harlotte’s POV:
I flashed a brilliant smile. “Hello, desk mate. Long time no see.”
Everyone in the room stared at Jason and me in shock, including Alexander.
Alexander’s eyebrows rose slightly, his gaze darting between Jason and me with unmasked curiosity.
Jason immediately turned around, clearly intending to escape, but Alexander and I commanded in unison: “Come back!”
Our unexpected harmony caused us to exchange a brief glance.
Richard leaned forward in his chair. “Charlotte, you and Jason were desk mates?”
“Elementary school desk mates,” I nodded, memories flooding back like a tidal wave.
Jason looked like he might cry. “Elementary, middle, and high school desk mates,” he added miserably.
I watched Alexander’s expression shift as Jason’s words sank in. The relationship between his wife and nephew was clearly much deeper than a casual acquaintance.
“Come over and properly greet your aunt,” Alexander commanded Jason with unexpected sternness.
“Uncle, please don’t marry her! She’s a human T–Rex!” Jason pleaded, genuine fear in his voice.
I feigned innocence. “What did I ever do to you? Wasn’t I a good desk mate?”
Jason shot me a look that could kill. Ten years of shared history flashed between us–how he had tried to boss me around in third grade, only to be humiliated by me in front of the entire class; how he had challenged me again in middle school when he grew taller, only to be defeated by my taekwondo skills; and our final showdown in high school that ended with him taking a three–day absence.
“Jason, I didn’t know you were so afraid of my husband,” I teased, emphasizing the possessive.
Jason’s face paled even more, clearly understanding my double meaning. He sat down silently next to Richard, suddenly docile.
Alexander announced we would leave immediately, but Richard vetoed that: “What’s the rush? Jason just got home. We’re having a family dinner, and neither of you is leaving today.”
The dining room quickly devolved into a series of confrontations about Jason’s appearance. Victoria discovered a tattoo on his thumb, triggering a chain reaction of family criticism.
Alexander issued the most terrifying threat: “Either the tattoo disappears, or the hand does.”
Jason looked to me for support, but I merely shrugged. “Don’t look at me. It’s your uncle who wants to chop off your hand,
not me.”
When Jason returned from the bathroom a few minutes later, his hand was clean–the “tattoo” had merely been a high- quality temporary decal.
1/3
Chapter 27
Jason and I exchanged wordless information across the table, unaware that Alexander was observing our silent communication with increasing irritation.
“Happy to see Jason?‘ he suddenly asked me.
Distracted, I responded with a confused “Huh?” which Alexander clearly interpreted as affirmation.
Then, I heard Alexander ask Victoria: “Sister–in–law, Jason is 20 now, right? He’s old enough to get married.”
This immediately caught my attention, and I excitedly tugged at Alexander’s sleeve. “Darling, who is Jason’s wife going to
be? Tell me!”
His expression softened slightly. “It hasn’t been decided yet. As his aunt, you should help with his marriage arrangements.”
“Of course! It’s my responsibility! Don’t worry, little Jason, your aunt will find you a gentle, virtuous, and well–educated
wife.”
I stared at Jason with enthusiasm while he looked utterly desperate.
That evening, I sat on the sofa in the bedroom, feeling frustrated. “We were so close to leaving, and Jason had to come back right at that moment.”
I pleaded with Alexander. “Can we leave first thing tomorrow morning? My classes are about to start, and I won’t have
time to move then.”
“We’ll see,” he answered before going to take a shower.
Meanwhile, Jason was learning about the conflict between his mother and me in his parents‘ bedroom. “Mom, you’re absolutely being manipulated by Karen Barrett. I guarantee Charlotte has zero interest in taking over as the Kingsley family matriarch. I’ve known her since elementary school.”
Later, Jason knocked on our door. “Charlotte, I know you’re not asleep. Open up.”
After getting Alexander’s permission, I opened the door. “What is it?”
Jason barged in, noticing the pillows and blanket on the sofa. “Holy crap! You two sleep separately?!”
I punched him. “Keep your voice down!”
Alexander got out of bed, clearly ready to discipline his nephew.
“I thought you had become my uncle’s woman, but you’re still a… Ow! Uncle, mercy!” Jason cried as Alexander grabbed his
ear.
“Still what?” Alexander pressed.
“Still a pure virgin! Ow! Uncle, my ear is going to fall off!”
Alexander continued twisting. “I’ll ask one more time. She is what?”
Jason looked to me for help. “Charlotte, don’t just stand there! Help me!”
2/3
Chapter 27
“Sorry, I can’t beat my husband,” I responded.
Alexander turned to me. “You answer.”
I stated frankly: “Jason is right. Nothing has happened between us since the wedding. I am indeed still a pure virgin.”
Alexander released Jason and walked toward me. With one swift motion, he picked me up and tossed me onto the bed.
Jason gasped. “Oh my God! Is Uncle going to give me a live demonstration? This is too intense!”
1 sat up nervously. “Alexander, remember our agreement. Don’t cross the line.”
Alexander glared at Jason. “Are you planning to watch what’s about to happen with your aunt?”
“No, no, I’m not looking!” Jason covered his eyes.
“Get out,” Alexander commanded.
Jason fled, hastily closing the door behind him.
Alone with Alexander, I found myself trapped on the bed, my heart racing. “Alexander, are you… going to sleep on the sofa?”
He moved closer, until I could feel his breath brushing against my face.
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