Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

The black Maybach glided to a stop at the entrance of Sunnyen Manor.

It was perched on a hillside in the suburbs. Even in its remote location, the manor's grandeur was impossible to miss.

Its elegant, antique architecture and meticulously crafted gardens spoke volumes about the owner's influence and prestige. Thea reminded herself of her role for the day. Standing beside Nicolas, she kept a poised smile on her face.

The dappled sunlight streaming through the trees cast a warm glow on them, making their figures seem like a perfect pair. A servant led them through the garden, where an elderly man in his sixties sat in a wheelchair, gently watering flowers. Though his posture was slightly hunched, his hair graying, and his aged face showed signs of fatigue, his eyes were sharp and full of life. Just a glance from him was enough to unsettle anyone. "Dad, Nicolas said, stepping forward with Thea. "I want to introduce you to my girlfriend, Thea Rowland."

Thea froze for a brief second, startled by the sudden introduction. In all her time with Jake, she had never met this legendary old man. Stefan Hendrix.

Stefan had been mostly out of sight, recovering from illness in the mountains. She had only heard whispers about him. Nicolas was Stefan's late-in-life son. His mother had died in childbirth, and coupled with Stefan's favoritism, Nicolas had always been somewhat estranged from his brothers, spending much of his life abroad alone.

"You brat, you finally brought a girlfriend home. Stefan beamed his eyes crinkling with joy as he turned and studied Thea with a fond look. "My dear, what does your family do?"

For a split second, Thea hesitated, her mind racing. "Just some small business, sir. Nothing that would be worth mentioning to someone like you."

Stefan nodded thoughtfully. "Family background doesn't matter to me. What matters is that my son finds someone who'll care for him

"After all, I'd hate to kick the bucket and leave him all alone. Oh, dear, you must have had to endure quite a bit to be with this troublemaker, haven't you?"

"Not at all, Thea quickly responded, "Mr. Hendrix is wonderful, and many admire him. Being with him has been nothing but a pleasure,"

"Mr. Hendrix?" Stefan's eyebrows raised, a teasing glint in his eye

Thea's heart skipped a beat as she realized she might have said the wrong thing.

Just then, Nicolas's warm hand wrapped around hers. He smiled, his usual cool demeanor softening. "Dad, don't tease Thea. She is a bit shy

Thea's face flushed red, her heart racing as she lowered her gaze to hide her embarrassment. Finally, she managed to mumble a quiet response.

The doubt in Stefan's eyes faded, but he couldn't help but push further. 'Oh, come on. You guys are moving too slowly. I might not live long enough to see your wedding at this rate."

With a clap of his hands, he made his decision. Ford, the weather's lovely today. Why don't you take these two to register their marriage

Thea and Nicolas froze at the same time. Thea quickly said, "Isn't this a bit rushed? Shouldn't we get to know each other better first? Besides, given my background, I might not be a good match for Nicolas."

Stefan continued watering the flowers without looking up. That doesn't matter. I've got a knack for reading people, and seem just right to me. I believe you and Nicolas can have a good life together"

you

He then shot Nicolas a sharp look. "All these years, he hasn't even had a rumored date. You're the first person he's brought home and called his girlfriend. But forget it if you two are pulling my leg."

He set down the watering can. "Let me be clear- if you don't go register your marriage today, I'll stop my treatment. I've been undergoing treatment for years with no real change, so I may as well skip it.". "Dad!" Nicolas called out, sounding resigned. "If you agree to continue your treatment, I'll agree to the marriage."

Stefan's face brightened into a smile, and he waved his hand. "Ford, take them."

In the car, the tension was palpable. Sitting beside Nicolas in the back seat, Thea clutched at her clothes before gathering the courage to say. "Mr. Hendrix, if you're uncomfortable, I can explain to your father. I'll say it was my- Before she could finish, Nicolas cut in, his gaze fixed out the window, his voice calm and unreadable, "My father's greatest fear is that I'll be left alone after he's gone. His only wish is to see me settled down. So-"

He turned to face Thea, his expression still emotionless. T'll agree to anything he asks while he's still here."

Thea bit her lip. I understand, Mr. Hendrix. Since you're trusting me with this, I'll do my best." She reminded herself that this was an important project.

Nicolas gave a small nod, seeming content with her response.

When the car stopped, butler Ford was already waiting outside city hall. They proceeded with the marriage registration process, and the whole experience felt surreal to Thea.

Even as she stood outside the city hall holding the marriage license, it still felt like a dream.

Just a month ago, she had been dreaming of marrying Jake, and now, here she was, already registered as someone else's wife.

"Regret it?" Nicolas's sudden question broke her thoughts. He stood beside her, still in the white shirt from earlier, the top button slightly undone. He seemed more relaxed than usual.

"No," Thea replied, shaking her head as if to clear the fog in her mind. "I just didn't expect to get married like this. It feelsCcontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

surreal.

A fleeting dark look crossed Nicolas's face as he turned to walk away. "Don't worry. It's just a marriage of convenience. I helped you out of a tight spot, and you're helping me with my father. If you regret it later, we can split anytime." Though it was true, Thea couldn't help but feel as if a small spark inside her had been extinguished, leaving her with a sense

of unrave.

She quickly pushed away the strange emotion and hurried to catch up with Nicolas.

But it seemed that Stefan's plans didn't end there.

"Excuse me, Mr. Hendrix, Mrs. Hendrix, Ford said with a smile, handing Thea a key. "This is for the home Mr. Stefan Hendrix has arranged for you after your marriage. I hope you don't mind, but I'll be staying there tonight as well so that I can give him an update tomorrow."