneer. "God, I just realized you're not as stupid as you look. You're actually... quite shrewd.
As unbelievable as it sounds, it's true." His eyes glinted coldly.
"My grandma prepared her will long ago, leaving all her shares to you."
His expression became sinister. "You know what that means. With her shares and what you already own, you'd control the entire Whitmore Group."
"What? That's impossible!" Faye couldn't believe it. Olivia loved her, sure, but to this extent? It was unbelievable.
Derek gritted his teeth, speaking slowly, "That was my coming-of-age gift—a will without my name on it! Why do you think I married you? For love? Don't be ridiculous!"
Ridiculous, indeed.
Faye felt as though a knife had slashed her heart. She clutched her chest with one hand and the dressing table with the other, trying to ease the pain.
She fought back tears that were already welling in her eyes, refusing to let him see her cry. Her sadness would only fuel his smugness.
Any remaining illusions she had about Derek shattered! Everything made sense now.
No wonder he, a proud son of a wealthy family, had courted her so diligently.
No wonder Regina, with her petty jealousy, had agreed to let her son call Faye mommy.
"You didn't need to go to such lengths. I don't want a penny that isn't mine," Faye said, her voice trembling.
"Just stop being so pretentious!" Derek's handsome face twisted with anger. "That's more money than you could earn in ten lifetimes! You're just an orphan, a nobody!"
Instead of yelling at him in rage, Faye laughed.
Those controlled by demons couldn't comprehend the beauty in the world.
To them, even angels wore hypocritical masks.
"Damn it, what are you laughing at!" Derek shouted, unable to fathom her reaction, growing more agitated.
Faye shoved him away, her tone dripping with contempt. "I thought you were just hateful, but now I can tell you're also pathetic."
With that, she walked out, not sparing him a glance.
Faye made her way to the dining room in a daze. A servant opened the door for her, and the lively sounds from inside indicated that the guest of honor had already arrived.
She composed herself, trying to appear cheerful.
The long table was crowded. Olivia was holding a little girl in a pink dress. Next to her and Henry, in Derek's usual seat, was a tall man in black, his back to Faye.
That feeling of familiarity struck her.
Was this Derek's mysterious uncle?
Before she could take a closer look, the little girl ran over and hugged her.
"Hi! How are you?"
Faye was shocked. She looked down and saw—Emily?
No, she must be dreaming. How could that be?
Faye rubbed her eyes and looked at the girl again. Big eyes, pretty blonde hair—who else could it be?
What on earth was going on? Faye's mind was reeling.
"Emily, this is your cousin's wife. You should call her Aunt Lyla," Henry corrected gently.
Cousin? Emily was Derek's cousin? Faye's mind spun. Then her father must be...
Before she could finish the thought, a deep voice rang out. "But Emily prefers to be friends with Ms. Lyla, right?"
The man in Derek's seat stood up and turned around. Faye finally saw his handsome face and emerald green eyes, his entire presence enveloped by an aloof aura. At this moment, he looked both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.
Faye felt her heart was about to jump out of her throat. Why was everything shocking happening at once today?
Olivia, oblivious to the tension, warmly invited her in. "Lyla, come in. You look stunning today!"
"Sorry we're late. I hope we didn't keep anyone waiting!" Derek arrived, taking Faye's arm, and greeted the man courteously. "Welcome home, Uncle Josh."
It was really him!
Derek's mysterious uncle was none other than her savior, Mr. Josh. He was actually the second-generation head of the Whitmore family—Joshua Whitmore!
Faye froze on the spot, feeling utterly tricked by the fate.
- Writer
