After He Left Me at the Altar, I Married His Uncle

Married for three years, I ran into my runaway ex-fianc outside my OB-GYN appointment.

Nina, are you still mad? Im back to marry you.

Declan blocked my path, as arrogant and self-assured as ever.

I instinctively shielded my stomach, my eyes filled with confusion.

Excuse me, sir, do I know you?

He let out a patronizing sigh. Alright, you can stop the act. Wendy is afraid of the dark, and she needed me to stay with her in the Arctic for three years before she was ready to come back.

The moment it was over, I flew straight back to find you. You should be flattered.

I looked at the wild man before me, with his scraggly beard and frostbitten face.

Seriously, where did he get this confidence?

Did no one tell him that the day after he left me at the altar, I married his powerful, influential uncle?

Nina, stop messing around. Come home with me.

Declan frowned, reaching out to grab my arm.

His hand was covered in sores, the fingernails caked with some unidentifiable grime. A faint, stale fishy smell wafted from him.

I flinched back, covering my nose and mouth.

My stomach churned. Dont touch me! Im a germaphobe.

Declans hand froze mid-air, his face instantly darkening. He probably still thought of himself as the dashing young heir to the Crawford fortune. He had no idea that after three years in the Arctic Circle, his unshaven, chapped-skin appearance made him look like a caveman.

Nina! Thats enough! Declan snapped, his voice edged with anger. I know youre mad I ran out on our wedding, mad that I went to the Arctic with Wendy, but she was dealing with psychological trauma!

Shes afraid of the dark! The aurora borealis was the only thing that could cure her. Cant you have a little compassion for someone elses suffering?

I almost laughed out loud.

Afraid of the dark?

And you cure that by going to the Arctic, where the polar night lasts for half the year?

Wendys illness sounded like it needed a dose of common sense, not the Northern Lights.

Before I could say anything, Wendy peeked out from behind him. She took off a pair of heavy goggles, revealing red-rimmed eyes.

Nina, she said, looking at me with pitiable eyes. Dont blame Declan.

Its all my fault. My health is just so poor, I cant be left alone. If you need to hit someone, hit me. Dont work yourself up.

As she spoke, she let out a few fake coughs and swayed, collapsing dramatically into Declans arms.

Declan, consumed with worry, wrapped his arms around her and shot me a furious glare.

Nina, its been three years. Havent you grown up at all? Still so jealous. How do you ever expect to marry into the Crawford family acting like this?

I rolled my eyes.

Did these two freeze their brains in the Arctic?

This was the entrance to the obstetrics and gynecology department.

I was here for a prenatal check-up.

And they, having just returned to the country, hadn't even showered before rushing to the hospital to get their heads checked?

I shielded my belly and stared at the bizarre pair.

Declan, I think youve made a mistake.

Im not here to welcome you back, and I have no time to play out some long-lost lovers reunion scene.

Now if youll excuse me, get out of my way.

Declan was stunned. He probably never imagined that the timid Nina who used to follow him around like a puppy would ever have the nerve to call him out like that.

He narrowed his eyes, and his gaze fell on my swollen belly. His pupils contracted sharply.

Then, a look of incredulous joy spread across his face.

Nina youre pregnant? Is it mine?

He was trembling, a sure sign his frostbite was acting up.

I knew it! I knew you couldn't live without me! That night, three years ago

I was drunk, but I vaguely remember we

He seemed to be lost in some self-aggrandizing fantasy.

No wonder you were waiting for me here. No wonder you never remarried

Nina, youve been through so much. You kept my baby a secret all this time, just to surprise me, didnt you?

I was floored by his logic.

Three years. It takes three years to birth a mythological deity, not a human child.

Had he ever read a book? Did he have even a basic understanding of human biology?

Declan, besides watching the aurora, did you also happen to freeze your brain into a slushie?

I pointed at my stomach, exasperated.

Im only five months along. Youve been gone for three years. Did you impregnate me via telepathy?

The smile on Declans face froze.

He stared at my belly as if trying to solve a complex math problem.

Three years minus five months equals

No matter how he calculated it, the child couldnt possibly be his, but he clearly refused to accept it.

Impossible! Who else would you marry? Everyone in this city knows youre the woman Declan Crawford cast aside! Who would dare marry you?

Wendy chimed in, fanning the flames. Thats right, Nina. Dont just find some random guy to have a bastard with just to spite Declan.

Youll not only ruin yourself but also bring shame to your family.

If you just admit your mistake and get rid of this child, Declan loves you so much, hell definitely forgive you.

Hearing this, Declan immediately put on a magnanimous air.

Thats right, Nina. If you get rid of this bastard and come home with me, I can pretend none of this ever happened.

After all, I was the one who left you at the altar. I made you suffer. Well call it even.

I took a deep breath, my fists clenched.

I really wanted to smack both of these delusional narcissists.

Just then, a black Maybach pulled up to the curb.

The window rolled down, revealing the stern face of our driver, Mr. Henderson.

Maam, Mr. Blackwood is still in a meeting. He asked me to take you home first.

Declans eyes lit up.

See! And you said you werent waiting for me!

Thats the Crawford family car! Even Henderson is here!

Declan pushed past me and, pulling Wendy along, tried to get into the car. As he walked, he continued to lecture me.

Alright, stop pretending. You obviously had the family driver come to give me a proper welcome back.

This car is a bit old for my current status, but since its a gesture from you, Ill condescend to ride in it this once.

His actions startled Mr. Henderson.

He stared at the foul-smelling man bundled up like an Eskimo, not recognizing him at first.

Hey, hey! What do you think youre doing? If youre begging, go somewhere else! Dont get the masters car dirty!

Declans face turned beet-red.

Henderson! Are you blind? Its me, Declan! The Crawford heir!

Mr. Henderson paused, then seemed to recognize his tone.

Master Declan? he asked, his voice full of doubt. Did you take up coal mining in the Arctic? Why do you look like this?

Declan was shaking with rage.

Cut the crap! Open the door! Wendys freezing!

He tried to force the car door open.

Wendy added, Mr. Henderson, Declan is the sole heir of the Crawford family. How can you speak to him like that?

But Mr. Henderson just locked the doors with a resounding click, his expression one of pure disdain.

Master Declan, Im afraid you cant ride in this car.

Mr. Blackwood has a thing about cleanliness. With that smell on you, Id have to spend three days cleaning it. Besides, Im here to pick up the madam. I dont have time to chauffeur you.

Declans eyes widened in disbelief.

The madam? Nina hasnt even married into the family, and youre already calling her that? Grandfather is spoiling her rotten!

He turned to me, his eyes full of accusation.

Nina, did you bribe Henderson? Did you get him to play along with this charade?

Let me tell you, putting on airs like this before youre even married youre in for a rough time once you join the family!

I ignored him and walked to the rear passenger door.

Mr. Hendersons expression immediately changed to one of respectful deference. He got out and opened the door for me, carefully shielding the top of the doorframe with his hand.

Maam, please be careful.

I got into the car, and the window slid up, sealing me off from the cold air and those two nauseating faces.

Declan was still outside, banging on the window.

Nina! Get out! I am the Crawford heir! I should be riding in this car!

Where is Wendy supposed to sit? Shes so frail!

The car began to move. I lowered the window a crack and shot back coldly, If shes so frail, she should go to the emergency room. And dont bother going to the Crawford estate. Theres nothing for you there.

I raised the window.

The Maybach sped away, leaving them in a cloud of exhaust fumes.

In the rearview mirror, I saw Declan kick a nearby trash can in a fit of rage, then hop around on one foot like a pathetic clown.

When I got back to the estate, I had just changed my clothes when the two of them arrived.

I have no idea how they got in. The guards probably saw a faint resemblance in his ruined face and didn't dare stop him completely.

As soon as he entered the living room, Declan plopped down on the sofa like he owned the place.

The pristine leather was instantly smeared with mud. The butler, Mr. Wallace, frowned.

Master Declan, youre

Declan waved a dismissive hand, adopting the air of the man of the house.

Wallace, go prepare some birds nest soup for Wendy. The finest quality, and add extra sugar. She doesnt like bitter things.

And get me a clean set of clothes. This gear is too heavy.

Wendy huddled beside him like a frightened quail.

Declan, maybe this isnt a good idea I dont think Nina likes me very much

Declan sneered.

This is the Crawford estate. I am the future master of this house! Who is Nina to give me attitude before shes even married in?

Just wait until Grandfather gets home. Ill tell him everything!

Just as he was speaking, I came downstairs in a loose-fitting lounge dress, holding a glass of warm milk.