Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle

Thea spoke with a serious tone, but Nicolas smiled. "Take a look first. See if it's something you like".

Thea nodded and opened the gift box, her eyes widensing in surprise. Inside was a pocket watch crafted by Richard, one of his early works. It was said he was very proud of this piece and couldn't bring himself to sell it.

Thea had seen it before and had felt tempted by its beauty.

Richard had even told her that if she liked it, he'd reluctantly part with it for her, but she had turned him down.

First, because she had spent most of her budget on Max's gift, and second, because she didn't want to take something Richard held so dear.

But Thea hadn't expected Nicolas to actually buy it for her. She initially thought his apology was just a formality, but this gesture felt genuine.

Feeling much better, Thea suppressed a smile, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. "I really like this gift. Thank you." Nicolas remained composed, but the coldness in his expression softened slightly at her words. Thea was about to ask him why he was attending this event when his phone suddenly vibrated.

She glanced over unintentionally, noticing that the contact name seemed different from the others.

Nicolas was meticulous and distant, and usually, his contacts were listed by full names. But for this person, it appeared to be just a first name, though Thea didn't catch it clearly.

The phone's volume was loud enough that Thea could hear a feminine voice, ethereal and sweet, with a playful undertone. "Nicolas, where are you? I'm not feeling well. Can you take me to the hospital?" Nicolas pursed his lips and walked off to the side with the phone

Thea stood there, watching his retreating figure, her heart stirring with a strange, unfamiliar emotion. There had been many women around Nicolas, but he had always dealt with them coldly

Either he'd hang up and block their number in one swift motion, or he'd send Darwin to make sure the person never bothered him again. But this time was different.

Though she couldn't hear what Nicolas was saying, Thea could read his expression, gentle, almost affectionate, as if he was trying to soothe the woman's concerns.

Thea had never seen him look like that. By the time she realized it, her fingernails had dug into her palm, leaving marks. It hurt, but she didn't show any sign of it on her face.

When Nicolas finally hung up, she walked over, trying to sound casual. "Was it something urgent? If you need to go, I can explain it to the others."

Nicolas shook his head. "No need. I've already sent Darwin to handle it

Darwin was always by Nicolas' side, never leaving him.

For Nicolas to send him away for this task showed just how important that woman was

an was to h

him.

For a split second, Thea almost blurted out, "Who is she? Is she your first crush everyone talks about?"

But she didn't have the nerve to ask.

"What would that even mean if I did? This is his personal business. It has nothing to do with me, she reminded herself.

At that moment, the Rowland family butler approached. Thea knew right away that Ivy had something to say.

As expected, the butler bowed respectfully, "Miss Rowland, Mrs. Rowland would like a word with you."

Thea's smile was cold. "There's nothing for us to talk about. If it's about me and Emmalie, there's even less reason."

The butler looked uncomfortable but persisted. "Miss Rowland. Mrs. Rowland insists you must come. She wants to ask about your involvement with the Hendrix family. If you don't go, Mrs Rowland won't be pleased."