Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

The apartment was a spacious 4,000-square-foot flat with minimalist bedrooms. Thea burrowed deeper under the covers, trying to relax on the soft mattress. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. A moment later, the water stopped, and the door opened, releasing a wave of warm steam and a light, fresh scent.

Nicolas emerged, toweling his damp hair, dressed in a bathrobe. The robe's collar hung loosely, revealing a glimpse of tanned skin and toned muscles beneath. As he rubbed his hair dry, the neckline threatened to slip open even more. Thea's face flushed a bright red. She sat up abruptly, her gaze dating everywhere but at Nicolas. "Mr. Hendrix, if this is uncomfortable, I can explain to your father. I could say there's an urgent family issue and I need to go home for the night. "No need." Nicolas replied, his voice cool as he suddenly sat down on the bed. "You can't avoid this forever. My father is shrewd, he'll find a hundred ways to test us.

"It's easier to play along and avoid unnecessary trouble. Don't worry. I won't do anything inappropriate."

Thea realized he had a point. She stared at the floor, then at the nightstand anywhere but at him. She didn't move to lie down. Her body felt tense, and her face was burning with embarrassment.

At her age, this was the first time she'd ever shared a bed with a man. Even in her seven-year relationship with Jake, she had kept firm boundaries- they'd never gone beyond kissing.

Nicolas watched her stiff posture, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Get some rest," he said, turning off the lamp.

After what felt like an eternity of mentally preparing herself, Then finally slid over to the very edge of the bed, curling up as small as she could, trying to breathe quietly.

Suddenly, Nicolas moved. In an instant, his strong arm wrapped around her waist as he pulled her - blanket and all-into his warm embrace, his scent of subtle body wash enveloping her. "Mr. Hendrix!" Thea gasped, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

Nicolas rested his chin on top of her head, his chest vibrating as he whispered, "There are cameras.'

Sure enough, in the dim light, a small red dot glowed on the ceiling.

Thea felt a mix of exasperation and disbelief. It seemed Stefan didn't trust Nicolas to find a partner on his own.

As she shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable, Nicolas loosened his grip around her waist.

Despite their intimate position, his voice remained cool and composed, just loud enough for her to hear. "I apologize for my father. Sorry for the awkwardness."

Thea shook her head, biting her lip. "It's fine. We're married adults. This isn't exactly crossing a line!

"Is that so? Nicolas asked, a trace of mockery in his tone.

Flustered, Thea didn't catch the sarcasm. What surprised her most was her own reaction.

She'd expected to panic or even faint from bad memories. But for the first time, she felt oddly calm and safe in Nicolas's

Thea turned slightly to face him, keeping her gaze lowered, cheeks flushed pink. Tentatively, she rested her hand on his trong waist.

Internally, she sighed. Now she understood why Nicolas always rinked high on those random lists like "Hot Guys Women Want to Sleep With

"Mr. Hendrix, like I said, I know what I owe you. I'll make sure we play this part convincingly. It's the least I can do to repay you. Here's to a successful act, she said softly

A flicker of something passed through Nicolas's deep-set eyes before his expression went blank again. He closed his eyes and replied. "Okay. Silvercreek's top gemstone buyer will be in Key Biskane soon. I want you to secure that deal." Thea's eyes brightened at the opportunity. In her excitement, she grabbed Nicolas's shirt, unintentionally pulling herself closer to him. "Are you serious? You trust me with such a big account, huh?"

Their proximity heightened the tension, and as their breaths mingled, Nicolas gently pushed her back. "Any closer, and this might cross a line."

Thea cleared her throat, quickly retreating under the covers, her heart still racing.

After several late nights working on the project, Thea stretched at her desk. The office was nearly empty, with the sun setting and most employees already gone.

A few coworkers passed by her open door, offering polite smiles "Still burning the midnight oil, Ms. Rowland?"

Just finishing up, Thea responded, returning the smile. "Make sure you all get some rest."

One of them chuckled as they walked away. "Ms. Rowland got lucky this time. That Silvercreek buyer's loaded. Landing this deal means more than just the initial commission." Another one chimed in, "Mr. Nicolas Hendrix must really trust Ms. Rowland to hand her such a big opportunity. Bet you guys are jealous"

But there were disgruntled murmurs as well. "She didn't earn that deal herself. She must have sweet-talked her way totally unfair.

"Fair or not, if you've got the skills, go earn it yourself. A sharp voice cut through the whispers. "The higher-ups chose her, so quit complaining

The conversation quickly died down as Jake appeared in the doorway. But instead of feeling grateful for his interference, Thea started packing up, intent on leaving.

Jake quickly stepped in front of her, his eyes flickering with frustration.

Thea met his gaze, her tone flat and cold. "Is there something you need, Mr. Hendrix?"

His jaw tightened, anger and hurt evident in his eyes. "Did you forget something?" he asked, his voice tight with accusation. Thea nearly laughed at the absurdity. "What? Did Madelyn dump you?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Jake's chest heaved with barely contained frustration. Grabbing her shoulders, he demanded through gritted teeth, "Why didn't you respond to my messages yesterday?"

Thea remembered now. She had seen Jake's texts from his alternate account last night but, not wanting to disturb Nicolas. had simply muted the notifications.

She looked at Jake's desperate face, and a wicked with Nicolas last night and a little too busy to text him back, she held back.