Trapped by Desire: My Uncle's Dark Obsession

Chapter 2 Is Having a Hot Body a Sin?

Summer had seen it in a magazine before. It had once belonged to a European royal family's collection.

So it had been bought by Stephen.

Applause echoed through the banquet hall, but beneath the facade of congratulations, envious glances and malicious whispers spread among the guests.

"Nancy Tudor is really something," a guest muttered with barely concealed disdain. "First, she had Frank Chandler head over heels for her, and now she's latched onto Stephen Wilde, walking away with an eighty-million-dollar ruby necklace as if it were nothing."

"What do you know? This is an alliance between powerful families. I heard they're even planning to enter politics."

...

Summer gazed quietly for a few moments before lowering her eyes to hide the storm of emotions brewing within.

Four years of giving myself to him, Summer thought bitterly. I was foolish enough to dream it meant something.

Weary from their earlier encounter and unwilling to witness this display of affection, Summer straightened her shoulders and walked out of the hall, her dignity intact despite it all.

Stephen, with Nancy on his arm as they accepted the crowd's blessings, allowed his gaze to linger momentarily on Summer's retreating figure.

Nancy keenly noticed this and followed Stephen's line of sight, only to see an alluring figure from behind, with a waist so slim it seemed impossibly delicate.

That sound from his room... Nancy's suspicions solidified as she studied the retreating figure. 'So this is who you are.'

As Summer stepped out of the warmly lit hall, the biting cold wind struck her, making her shiver uncontrollably.

She looked up to find Ethan waiting at the door, holding a bottle of water and a box of pills, his face set in a professional smile.

"Stephen instructed me to personally ensure that Miss Wilde takes her medication," Ethan said, his tone carefully composed yet distant.

With this brief sentence, Summer realized that Stephen had indeed grown wary of her.

Summer swiftly swallowed the pill, her voice sharp and cold. "Is that enough for you?"

Ethan handed her a paper bag, his tone deliberately measured. "Mr. Wilde also mentioned that your dress might be too revealing and asked me to bring you a coat."

Summer let out a laugh of disbelief, as if it were her fault for having a good figure.

"And what if I refuse to wear it?"

"Please, Summer," Ethan said with growing discomfort. "Don't put me in this position."

Summer took a deep breath, snatched the bag, shook out the clothes, and defiantly put them on before walking away.

Unexpectedly, Ethan blocked her path again, saying, "Mr. Wilde has asked that Miss Wilde wait for him at the Repulse Bay villa tonight."

Summer gritted her teeth fiercely.

Not content with the hotel, now he expects me at his villa, she thought angrily, as if I were nothing but his possession.

"I'm not going!" Summer refused firmly as she slipped into the car and merged into the flow of traffic.

Just as her car merged into the flow of traffic, Summer received a call from the hospital.

"It's terrible! Mr. Woodville's family barged into the hospital, causing trouble, and we can't stop them."

"What?!" Summer was startled, "Take care of my father, I'm coming right away!"

Summer immediately turned the car around and sped toward the hospital.

She hurried to the ward, breathless, and immediately recognized the shrill voice of her Second Aunt Sophie yelling from inside.

"Ryan, I don't care what you do," Sophie screamed, "but I need that hundred thousand today! Otherwise, I'll throw your paralyzed mother out onto the street to fend for herself!"

"How dare you..." Ryan's voice trembled with rage and exhaustion. "After all Summer has done for you... month after month... have you no shame?"

Summer was frightened and rushed in. "Dad, are you alright?"

Summer felt a wave of relief as she saw her father breathing steadily. Despite his labored breathing and pale complexion, he appeared to be holding steady.

She shot a frosty glance at her second uncle Frank, who cowered near the bed, and demanded, "Have you been gambling again?"

Frank bared his yellowed teeth in a sly grin, the smirk of a man who had turned manipulation into an art form.

"Come on, Summer," Frank coaxed. "Gambling's my only joy these days. Surely you can spare some cash for your dear old uncle?"

As Summer watched Frank's shameless display, she knew arguing was pointless. Her only goal now was to get these parasites out of her father's room and give him some peace.

"I can't give you 100,000. I only have 10,000."

"No way!" Sophie snapped, jumping up. "You're the adopted daughter of the Wilde family, filthy rich. Only giving ten thousand? Do you think we're beggars?"

Summer sneered, "Take the money and leave, or I'll take Grandma and care for her myself."

The monthly allowance Summer provided this couple was more than enough to support Uncle Woodville's entire family.

Frank quickly grabbed Sophie and shot her a look, "Ten thousand is fine; your uncle won't complain. Sweet niece, will it be cash or a bank transfer?"

"Bank transfer," Summer replied curtly.

Both lunged for their phones, shouting, "Send it to me!" as they shoved each other like children squabbling over candy. Their desperation might have been amusing if it weren't so pathetic.

The scuffle caused Summer to stumble backward, her leg striking the sharp corner of the cabinet. She crumpled to the floor, the pain stealing her breath away.

"Get out!" Ryan, at his wit's end, grabbed a water glass and threw it at them.

With a bang, the couple quieted down.

After grabbing the money, they bolted out of the room like startled rabbits.

Tears welled in Ryan's eyes as he reached for her hand. "Summer, my child," he said hoarsely. "I've failed you." Summer gripped his hand firmly. "Don’t say that. When I was gravely ill and cast out by the orphanage, you took me in and saved my life. I owe you everything."

As Summer gently squeezed her father's shoulder, her heart ached at the sight of his graying hair—a testament to years of hardship. Of all the people in her life, only he and her grandmother had shown her true, unconditional love.

At five, Summer joined the Wilde family, only to be sent to her grandmother's countryside home by Eleanor when she was eight. Seven long years passed before she was finally allowed to return.

Though powerless within the Wilde family, her adoptive father was always her steadfast protector, shielding her from life's storms. For the two people who truly love me, Summer reflected, no sacrifice is too great.

Only after her father had drifted off to sleep did Summer make her way out of the ward, wincing with each step as she went to find something for her bruised leg.

As she entered the on-duty room, Summer was startled to see a familiar face. She turned to leave, but it was too late.

He looked up, his eyes lighting up with a mix of surprise and joy as he recognized Summer. "Summer?"

Summer had no choice but to nod in acknowledgment. "Adrian, I'm just looking around. I didn't mean to disturb you."

Adrian gave a wry smile. "Must you keep me at such a distance?"

Summer maintained a polite but detached tone. "You're my uncle's ideal choice for a son-in-law, set to marry my sister. It's better if we keep our distance."

Adrian's mood sank. "Do you... still hate me?"

"You're overthinking this, Dr. Howard," Summer said with practiced neutrality. She turned to leave, unwilling to disturb old memories.

The next moment, Adrian's gaze fell on Summer's calf, and his face fell.

"What happened to your leg? Why is it so swollen?"

Summer tugged her skirt down. "It's no big deal."

"Stay still. I'll apply some ointment for you."

Before Summer could protest, Adrian gently guided her to a chair, his demeanor purely professional. "Let me help you as your doctor," he said softly. "Nothing more."

His professional manner left Summer little room to refuse. She sat quietly as Adrian retrieved an ointment, his experienced hands treating the injury with clinical precision.

The cool sensation made Summer involuntarily curl her toes.

"Does it hurt? I'll be more gentle."

His touch grew feather-light. "I'm fine," Summer said flatly, her voice carefully stripped of any emotion.

Summer glanced down, her gaze lingering on Adrian's gentle, focused expression, and for a fleeting moment, she felt a pang of nostalgia. Memories of another injury during their university days, when he'd tended to her with the same care, came rushing back.

Suddenly, an enraged voice rang out from the doorway, trembling with the weight of tears.

"What are you two doing?!"