Trapped by Desire: My Uncle's Dark Obsession

Chapter 3 Summer's Weakness

The door burst open as a figure stormed in, shoving Summer violently and sending both her and the chair crashing to the ground. Her head struck the table leg, stars exploding across her vision.

"You despicable tramp!" Celine hissed, her voice trembling with fury. "The moment you get a chance, you go running to Adrian. Have you no dignity?!"

The newcomer pointed at Summer and cursed angrily.

It was Celine, the daughter of Summer's uncle.

As Adrian moved to help Summer up, Celine forcefully grabbed his arm.

"Feeling sorry for her, are you? Adrian, you promised my dad that your heart would belong to me alone. Why are you breaking your promise?"

Adrian struggled to maintain his composure. "I'm treating Summer's injury," he said, his voice edged with forced patience. "This is purely professional—I'm her doctor right now, nothing more."

"I don't buy it! In a hospital full of doctors, why does that vile Summer always come to you? Are you two... scheming to get back together?!"

Summer staggered to her feet, a cold smirk curling on her lips. "I've seen plenty of absurd things, but never someone so eager to slap a green hat on themselves. Would it really ease your mind if Adrian and I gave you something to worry about?"

Summer and Adrian were college classmates, considered a perfect couple by everyone, and had dated sweetly for a year.

Adrian's parents disdained Summer's status as an adopted daughter and pressured Adrian into an engagement with Celine.

Celine's obsession with Adrian had twisted into something dark and possessive. She spent her days consumed by jealousy, erupting into fits of rage at the slightest interaction between him and Summer.

Mocked by Summer, Celine's eyes burned with fury. "You bitch..."

Summer's patience broke. "Who are you calling a tramp?" she demanded, her voice sharp as a blade. "You were engaged for four years while Adrian and I only dated for one. If you still can't win him over, that's on you, not me."

When it came to verbal sparring, Summer's sharp tongue had always left Celine floundering in her wake.

Celine's face flushed with rage as she lunged at Summer, her hand raised to strike. "I'll kill you!" she shrieked, her composure completely shattered.

Summer reacted quickly, grabbing Celine's wrist, but her cheek was still scratched by Celine's long nails, burning with pain.

Adrian finally lost his patience. "Celine, that's enough! Stop this nonsense," he said firmly.

"Fine, you're ganging up on me!"

Celine wailed, tears streaming uncontrollably. "Uncle and Aunt, you must stand up for me!"

Summer's heart sank, her spine stiffened, and she slowly turned her head.

She saw Stephen standing in the corridor near the door, his broad shoulders and strong legs framed by a dark custom-tailored suit, exuding refinement and aloof composure.

When Stephen's gaze landed on Summer, she was the only one who noticed the murderous intent simmering beneath his polished exterior.

Nancy stood at Stephen's side, one hand on his arm while the other drew Celine into a gentle embrace, her voice soft with practiced comfort.

"There, there, don't cry. It might just be a misunderstanding."

'Of all the rotten timing,' Summer thought bitterly. 'Surely the newly engaged couple could find better places to be than prowling hospital corridors.'

Stephen's icy gaze pinned Summer in place. His sharp, frostbitten voice carried an unyielding command. "Apologize." Summer lifted her chin defiantly. "On what grounds?"

"Meeting your sister's fiancé alone—that's reason enough," Stephen stated coldly. Summer's lips curled in defiance. "Last I checked, hospitals are public spaces," she retorted.

"Still as stubborn as ever. Do you want to keep your studio? Don't make me repeat myself."

Stephen's words struck at Summer's vulnerability, draining the blood from her face.

Stephen had offered to clear the massive debt hanging over Summer's adoptive father, but his generosity came with golden chains.

First, she had to be available at his beck and call.

Second, she was f*******n from revealing their relationship to anyone.

Third, Summer was absolutely f*******n from interfering in any of Stephen's affairs.

This meant that Summer had to interrupt her studies and even finding a normal job would be difficult.

Summer had once begged Stephen to let her manage her adoptive father's company, but Stephen casually refused.

"Why work yourself to the bone?" Stephen had said with a lazy drawl, his tone laced with mockery. "I'll give you a hundred thousand a month. Just remain my pampered little canary."

From that day forward, Summer had become nothing more than his caged pet, imprisoned behind gilded bars.

A hundred thousand dollars was a significant sum for ordinary families, but Summer's burdens were too heavy to bear.

Her adoptive father was staying in the Wilde family's private hospital. Although there were no medical fees, Summer was paying for the caregivers and nutritional meals.

Then there was her grandmother and her greedy second uncle and aunt.

These mounting expenses made Summer's life increasingly challenging.

In desperation, Summer waited for a moment when Stephen was in a good mood and persuaded him to agree to open the jewelry design studio.

Through tireless effort, it had earned a solid reputation in the industry.

The jewelry design studio was Summer's only means of financial independence.

She never imagined Stephen would threaten her livelihood just to appease Celine's petty jealousy.

Fighting back the tears threatening to spill, Summer drew a steadying breath and said, "I'm sorry. This is all my fault."

Emboldened by Stephen's support, Celine was about to press her advantage when Nancy interrupted, absently playing with her bandage as she spoke in a plaintive tone.

"Stephen, today's engagement party was so overwhelming, I'm completely drained... Ouch, my arm hurts."

Nancy never truly liked Summer, perhaps because Summer bloomed like a vibrant rose, captivating everyone with her natural radiance and making Nancy feel like a fading daisy in comparison.

The reason she had stopped Celine earlier was simply to leave a good impression on Stephen.

"Does it hurt much?" Stephen asked softly, his tone laden with indulgence. "Perhaps you should stay for observation. It would be a shame to leave a scar on such delicate skin.

Nancy answered bashfully, "It's just a little sore; everything else is fine."

So, Stephen could be this gentle to someone.

Summer felt a stifling ache in her chest and an irresistible urge to flee. "I'm sorry," she said hastily. "I need to return to care for my father."

With that, she left without looking back.

The narrow corridor forced Summer to brush past them.

Nancy's sharp senses picked up a scent as Summer brushed past—the distinct trace of Stephen's cologne mixed with the lingering intimacy of a man and a woman, sending a jolt of shock through her.

As the head of the Tudor family's perfume division, Nancy had developed an uncanny sensitivity to scents. Her nose had never deceived her before—it was both a gift and a curse, making this revelation strike like a thunderbolt on a clear day.

A thought emerged uncontrollably.

The horrifying realization hit her like a physical blow. Uncle and niece? The thought was taboo, utterly unthinkable. Nancy's mind recoiled in horror, clinging desperately to the hope that she was mistaken.

Nancy's gaze fell on Summer's retreating figure. The black moonlight satin evening gown accentuated her alluring curves, her slender waist drawing attention effortlessly.

It was eerily identical to that silhouette...