Page 125 of One Nightstand With My Ex's Uncle

126

LUCAS’ POV.

“How many times are you going to watch that?” Tray asked, folding his clothes.

“Till I memorize every look in her eyes, and draw them without watching the video.” I said, watching the video of Emily being made up, so she could take wedding photos with John.

“You already watched that like a thousand times, yet you haven’t memorized every look in her eyes?

”

“Yes.”

“When are you going to go back home?”

“Till I can face her, and congratulate her with a smile on my face.” I replied dryly.

“And when is that going to be?” He asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Just imagine. Your siblings would go crazy if they heard you lied about a trip just to camp out at my house, bribing me by taking on all my living expenses.” He said, fetching more clothes to fold.

“Why would they go crazy?”

“Because they’ll know something fishy is going on!

They’ll know you like her.” He said, and I stared into Emily’s dark eyes, which looked exceptionally beautiful with mascara and eyeliner.

She took pictures with John, and smiled perfectly, and maybe it was just how I wanted to interpret it, but it looked like a sad smile.

No matter how I tried to stop myself from watching the video, I couldn’t.

I was always drawn back to stare at the lady who always brightened up my days with a single smile.

If only it were me in that suit, maybe I’d happily die anytime.

If it were me in the suit, would she smile brighter?

“So, you’ll see her on her wedding day?

” Tray asked, sitting next to me.

“Of course. In that beautiful dress, getting married to my arrogant, obsessive and possessive nephew.” I said, feeling torn apart inside.

I didn’t want to see her and John together, but I wanted to see her.

I wanted to talk to her, have her smile once more, and have her tell me she never intended to hurt me, and leave me hanging, leave me feeling bitter inside.

“Will you be okay? Can’t you just spin a lie about a delayed flight, and miss the wedding?

” He asked.

“Then people will talk. They’ll string one and one together, and end up finding out that me and Emily like each other.

I have to be there, and look happy.” I said, and he sighed.

“That’s tough.”

“Would she end up being happy? John wronged her once, she forgave him. What if she forgives him again, and decides to be happy with him? Would they sleep in the same bed, wake and laugh each morning, build more houses of cards, go on dates, and form a deeper connection with each other? Would we one day, become nothing more than relatives who smile at each other, and walk past after greeting? One day, would she have kids that she’ll love and cherish?

Kids that’ll have her eyes, and John’s hair?

Would I like those kids? I don’t think I can take that.

” I said, slowly, baring out the thoughts I had mulled over day and night since the past month.

“Have you cried? Brave men cry. They embrace pain, and feel it, instead of trying to act strong.”

“I already did all the crying there is to do on that day. I won’t cry again, Tray.

It’s pathetic.” I said, and he sighed.

“What’s next then?

”

“Deciding if I’ll heal or if I’ll never heal.

” I replied.

~

On the big day that I wished would never come; Tray and I drove to the Granger Compound, and my heart was restless, as I wondered if she’d look at me, and with what look she’d look at me.

We walked into my mansion, and luckily, I didn’t meet anyone on my way.

They were all at the Raymond mansion. He had the biggest hall, and the wedding would take place there.

I dressed up properly in my room, with Tray next to me.

“Somehow, things will be resolved. Believe me.” He said.

“I know. I won’t hurt forever. Thanks, Tray.

” I said, and as I made to take my cufflinks, I saw the hand lotion Emily had given me.

I stared at them for a while, recalling the happiness with which she had given them to me.

She had blushed too. When she saw my gift, she had been really touched, and I knew she wished she could say more than a ‘thank you’.

It was all on her face.

I picked up the lotion, and pressed a generous amount onto the back of my hand, and as I rubbed my hands together, the scent was crushed into my nose.

It immediately took me back in time to a month ago when she had given them to me, and I had tucked her hair behind her ear.

“You should go down to the wedding, Tray. Let them know I’m around.

” I said, and he nodded.

“I heard you.”

He left, and I turned to my wardrobe, pulling out a large traveling bag.

I threw clothes into it, shoes, books, and looked around.

I always kept my things neat, and arranged, so it was no big deal.

I went to my drawers, and began to take out my well-arranged things.

Just then, my door opened, and Sadie came in.

God, how much I missed her.

With a little pout, she finally looked like a real eight-year-old.

“Won’t you hug me?” I asked, straightening up, and she shook her head.

“Why? You’re mad at me because of my business trip?

” I asked.

“I know that was a lie. Your phone’s location the whole time was still here.

Tray’s house to be precise.” She said, and I smiled.

“What did your mom do to have such a smart child like you?” I asked, smiling.

“Absolutely nothing.”

“I’m sorry, okay.

I just…”

“I know. You don’t want to see Emily with John.

A little cowardly, but… I guess it’s what grownups love to do.

” She said, and I smiled.

“Then will you give this grown-up a hug now?” I asked, but she shook her head.

“What’s the point?” She asked, looking at my baggage.

“It’s what I think it is, right?” She asked, without looking at me, and I sighed.

“I’m leaving. Back to where I used to be. ”