I Married Another Man While My Uncle Lover Watched

Chapter 8

"What? Why?"

My sleep vanished instantly.

Alexander Cooper wrapped his arms around me from behind, still groggy, his chin resting on my shoulder as he held me close.

"Ethan woke up yesterday in the hospital and immediately asked for you," Uncle Benjamin said over the phone. "Olivia argued with him... and let some things slip about your past. Mr. Williams overheard it all. He collapsed. He's in the ICU now. Still unconscious. The doctors… they say he might not make it."

"Sophia?"

His voice called out again.

"Sophia? Are you still there?"

I stood frozen, my mind spiraling, thoughts tangled beyond reason.

Alexander took the phone from me, his voice husky with sleep. "We'll be there soon."

Uncle Benjamin hesitated, then said, "Thank you, Alexander."

"Mhm."

Alexander yawned as he ended the call. I gave him an apologetic glance, but he shook his head.

"Go. He's still your uncle, Soph."

"…Okay."

By the time we arrived at the hospital, Ethan Sullivan was back in a coma. The doctors said if he didn't regain consciousness within three months, his chances would be slim.

No one spoke of it again.

About a month later, I finally got the news, Ethan had woken up.

But I didn't rush to see him.

My life had fallen into a new rhythm, steady, peaceful, everything moving just the way I'd hoped. When his name came up, it no longer stirred anything in me.

Still, on the day he was discharged, I went to the hospital.

The room was packed with people. Alexander and I were the last to arrive.

When Ethan saw me, his eyes filled with tears.

Did he always get this emotional? Even over stray dogs?

"You're awake now, Uncle," I said calmly, placing the bouquet I brought on the table. "You should head back to Riverdale like my dad said. I only came today to see you off. Who knows when we'll cross paths again?"

My father had made it clear: Ethan was no longer welcome in Southshire. Not even half a step across the border.

"I need to talk to you," Ethan said, his voice low. "Alone."

Then he glanced at Alexander, eyes filled with animosity.

"What? Scared to face me?"

Alexander raised an eyebrow, more amused than annoyed.

Ethan and I stepped outside.

It was late autumn. The air was crisp, leaves dancing across the pavement. I found myself imagining what tomorrow's hike with Alexander might look like, quiet trails, a thermos of tea, laughter echoing in the woods.

I barely heard what Ethan was saying.

"Sophia, I mean it," he said, moving closer. "Just think about it. I'll take you away from all this."

He reached out to hug me, but I stepped back.

"'Uncle', that's the only title we have left," I said softly.

"I'll talk to Dad," I continued. "Maybe next year, you can come back for New Year's Eve dinner. By then, you'll get to meet the little one, too."

I rested a hand on my belly, now gently rounded. My voice was gentle, almost teasing.

Ethan's expression crumbled. His eyes widened, and tears rushed in faster than he could blink them back.

"But this year," I said, "you'll be spending the holidays in Riverdale."

"Sophia, "

I cut him off with a small smile. "It's getting late. Alexander and I have a prenatal checkup to get to. I won't be seeing you off."

Without waiting for his reply, I turned and walked away, my hands protectively cradling my stomach.

Ahead of me, under the shade of the building, I saw them, my father and Alexander, laughing at something between them.

When they spotted me, they fell into step on either side.

"All done?" my dad asked.

"Yeah," I nodded. "So, what's for dinner? I'm starving."

"Your in-laws are cooking tonight," Dad said. "Your mom and I are joining."

"Perfect. Let's head over after the checkup?"

"We're waiting on you," Alexander grinned, shrugging off his jacket and draping it over my shoulders.

"The weather's so nice today," he added. "Dad, if you're free tomorrow, let's go camping."

"I'm in," my father said. "Just say the word."

"I'll have someone scout a spot," Alexander replied.

"Deal."

I slipped my arms through theirs, smiling wide. "Can we invite Uncle Christopher too? I heard he's dating someone ten years younger!"

Dad chuckled. "If you're the one asking, he won't dare say no."

"And make sure he brings his girlfriend!"

The three of us strolled toward the hospital entrance, bathed in the golden light of dusk.

Behind us, Ethan stood alone in a sea of falling leaves.

The wind stirred around him, carrying away the last pieces of what used to be.

The End.