Owned By My Ex-Fiancé’s Uncle

SERENE’S POV "I'm sorry if I couldn't make it yesterday. I know it was your birthday, but the only reason I could be with you is because of this," Aiden sincerely said to me, and my eyes widened as he suddenly produced a ring and looked at everyone in the room. "I'd like everyone here to be a witness." Then he got down on one knee in front of me. "Serene, will you marry me? After seven years with you, I already know that you are the one I want to spend my whole life with, and you are the only one I want to be with forever," he tearfully asked me, and at that point, I couldn't hold back the tears that had been threatening to spill earlier. I nodded in response to his question while my tears continued to flow. I reached out my left hand, and he gently slid the ring he had been holding onto it. "I love you, Serene Sophia Astley. Thanks for making me the happiest man!" Then he stood up and hugged me tightly. "I love you, Aiden! You have no idea how happy I am right now," I said through my tears. "HEY, SERENE, wake up!" Kristine shouted at me and gave my face a rough tap. "Seriously, Kristine!" I grumbled at her. "I was having such a beautiful dream." "Don't you want to go back to Aberdeen? My goodness, we'll miss our flight!" That's when I snapped back to reality and quickly jumped out of bed. "Look at you! Come on, Serene!" "Yeah, I'm on it," I replied, and I rushed out of my room to take a quick shower. After two years, I'm finally going back to Aberdeen. I've just completed my degree in fashion design here in Paris, France. What happened in my dream wasn't just a dream, as my long-time boyfriend, Aiden, proposed to me before I left for Paris. At first, he really didn't want to let me go because I'd be away for two whole years, but eventually, he agreed due to my pleas. The catch was that when I return to Aberdeen, all I'll have to focus on is our wedding. At first, he wanted us to get married before I left, but due to his sudden business conference, that plan fell through. A long-distance relationship for two years is no joke, and both of us struggled with this new challenge in our relationship because we've been together since high school and we're not used to being so far apart. But we're happy because we successfully navigated the two years, even though we were miles apart. "Hey Serene, why are you taking so long?" Kristine shouted impatiently. She's been my friend since high school and decided to enroll with me when she learned about my plans, although she chose to study professional makeup artistry. "Yeah, I'm coming out now!" I yelled back, my irritation matching hers. After leaving the restroom, I quickly dressed, fearing we might be late for our flight, and I didn't want to hear any more complaints from my friend. "Let's go, hurry up!" She urged me. "Why do you always wake me up when you're already dressed?" I retorted in frustration. "Serene, you've been sleeping with your mouth open and daydreaming in your sleep!" She raised her voice again. "You know, it's no wonder you're single with that attitude of yours!" I teased her. "Oh, Serene, I don't need a man right now. I just need someone to give me money. Besides, you trust Aiden so much, but looks can be deceiving," she playfully taunted. "Excuse me, Aiden wouldn't do that," I defended my fiancé. "Alright, let's go," she said, then hailed a taxi. Aberdeen International Airport It's not a dream; I'm really in Aberdeen now. "Serene!" I turned because I recognized that voice. "Alison!" I hurried over and gave her a tight hug. "I really missed you!" I said, tears welling up. "Serene, I missed you too!" she replied, then let go of the embrace. I glanced at the man standing beside her. I missed him more, but he was just staring at me. I couldn't read the expression in his eyes. Wasn't he happy that I was finally home? "Hello, babe." I was the first to greet him, stepping closer to embrace him tightly. He didn't say anything, and it felt awkward; I wasn't used to this. It wasn't the reunion I had anticipated. I let go of the hug and looked at my parents. "Dad, Mom," I called out happily, and I embraced them tightly too. "My God, Serene, I miss you so much!" Mom said, tears welling up. "Come on, Mom, I'm here now; don't cry," I said, trying to lighten the mood, and they all chuckled. "Sorry, I can't help it," she responded while wiping her tears. "So, let's go?" Dad asked, and I nodded, and we left the airport. I held onto my fiancé's arm, and he looked surprised by the gesture, but I just smiled at him. After all, it had been two years since we were together, so he was probably adjusting, I thought to myself. After we got into the car, I began to share some stories with them. "Do you know Kristine almost threw up on our first plane ride to Paris back then? It was so funny; I was so embarrassed." I laughed as I recounted the story. "Well, how's Paris, dear?" Mom asked. "It's been great, Mom, and it's such a beautiful place; I'd love to go back there!" I boasted. "I'm even thinking of having our honeymoon there with Aiden after the wedding. It'll save us some money on a tour guide, and I can show him around Paris!" I excitedly suggested it, but I noticed everyone went silent. "What do you think, Mom?" I asked her, and she seemed surprised. Why did it feel like something was off with them? It seemed like they weren't happy I was back. "Oh, yes, dear. I'm sure Aiden will love it there," she almost stuttered. "What do you think, Babe?" I asked Aiden. "Yes, of course, as you wish," he finally responded. They all seemed different, but I chose not to dwell on it and just enjoy my first day back with them. When we arrived home, all my favorite dishes were laid out on the table. "Wow! This is one of the things I really missed," I happily said, quickly taking my seat. "Go ahead, eat all you want. I'm sure they've missed you as well," Mom said, chuckling. "By the way, how's Pristine Panache?" I suddenly asked as I remembered my first baby. I called it my baby because it was the first business I worked hard on, and it paved the way for where I am today. "It's okay, Serene. There are just a lot of clients who want you to personally measure and make their gowns," Alison replied, a hint of annoyance in her tone. "Many of your designers have also left. They're so difficult to work with," she added. Well, I told them to just endure it. "Alright, let me handle it. I'll talk to them." I tried to ease her frustration. "Oh, please, Serene, don't. Why would you lower yourself to talk to them? They're not worth it," she said, still sounding irritated. We're only two siblings, and she's the youngest, so I understand why Alison is a bit spoiled. Aside from being Mom's favorite child, I often spoil her myself as she's my only sibling, and there's a five-year age gap between us. Alison is the type who easily gets bored with things because she can quickly get whatever she wants without much effort. While I've only had Aiden as my boyfriend my whole life, Alison is quite the opposite, with a string of boyfriends that I've lost count of. That's also why she and Dad often clash, as he thinks she lacks direction in life. After we finished eating, I invited Aiden to the veranda. I wanted to have a private conversation with him. "Babe, why were you so quiet earlier?" I asked, sounding a bit sad. We had been sitting there for about five minutes, and he hadn't said anything to me. "Oh, nothing. There are just so many problems at the office, that's probably why. I'm sorry; I should be enjoying my time with you," he quickly apologized. "Please, babe, no matter what happens, our wedding will push through, okay?" He pleaded, so I looked at him. "Why, babe, is there a problem?" I couldn't help but ask because that's what I felt from what he said. "Huh? No, there's none, of course. When you left, I realized that I couldn't handle being without you. I'm really scared of losing you." I felt his sincerity in his words. "Come on, we're getting married, right?" I reminded him, trying to lighten the mood, but I was surprised when he suddenly kneeled in front of me. "Serene, let's get married as soon as possible, next month or even next week!" he pleaded. I couldn't help but smile. I could see from his actions that he was really afraid of losing me. "Stand up," I said, pulling him up. "Alright, next month it is. I'll sort everything out as soon as possible, and we'll have our wedding next month. Exciting, right?" I eagerly responded to what he said. "Thank you, Serene!" he said, his eyes filled with tears, hugging me tightly. I couldn't quite understand why he suddenly acted this way, but I let it be. Maybe the two years of separation had a significant impact on him. "I love you so much, Serene. Remember that, no matter what happens, you're the one I truly love, no one else!" he added, still holding me tightly. It seemed like he thought we would be separated. Hell no! We're going through with the wedding next month.