Im in Love with my Uncle Governor

The Montenegro Mansion stood proudly on top of a quiet hill overlooking the entire province. From afar, it looked like a palace—grand white columns, tall glass windows, and gardens that stretched endlessly under the golden afternoon sun. Inside the mansion, everything was silent except for the soft echo of footsteps on the polished marble floor. Althea Montenegro had just returned. She stepped inside the grand hallway, pulling her suitcase behind her. Her long dark hair rested on her shoulders, slightly messy from the long trip back to the province she once tried so hard to leave. Three years. Three years since she last stepped into this house. Yet nothing had changed. The chandeliers still sparkled above her. The portraits of the Montenegro family still watched from the walls. And the heavy feeling in her chest returned the moment she crossed the doorway. Because this house held the one secret she had never told anyone. She was in love with someone she should never love. “Miss Althea!” A cheerful voice suddenly broke the silence. Althea looked up and smiled warmly as an older woman rushed toward her. “Lola Marta,” she greeted softly. The housekeeper hugged her tightly. “You finally came back! We thought you already forgot us.” Althea laughed lightly. “How could I forget my second home?” But deep inside, she knew that wasn't the full truth. She didn't stay away because she forgot. She stayed away because she remembered too much. “Your aunt will be so happy,” Marta continued. “And the Governor too.” At the mention of him, Althea’s heart skipped. The Governor. Alejandro Montenegro. Her uncle. Or at least, that was what she had called him her whole life. A powerful man feared by politicians and criminals alike. His name alone commanded respect across the province. Tall. Cold. Untouchable. And completely forbidden. Althea quickly looked away, pretending to examine the familiar hallway. “Is… is he here?” she asked carefully. Marta nodded. “He arrived this morning from Manila. He has a meeting in his office but he should be finishing soon.” Althea felt her chest tighten. So he was here. After three years of distance, she was about to see him again. “Your room is ready,” Marta added gently. “Just like before.” “Thank you.” Althea picked up her suitcase and began walking up the large staircase. Each step felt heavier than the last. Her room hadn't changed. The soft cream-colored curtains moved gently as the afternoon wind entered through the open window. Her bookshelf was still full of the novels she used to read when she was younger. Even the old framed photo on her desk remained untouched. It was a family picture taken ten years ago. Her aunt Sophia smiling warmly. Her younger self standing beside her. And behind them stood Alejandro Montenegro. Tall. Serious. His expression unreadable even in the photograph. Althea slowly picked up the frame. Her fingers lightly traced his face. “Why did I come back…” she whispered to herself. She knew the answer. Her aunt had insisted she return for the Montenegro Foundation anniversary gala. A big political event where the most powerful people in the province would attend. And of course… The Governor would be there. Suddenly, a deep voice echoed from the hallway. “Althea is back?” Her heart froze. That voice. Low. Calm. Commanding. She knew that voice anywhere. Alejandro. Her heartbeat became wild as footsteps approached her door. She quickly placed the photo down and stood up straight, trying to calm herself. The door opened slowly. And there he was. Governor Alejandro Montenegro stood at the doorway, still wearing his dark suit from his official meetings. His presence alone seemed to fill the entire room. Three years had changed him very little. He was still tall, broad-shouldered, and intimidatingly handsome. His sharp eyes immediately found hers. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Three years of distance hung heavily between them. Then finally, he spoke. “You came back.” His voice was calm, but there was something deeper beneath it. Althea forced a small smile. “Yes… Uncle.” The word felt strange leaving her lips. Alejandro stepped further into the room, closing the door behind him. His gaze never left her. “You stayed away for a long time,” he said. “I was studying.” “You could have visited.” Althea lowered her eyes. She couldn’t tell him the real reason. Because every time she saw him… Her heart betrayed her. Alejandro walked closer until only a few steps separated them. “You've changed,” he said quietly. Althea felt her breath catch. “So have you,” she replied softly. Another silence fell between them. Dangerous. Heavy. Alejandro studied her carefully, as if trying to read something she was desperately hiding. “Why did you really come back, Althea?” The question made her heart pound. Because the truth was something she could never say. She came back because running away from him no longer worked. But before she could answer, Marta’s voice echoed from downstairs. “Governor! The mayor is on the phone!” Alejandro’s expression hardened again, returning to the serious leader everyone feared. He stepped back slightly. “Rest,” he told her. “We’ll talk tonight at dinner.” Then he turned and walked out of the room. The door closed softly behind him. Althea finally released the breath she had been holding. Her hand slowly pressed against her racing heart. Three years away… And yet the moment she saw him again, nothing had changed. Her feelings were still there. Still dangerous. Still impossible. And she knew one thing for certain. Coming back to this mansion might be the biggest mistake of her life.