Married to My Ex’s Uncle

On my wedding day, I was in a car accident and lost my baby. My boyfriend Ethan didn't show up.

Later, he looked at me with complete indifference: Yasmine is sick. Once she recovers, I'll marry you.

Everyone thought I would forgive him like I always had.

But the night the wedding was canceled, I agreed to the arranged marriage my family had set up.

The man I was marrying was Ethan's uncle.

Five years later, my husband came back with me to pay respects to my mother.

He had to leave on urgent business and asked Ethan to host a welcome banquet for me.

At the manor entrance, the moment Ethan saw me, his eyes burned with intensity, though his tone was ice-cold: "You've made a scene long enough.

Finally come to your senses?

I'll give you a chance---come back to me. Yasmine doesn't want children, so you can do IVF for her."

The person my husband sent to pick me up was my ex-boyfriend from five years ago---Ethan, who had gotten his marriage certificate with my father's illegitimate daughter.

"Lena! Is that you?"

Ethan was the first to recognize me.

The others looked over too, exclaiming in surprise when they realized it was me.

"Ethan, you were right after all. Just crook your finger and Lena comes running back like a dog."

"Well, well, what a move."

Ethan smirked, though his expression remained casual. "She probably heard that Yasmine wants a child now, so she rushed back to volunteer herself.

Can't have me, but she'll settle for the chance to raise my kids."

Everyone froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"That's our Lena---world champion bootlicker."

"She disappeared without a word back then.

We thought she'd finally grown a spine, but turns out she was just on standby."

"Though, I have to say, Lena, if you're planning to be a surrogate, you could at least dress up a bit, you know?"

"That dress you're wearing? Hideous. Nothing like Yasmine."

"People who don't know better might think you're the cleaning lady."

They laughed and joked, their exaggerated smiles unable to hide the contempt in their eyes.

But it made sense, really.

Five years ago, every time they saw me, I had to dress exactly like Yasmine according to Ethan's demands.

Long dress, long hair, and those ridiculously high heels---not missing a single detail.

All I ever got in return was Ethan's mockery.

But now? I didn't need to do that anymore.

Because I was married and had just given birth.

My husband was Ethan's uncle, who lived abroad.

The plain-colored robe covering me from head to toe was custom-made by a royal craftsman because my husband was worried about me catching a chill.

Apparently, they not only couldn't recognize quality when they saw it, they also didn't know that the person they were supposed to welcome today was me.

Seeing my silence, someone stepped forward to smooth things over: "Since Lena's back, let's just let bygones be bygones.

Lena, you don't know this, but after you left, Ethan was really torn up about it.

He got drunk at the bar for days..."

Embarrassment flashed across Ethan's face, but he quickly put on an act of nonchalance.

"Yasmine and I want a child. Since you're back, come with me tomorrow to do IVF."

Ethan lifted his chin confidently, though his eyes couldn't help stealing glances at me.

He was as self-centered as ever.

But I wasn't the naive little girl from three years ago who would fall apart without love.

Seeing him again, all I felt besides surprise was hatred for this bastard.

I rubbed my temples, about to reveal my identity.

Then Yasmine suddenly spoke:

"Are you still angry with me? I really didn't know the miscarriage would hurt you so much.

But now that you're back, Ethan and I will definitely make it up to you.

Once you're pregnant with mine and Ethan's child, I'll keep a maid's room ready for you at home. After you give birth, it'll be convenient for you to take care of us.

Though before the IVF, you should probably get a full medical checkup.

After all, things are so chaotic abroad---we have no idea what you might have gotten up to these past five years..."

Five years later, she was still as disgusting as ever.

Seeing me frown, Ethan thought I was jealous.

His eyebrows arched smugly: "Yasmine has a point. Having a baby is a big deal.

How about this, Lena---I'll take you for a full physical tomorrow, genetic screening too.

If everything checks out, I'll get you an appointment with the doctor right away.

Oh, and you probably don't have money, right? Here's two hundred bucks, consider it a down payment."

He pulled out his wallet and counted out two crisp bills.

The people around couldn't hold back their laughter.

"Lena, five years gone and you've gotten even cheaper than before."

"Ethan, don't give her two hundred---just toss her a couple coins and she'll be satisfied."

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and thank Ethan."

The familiar words reminded me of the past.

At 3 AM, when I ran from the north end to the south end of the city to bring them hot chocolate.

They were exactly like this then too.

Giggling as they pulled out two movie tickets from their pockets and threw them on the ground.

Then with fake sincerity: "Thanks for going to all that trouble, Lena. Youre the best."

Yasmine tucked her hair behind her ear, sighing dramatically: "Looks like my sister really has had a rough time these years. In that case, I won't be stingy either.

After you give birth to mine and Ethan's child, I'll definitely give you a really generous gift. I won't let you down."

Ethan's eyes softened, as if he was moved.

"Yasmine, you're so kind. Not like her---losing one baby, it's not like she can't have more.

And she had the nerve to throw a tantrum and run off abroad for five years.

Just like her mom, so petty."

Hearing this, my heartbeat skipped.

My father had an affair while my mother was pregnant and had Yasmine with his mistress.

After my mother died, Yasmine's mother moved in right after the funeral.

Later, my wedding was canceled and I lost my baby.

During those days in the hospital, Ethan never showed up once.

From that moment, I realized Ethan was rotten.

That boy who got into fights for me, wincing in pain but still quietly comforting me not to cry.

That boy who defied his family for me and walked with me through every street and alley.

That boy who knelt at my mother's grave and swore he'd treat me well forever.

Without me noticing, he had disappeared long ago.

Pulling myself back to the present, I shook my head. The past felt incredibly foreign.

After all, I had already gotten married.

And soon, my second child would be a month old.

My eyes regained their calm as I looked at Ethan and got straight to the point: "I'm the person you're waiting for. You can all leave now."

The scene fell silent for a moment.

Everyone exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.

Yasmine laughed so hard tears came out.

She shoved the flowers she'd prepared to welcome me into my face.

"Sister, it's been five years---why are you still so delusional?

We're here to welcome Ethan's uncle's wife, the future mistress of the family.

Not you... trash who couldn't even keep her baby."

The last sentence was whispered so quietly that only I could hear it.

The others followed Yasmine's lead, mocking me one after another:

"Yasmine's right. Everyone in our circle knows Marcus has been waiting for his true love---at thirty-five, he still refused to get married."

"After finally winning the beauty's heart, he threw a seven-day, seven-night wedding celebration in France. Even royalty attended, they say."

"Too bad Ethan was busy and couldn't make it abroad."

"Lena, have you lost your mind living abroad? You dare to impersonate Marcus's wife?"

They chattered away, rolling their eyes practically into the sky.

I said nothing, only thinking about that grand wedding, my mood unable to help but soar.

If not for that wedding, I wouldn't have believed that Marcus had waited for me for seven years.

Yasmine thought I was guilty, her tone growing more arrogant: "See this watch on my wrist?

Last Valentine's Day, to make his wife happy, Ethan's uncle specially commissioned the world's only all-diamond watch in Switzerland. Just the diamonds embedded in it are worth 40 million pounds.

And the one I'm wearing is a replica. Not expensive---only about 3 million."

Her proud smile had barely formed when someone beside her pushed her and pointed at my hand, crying out: "Yasmine, Lena's watch... it looks like the same model as yours!"

The scene suddenly fell silent.

Ethan was the first to rush forward and grab my hand, examining it carefully.

In less than three seconds, he relaxed and sneered. "The diamonds are so flashy---clearly artificial. Worthless."

His expression was half-mocking. "Lena, which security guard gave you that?

How tacky---how dare he give you trash like this?"

I shook him off and carefully wiped the watch face.

Marcus had given me this the day I found out I was pregnant with our son. I couldn't let them dirty it.

Seeing how much I cared about it, Ethan's mind went blank with anger.

He suddenly grabbed my hand and smashed it against the wall.

The watch face shattered.

Yasmine patted her chest, looking at the broken watch face with a bright smile: "Knew it was a fake---one touch and it breaks.

Otherwise I really would have been fooled into thinking you were the legendary Marina. That scared me."

Watching her exaggerated performance, everyone couldn't hold back their laughter anymore.

Though none of them had met Marcus, everyone knew one thing.

Marcus was the most capable head of the family in nearly thirty years, at the very pinnacle of the elite.

He'd have to be insane to get involved with his own nephew's ex-fiance.

Much less pamper her like a precious treasure.

The thought alone was impossible.

Ethan wasn't laughing. He watched me treasure the watch, his eyes cold: "Lena, be good. Get rid of it. I'll buy you something better. This garbage---throw it away."

I found it laughable. What right did he have to order me around?

"Impossible. My husband gave this to me. His name is Marcus..."

SLAP!

Ethan hit me.

My face burned with pain, and blood trickled from the corner of my mouth.

I stood there in shock, hearing Ethan speak through gritted teeth: "Lena, you lunatic!"

Ethan stared at me, anger and fear intertwined.

"Do you know who Marcus is?

He's nominally my uncle, but in reality I'm less than nothing in his eyes.

If rumors that you're connected to him reach his wife's ears, not only you but I'll be punished too. Lena, are you trying to kill me?"

The others snapped to attention too, glaring at me with rage.

"I knew she was up to no good. Left in a huff back then, and now she's back for revenge. Pfft! And Ethan searched everywhere for you. Ungrateful wretch!"

"Exactly. Good thing Ethan didn't actually marry her, or she'd get him killed eventually."

Yasmine's face was full of venom: "Sister, why can't you just be sensible?

Ethan and I already decided to compensate you and even gave you the opportunity to have children for us. Why aren't you satisfied?

Do you need to see Ethan completely ruined to be happy?"

Her disappointed tone reminded me of five years ago.

Five years ago, Yasmine had used this exact tone to frame me bit by bit.

At first, Ethan would blame Yasmine.

Gradually, he lost even the patience to hear my explanations.

Just like now---I hadn't said anything, yet Ethan's anger had completely exploded.

He gripped Yasmine's hand and pulled out a ring, throwing it viciously at my face.

"For old times' sake, I'll give you one more chance. Put on the ring. From now on, Yasmine will stay in the picture, and you can be the one on the side"

The diamond cut my eye, drawing thin lines of blood. I raised my head and stared at Ethan, hatred surging.

Ethan froze, panic flashing across his face.

But Yasmine quickly grabbed him.

I said nothing. Right in front of them, I bent down and picked up the ring.

This was my and Ethan's wedding ring. Before going abroad, I had thrown it away at the hospital.

Seeing my movement, the panic in Ethan's eyes gradually faded, replaced by smugness.

"That's more like it. Don't worry, when my uncle returns to the country, I'll definitely shine in front of him.

Once I inherit the company, I absolutely won't shortchange you..."

His words stopped.

In everyone's shocked gaze, I threw the ring Ethan had kept for five years into the trash.

"Sorry, I don't want secondhand goods."

After throwing away the ring, I turned to leave.

I'd only taken two steps when Ethan grabbed me, his eyes red: "Lena, what do you mean? You really want to cut ties with me completely?"

I smiled: "What else?"

Did you still expect me to wag my tail at you like a dog?

Thinking this, I couldn't help pressing my lips together.

But Ethan looked back at the pitiful Yasmine and understood: "Oh, I see what this is about. You just want to be the main wife, right?

How about this---tomorrow you come with me to the hospital for an examination.

If you can give me a healthy child, I'm not opposed to considering marriage."

"No need."

I really couldn't listen anymore and cut him off directly.

"I'm not interested in IVF."

Ethan froze, a flash of joy in his eyes. His lips curved up, his tone softening slightly.

"Alright, then no IVF. We'll conceive naturally.

But you still need a checkup first. Yasmine has a point---things are chaotic abroad, we can't be careless."

Yasmine's smile froze on her face.

I rolled my eyes and quickly walked away.

Five years ago, at my and Ethan's wedding.

On the way to pick up the bride, he and Yasmine both disappeared.

All they left was a marriage certificate photo posted in the family group chat.

I didn't believe it. Crying, I ran to find him, and got into a car accident on the way.

The doctor told me I had miscarried.

And Ethan never showed up once. He only sent me a few messages to update me.

"Yasmine is sick and needs a placenta for medicine.

This time I'm the one who's wronged you.

But don't worry, once she's better, I'll divorce her immediately.

You'll still be my bride."

Looking at the nine-photo grid Yasmine posted to announce their relationship, I stared blankly all night.

Later I secretly went abroad and stayed with my uncle's family who had settled there.

A month later, I met Marcus.

Two months later, I married him.

Now I was already on my second child and almost through postpartum recovery.

Coming back to the country now, I really didn't want any more entanglements with them.

I frowned, hoping Ethan wouldn't cause more trouble, or else my jealous husband definitely wouldn't let it go.