Wed To The Forbidden Uncle

CH 14

Just as the woman was about to take the gift for Zara, Gavin pulled his hand back.

"It seems we've made a mistake here. No worries, I'll bring it again when Miss Mercy's birthday comes around," he said, taking the gift and bouquet back with him, leaving everyone in shock and sparking even more chatter.

Zara felt as if she'd been slapped in the face in front of everyone, trembling with anger. How dare he! This must be Mercy's doing!

The Rivers couple was also bewildered by the sudden turn of events. Callan spotted Dexter from afar and hurried over to explain.

Overhearing the conversation, Mercy gave a bitter smile, feeling no satisfaction, only a deep sense of bitterness. At the crucial moment, she was, as always, the one left behind.

She gently tugged on Dexter's sleeve, her voice barely audible, "Uncle, take me away. I don't want to stay here any longer."

"Alright," Dexter replied.

Mercy and Dexter made their way towards the door.

Callan, rushing to catch up, was stopped by Gavin, who simply said, "Mr. Rivers, Mr. Dexter is already aware of your choices. But remember, you can't be too greedy. Trying to have it all often leaves you with nothing. Take care, Mr. Rivers."

With that, Gavin turned and walked away without another word.

Michelle was completely confused. "What does he mean by that?"

Callan, however, understood. Mr. Dexter was implying that if he continued to show such favoritism, the Walker family might pull their investment.

Could it be that Mr. Dexter was serious about Mercy? Callan suddenly regretted listening to Michelle earlier and not letting Mercy take the stage.

Seeing Callan remain silent, Michelle thought he was upset by Gavin and said, "That guy was way out of line, wasn't he? It's like he's slapping the Rivers family in the face!"

Callan snapped out of his daze and seeing Michelle still acting high and mighty made him furious. He slapped her across the face.

"You dare speak! If it weren't for your antics, would Mr. Dexter have left right after arriving? So many people would kill to have him attend their events and you just pushed him away!"

"I..." Michelle held her cheek, feeling utterly wronged.

Callan quickly took out his phone to call Mercy, hoping she could persuade Mr. Dexter to return. But the first call was hung up and the second time he tried, he found himself blocked. Enraged, he threw his phone to the ground and stormed out of the venue, with Michelle hurrying after him.

Zara was left alone on stage. With the situation in shambles, the ceremony was canceled. Unable to bear the whispers from the crowd, she ran backstage in tears.

The fiasco ended, leaving everyone satisfied with the drama they had witnessed.

...

Mercy wheeled Dexter out of the banquet hall and the two walked silently along the sidewalk.

The early autumn afternoon sun was warm and comforting. Mercy looked up, squinting slightly.

As they walked, Mercy grew tired and sat on a bench by the road, staring blankly at the passersby.

Dexter sat quietly beside her, waiting for the moment she would open up to him. It had been a while since he felt this at ease.

Across the street, there was a small stall selling pancakes, run by a young couple with a small child. Despite their modest life, they seemed genuinely happy. The child stumbled and fell, his mother quickly scooped him up, comforting him until he smiled again.

How nice it must be to have someone care for you like that. Mercy watched them, a hint of envy flickering in her eyes.

Dexter noticed it too. He lifted the armrest of his wheelchair and gently guided her head to rest on his shoulder, adjusting her coat to keep her warm.

"Uncle," Mercy murmured, half-leaning against him, feeling a sudden sense of security, "Is love from parents really based on who’s more useful to them?"

Her voice was so soft it seemed like it might be carried away by the wind.

Dexter's heart ached for her. He paused, then spoke gently, "Mercy, not all parents deserve to be called parents. But that's not your fault, because you never had a choice."

He shifted the conversation with a warm tone, "But don't worry, I'll throw you a birthday party from now on. Whatever you wish for, I'll make it happen."

The treasure they failed to cherish would be adored by someone else.

Mercy knew Dexter was trying to cheer her up, so she played along, "Really? Then I want an orchestra from the Vienna Golden Hall to perform!"

"Sure," Dexter replied with a doting smile.

Mercy thought for a moment, "And I want a cake with dozens of layers!"

"No problem," he agreed readily.

"And I want to invite all the kids from the orphanage to join us."

"Sure."

No matter what Mercy asked for, Dexter always agreed with a smile.

It felt so nice to have someone pamper her like this now.

Gurgle—

Mercy's stomach suddenly growled, making her blush with embarrassment.

"Let's grab some food first," Dexter suggested, leading her to a nearby restaurant. He had already arranged for the place to be reserved just for them.

The table was filled with all of Mercy's favorite dishes. She bit her lip and glanced at Dexter.

"Uncle, I still don't know what you like to eat. You don't have to cater to me every time."

"I'm not picky and I don't have any particular preferences. Whatever Mercy likes, that's what I like."

Dexter smiled as he peeled a shrimp for her and placed it in her bowl, wiping his hands with a damp towel. His fingers were long and elegant, like a fine piece of art. Even the shrimp he peeled seemed to become more precious.

Mercy's heart skipped a beat and she murmured to herself, "I'm so lucky."

"So am I," Dexter replied, his lips barely moving as he gave her a deep look.

Seeing that Mercy had eaten her fill, Dexter signaled for the birthday cake he had prepared for her to be brought out.

Mercy's eyes lit up.

It was a small, exquisite ice cream cake, with a base shaped like a samosa. On top, there were cute little bunnies, some lying down, some standing up. It was perfect for today, which happened to be the Mid-Autumn Festival, making it all the more fitting.

"Uncle..." Mercy looked at Dexter with wide eyes.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"Yes, yes, yes!" The little girl nodded rapidly, her eyes shining. "This cake looks so pretty!"

Dexter handed her a fork. "Go ahead, have a taste."

Mercy speared a piece of cake but offered it to Dexter first. "Uncle, you try it first. Eating my birthday cake will bring you good luck!"

Dexter smiled and took a bite.

Mercy continued eating without changing forks.

Seeing this, Dexter's eyes darkened slightly and his Adam's apple bobbed subtly.

After they finished eating, they got into the car that Gavin had driven over.

Mercy lifted her dress slightly as she sat next to Dexter, but something furry brushed against her leg.

"Huh?" she exclaimed in surprise.