LEAVING MY EX FOR HIS UNCLE

Dinner With The Hills

Luz

My eyes welled up with unshed tears as I stared at Mateo, finally seeing him for what he truly was - a cold, manipulative man.

How could I have been so blind to fall for someone like him?

I could feel the tears about to slide down my cheeks, but I held myself together, refusing to show even a hint of vulnerability in front of him.

I was determined to prove him wrong, to show him that I didn’t need him to survive.

With that, I took a deep breath and went upstairs to get ready. My mind focused on one thing only: finding a job quickly, moving out, and divorcing him as soon as possible.

This time I didn’t bother to find the perfect dress. I grabbed the first outfit I saw, tied my hair with a hairpin, and went back downstairs.

Throughout the many Hill family dinners and parties I’ve attended, I’ve always dressed up to make a good impression even when I knew that they all despised me. But now I couldn’t care less what they would think or say.

“Let’s go,” I said coldly, walking straight to the door without waiting for Mateo’s approval.

He heaved a tired sigh and followed me out to the driveway.

The drive to the Hill’s family mansion was uncomfortably silent. Now and then I would catch Mateo sneaking glances at me, but I kept my eyes fixed on the road ahead, ignoring him completely.

Shortly after, we arrived and stepped out of the car, heading toward the front entrance. That’s when I saw him - the one person I’d hoped would not be here. Diego.

The moment Mateo saw him, his demeanor swiftly changed. His jaw tightened and his eyes darkened with a mix of jealousy and intimidation.

Diego had always been a thorn at his side.

He was known for his reckless and unpredictable nature, having refused to take over the family business when he was appointed to, choosing to start his own business instead.

Everyone had expected him to fail but within four years, his company had grown to be worth several times more than the Hills family business.

“Uncle Diego.” Mateo greeted.

Diego glanced at Mateo indifferently, his gaze briefly shifting to me before he nodded and walked into the house.

I became so tense when Diego looked at me, afraid he might say something about last night. Fortunately, he said nothing.

However, I didn’t believe I was in the clear yet, and so made a mental note to talk to him later.

As we walked into the Hill Grand buffet hall, my eyes kept drifting to Diego - I couldn’t help it. I was curious, wondering what might be running through his mind.

It didn’t take long for Mateo to notice me staring at him and he immediately called my attention, “Why do you keep staring at my uncle?”

I heaved a tired sigh and turned towards him, “I don’t think that’s any of your business, Mateo.” I replied coolly.

Mateo seemed irritated as soon as those words fell. I knew he didn’t like me looking at other men. The entire time we’ve been together, he’s been extremely controlling, barely allowing me to interact with other men or anyone that he deemed threatening. I used to think it was a form of love, but now I see he was just an insecure controlling bastard.

“Well, I don’t like you sleeping with other women Mateo, but it seems you don’t have a problem doing that. So again, this is none of your business.” I repeated coldly.

Mateo’s fists ball in anger but almost immediately soften too, “We’ll deal with this later.”

I could tell Mateo did not want to cause a scene in front of his family. We were supposed to be the perfect, lovely couple and any bad blood between us would attract negative attention.

A voice suddenly sounded, breaking the unbridled tension between us.

“Mateo, Luz, you’re here. Welcome. Come, come join us at the table.” Maria, Mateo’s grandmother called.

I took a deep breath and composed myself. I may not have liked the Hills but I had to maintain courtly manners.

“Hello, grandma.” I greeted with a smile.

Maria looked pleased to see us, but as she turned to Diego, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed across her face, and her voice softened,

“When are you going to settle down, Diego? Look at your little nephew, he’s married and also running the family business well. Who knows soon they might have children.

Don’t you want that too? You’re almost thirty and are not getting any younger.” She said and then her gaze turned stern,

“If you don’t show up with a girlfriend at least the next time we’re gathered, then don’t even bother coming.” Maria added.

Diego smiled weakly and then shifted his gaze toward us, staring at me directly since the first time we met at the front entrance. “She is beautiful.”

Even after saying that, his gaze never left me which quickly made me uneasy.

Mateo had also noticed the way his uncle stared at me. It wasn’t a casual or doting look, it felt more like admiration and Mateo didn’t miss it. His jaw tightened and his fists clenched in anger as he watched his uncle.

Just as he was about to say something, Maria’s voice suddenly interjected, breaking Diego’s gaze on me,

“All I want to know is when will you bring me a daughter-in-law, Diego?

I already tried setting you up before but you’re too picky and I had to spend the entire weekend apologizing to Samantha and her daughter, quite a beautiful girl too I might say.

What did you say was wrong with her again?”

“She wasn’t good enough,” Diego replied nonchalantly.

Maria scoffed, throwing her hands up, “Wasn’t good enough.” She repeated in disbelief.

“You are going to drive me crazy!”

Diego shifted his gaze to Mateo, a sly grin forming on his lips, “Mateo’s been married for years. Instead of wasting your energy looking for a bride for me, why don’t you push him to have kids instead?

He isn’t getting any younger either and I think having an heir would be great for the company - good for business and publicity.”

As soon as he said those words, my stomach dropped and my eyes widened in horror. The thought of having Mateo’s children was unbearable, especially after what he’d done and thanks to Diego, everyone at the table was now fixated on the topic.

Maria nodded, finally giving up on Diego, and turned toward Mateo and me, her gaze softening, “He’s right Mateo. You and Luz have been married for years now. When are you planning to have children?”

“I want to see my grandchildren soon.” She added with a smile, her tone encouraging.

This whole talk of children left me feeling very uncomfortable. I had now seen Mateo’s flaws in great view and could not imagine starting a family with a man so controlling was unthinkable.

But I’d already made up my mind that this was the last family gathering I’d attend, and might as well just keep up with the facade for the sake of appearances, even when my mind was more made up.

I had to remain quiet, focused and start planning my escape to leave this disastrous marriage before it spiraled into something even more chaotic.