Falling for my ex’s uncle novel

Since youve already gotten the marriage certificate , you should live a good life from now on , Mom said .

I kept my head down , bracing myself for a lecture .

But when my moms voice reached my ears , I froze momentarily .

Slowly , I lifted my gaze , my mind going completely blank before the scene in front of me finally registered .

Her eyes were warm , and she had a gentle smile .

She patted my hand softly before reaching for Alexs .

Seeing the contentment on her face , I stared in disbelief , my hands instinctively clasping together .

That was when I noticed the long , slender fingers intertwined with mine .

I hesitated , trying to pull away , but Alex held on just enough to stop me .

He stood up , his long lashes casting faint shadows over his eyes the kind of eyes that could make someone lose themselves .

My heart skipped a beat .

I was completely thrown off .

Why was Alex even here ? And how had he managed to get my mom who was usually so strict to accept him ? Has he hidden his real identity from her ? After all , our marriage certificate didnt say anything about his connection to Austin .

And Mom wasnt the type to spend her time scrolling through pointless news articles on her phone .

My mom preferred tending to her flowers , sitting under the sun with a book in hand , and enjoying her quiet time .

Even in the hospital , she still carried herself with that same grace and calm .

Then she looked at us with a satisfied smile , speaking with quiet seriousness .

You two should go do whatever you need to do .

You dont have to stay here with me .

When I get discharged in a couple of days , well have dinner together .

Alexs lips curved into a slight smile .

He said softly , Rest well , Mom .

Ill visit again soon .

I followed him out of the hospital room .

From the moment I stepped inside , Moms demeanor had barely changed .

If anything , she seemed genuinely happy to see Alex .

But that didnt make sense .

She had never been fond of men with overly handsome faces .

I still remembered the first time she saw Austin how she couldnt hide her concern .

Moreover , she had given me a heartfelt warning , telling me not to choose a husband based on looks or wealth .

What mattered , she said , was his character , his sense of responsibility , and most importantly his family background .

At the time , I didnt think much of it .

Austin and I had known each other since high school .

I thought I understood him well enough .

So his family situation didnt matter to me .

As long as we loved each other , nothing else should have mattered .

It wasnt until later that I realized things werent as simple as they seemed .

Austins parents had always seemed distant , and uninvolved in his life .

But that was only on the surface .

In reality , Austin had moved to Nifelheim City for college just to escape Amandas suffocating control .

Alexs voice pulled me out of my thoughts .

You dont want to let go ? I snapped back to reality and realized I was still holding onto his hand .

Quickly , I let go , looking at him in confusion .

You didnt tell my mom who you really are , did you ? What do you think ? Alex raised an eyebrow , his smile teasing .

You dont want me to tell her ? Are you scared ? The amusement in Alexs voice made it impossible to read his true emotions .

I studied his face , that impossibly flawless face .

For a second , I almost believed my mom had been charmed by nothing more than his looks .

But that wasnt like her at all .

She was never one to be shallow .

I frowned , irritation creeping onto my face .

Alex chuckled, looking entirely at ease .

Your mom approves of me .

And as for the things she wasnt supposed to know she knows .

So , you dont have to stress about it .

With that , Alex patted my shoulder casually .

Tomorrow night , youre coming with me to a party .

Ill have a driver pick you up .

Youll be staying at a hotel for now .

Before I could even react , Alex slipped a key card into my hand and walked off .

I stood there for a long moment , feeling completely unsettled .

What did he mean by the things Mom want supposed to know she knew ? My palms felt slightly damp as I clenched the key card .

Taking a deep breath , I turned around and walked back into the hospital room .

1/2 Chapter 33 Back so soon ? Didnt leave with Alex ? Bonnie glanced up at me .

I hesitated for a second , then sat down beside my moms bed carefully , lowering my head .

Mom , youre not mad at me ? Maybe she had just been holding back her anger in front of Alex .

After all , marriage wasnt something to be taken lightly .

You two are already married .

Whats the point of getting mad now ? she said calmly .

Hearing this .

I froze .

So she was upset .

But then she took my hand and gave me a long look .

Hes the one you like , isnt he ? And its obvious he likes you too .

Marrying you like this , without hesitation , means hell treat you well .

I kept my head down , silent .

Mom thought Alex was the man I had feelings for .

But where did she even get that idea ? Alex must have said something .

I frowned slightly .

My mom was a simple person if she had been convinced , then Alex had really known how to play his cards right .

Listen , Laurel , she continued .

Austin hurt you , and I know things between you two are complicated .

But for Alexs sake , try to let it go .

Her voice was careful , as if there was more she wanted to say but wasnt sure if she should .

My brows knitted together .

Whatever Alex had told her , he clearly hadnt badmouthed Austin in front of her .

Bonnie spoke up before I could respond .

She knows .

Laurel isnt going to hold anything against him .

She is Austins elder now itd be ridiculous for her to stoop to his level .

Dont stay here .

If youre not feeling well , go back and rest .

Go back , Mom said gently .

Im fine .

Aunt , why dont you go home and get some sleep? I offered .

Bonnie gave me a sidelong look before grabbing my arm and tugging me toward the door .

I took some time off work to stay with your mom .

If you want to keep her company , youll have plenty of chances later .

I hesitated , then finally nodded .

I had told myself I would stay in Nifelheim City .

But now that I was married to Alex , would I still be able to ? In any case , whether I stayed in Nifelheim City or not , I would take my mother with me .

I would never leave her alone at home again .

As for Bonnie her daughter was about to graduate .

Shed probably stay in the city for work .

Bonnie pulled me aside with a sly smile .

Your mom really likes Alex .

That caught me off guard .

I asked , Shes not mad ? Shes never liked the Herrera family .

Bonnie laughed .

Whats there to be mad about ? Alex is the CEO of the Herrera Group .

Your mom didnt like Austin because he was a mamas boy .

But Alex ? Hes different .

If you marry into that family , hes the kind of man wholl actually protect you .

I stiffened , blinking at her .

Alex wasnt a mamas boy , that was true .

But he definitely wasnt someone to be messed with either .