Owned By My Ex-Fiancé’s Uncle

07: Unsettled Doubts

SERENE’S POV

"Hi, Madam!" Pola greeted me with a smile. I mustered a reserved smile in return.

Even now, I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. I had come to the shop to distract myself in some way. I was still hoping for a call from Aiden, but the entire night had passed without a single message from him, something he had never failed to do before.

I was losing hope that Aiden and I would ever reconcile and continue with our wedding plans. That's why I put everything on hold with our wedding organizer. I needed clarity with Aiden, and I couldn't bring myself to marry him with doubts about his faithfulness to me.

As I sat in my swivel chair, I leaned my head back, as I hadn't slept well last night.

"Madam!" Patrish shouted as she burst into my office.

"Oh, what is it?" I asked in surprise.

"Madam, you won't believe this, I couldn't reach you!" Patrish said excitedly, and my eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Why? What's going on?" I asked, so she handed me a large envelope. "What's this?"

"Open it, Madam!" Pola said, and everyone in the room seemed thrilled.

I read the message on the outside of the envelope, which simply said, 'You are invited!' My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Madam, it's an invitation for the fashion show competition! They're inviting you to be one of their judges for the event." Patrish explained as I read the contents of the envelope, and she was right.

"But the problem is..." I said, looking at the date. "The date is exactly our wedding day." I felt sad, but I couldn't help but wonder if this was a sign that I shouldn't go through with the wedding.

"Ah..." almost all of my designers chimed in disappointment.

"Why don't you try to adjust it in one or two days, Madam? It's a great opportunity!" Pola suggested, but I knew there was no need to adjust.

"Yes, Madam, it's a shame to miss it. I've heard that Sanders Empire is the event's sponsor, and if you get to meet them, you might be able to work with them on a business venture. That's a fantastic opportunity, Madam!"

"Sanders Empire?" I raised an eyebrow because I felt like I had heard about that family before. I knew their last name was Stefan Sanders, but I wasn't sure if they were related.

"Yes, Madam! They're the most famous and prominent family in Warlington, that's what I know. You know, when you were in Paris, I had a chance to create a gown for one of the Sanders family members. They really wanted you, but since you weren't available, they sent me instead," one of my designers reminisced. "Their house is a mansion, I tell you! They've been wanting to meet you for a long time, but because you were unavailable, they probably saw this fashion competition as the perfect opportunity to invite you as a judge."

I listened to the designer's explanation, and the significance of the invitation began to sink in. It seemed like a rare opportunity that I shouldn't overlook.

"If I were you, Madam, go for it. It's your only chance, and you could meet some big names. With Sanders' connections, you'll never run out of clients. So, go for it, Madam; it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Patrish added her support.

"Don't worry, without any second thought, I will accept this offer," I said, still looking at the invitation.

I knew Aiden would be furious when he found out that I prioritized this over our wedding, but for now, I couldn't see a reason to go through with the wedding. I didn't want to waste this opportunity, and my designers were right. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I couldn't see Aiden as a reason to let it slip away.

I just need to know who the girl is so I can move forward. I love Aiden, but I have no intention of getting married and allowing him to continue his deceit.

I'll make sure to get back at him, though I don't know how yet, but I won't allow myself to be the loser in this situation.

STEFAN’S POV

"Where are you now, son?" my mom asked from the other end of the line.

"I'm here at Aberdeen International Airport. Don't you ever get tired of this matchmaking, Mom?" As I was on my way back to Warlington, my mom called me and insisted that I meet her friend's daughter before I left. I really didn't like the idea, but I couldn't bring myself to refuse her because I didn't want to upset her.

"As long as you're not married, son, I will never tire of it. Besides, this is my only source of entertainment in life now. If you don't want to find a wife, I'll find one for you. You're burying yourself too much in that hospital. It's about time you start taking care of yourself, and for God's sake, give us a grandchild." She went on with a long speech that I had practically memorized.

"You know what? Out of the hundred women you introduced to me, I didn't like a single one," I explained to her, hoping she would stop her matchmaking efforts.

"That's why I'll never get tired of finding a woman for you. If you introduce me to a girlfriend, I'll stop the blind dates and matchmaking."

I sighed, as it seemed that her matchmaking would continue for a while.

"Where am I supposed to meet this woman?"

"We reserved a table and a room for both of you at the Manhattan Garden Hotel," she said with excitement, and I raised an eyebrow at her last statement.

"Why is there a room included?"

"You're not getting any younger, Stefan. You're 37 years old this year, and I really want a grandchild. I'll do everything to trap you into a marriage."

"This is the last time I'm allowing this, Mom. I'm doing all of this because I love you, but I've canceled some important commitments for this."

"Okay, fine, just meet Alison, and if you don't like her, then leave. Just don't embarrass me in front of my friend. Her mother was my long-time friend," she reminded me.

"I understand, Mom. I'll hang up," I said, and then I ended the call.

I hailed a taxi to go to Manhattan Garden. It was fortunate that it was only a 30-minute drive from the airport. Upon arriving, I entered the hotel's restaurant.

"Hi, good afternoon! I have a reservation here," I said to the receptionist as I walked in.

"What's your name, sir?" she asked while looking at her computer monitor.

"I'm Dr. Stefan Sanders."

She looked up my name in the system. "This way, sir," she said, then guided me to a table for two. "Are you ready to order, sir?"

"No! I'll wait for my companion," I declined.

As she left, I glanced at my wristwatch. It was already past 2 PM, and my blind date hadn't arrived yet. I had expected her to be there when I arrived, and I despised people who couldn't keep their commitments.

For me, every minute mattered, and I had prioritized this even though I needed to return to Warlington for an important appointment. Waiting for someone who couldn't respect their own words was no small effort.

"Hi!" a woman greeted me. "Are you Dr. Stefan Sanders?" She raised an eyebrow, and I checked my watch before responding. It was exactly 2:49 PM. She was 49 minutes late.

"Yes, and you are?" I answered, then stood up to pull out her chair.

"I'm Alison Astley. But I want to be honest with you, okay?" she said, furrowing my brows. She took a seat in the chair I'd pulled out for her, and I returned to my own seat to hear what she had to say. She looked me over, examining every aspect of my face. "Well, I've arrived, and you're indeed handsome," she said with a nod. "But I only came here because my mom asked me to. It doesn't mean I'm interested in you, Dr. Sanders."

"Well, the feeling's mutual, I think," I replied with a shrug.

"Good, then. I actually like someone else, and I don't want you to think I'll develop feelings for you, okay? And I don't really like these setups. To be honest, I'm more interested in one-night stands than these blind dates." I furrowed my brows again at what she said.

"Okay, look, Miss Astley, you don't have to explain yourself because it's not my thing either. First things first, you're not my type either. Based on my observation, you're an irresponsible person. You arrived late, and if you really respect your mother, you can at least be on time, even if you don't want this setup, and politely decline it," I said with a smile. "Anyway, I have to go! I think we've come to an understanding."

After saying that, I stood up and walked away, not waiting for any further arrogance from her. I simply didn't like that kind of behavior in a woman. I couldn't see her as my girlfriend, let alone my wife.