Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 3

Gabriella's POV

Life became simple after that. Charlotte spent her days flaunting their relationship on social media, while Kayden kept up his cold shoulder act. This time, I refused to play his game of making me chase his approval.

A month later, Charlotte announced her pregnancy.

Kayden was over the moon, eager to share their news with everyone. Wedding preparations quickly took over the Taylor mansion as they fast-tracked their ceremony.

In this life, it was his beloved carrying his child, and I was determined to let them have their happiness.

Once my paperwork cleared, I booked a one-way ticket to Italy - departing the day of their wedding.

Kayden finally confronted me when Charlotte was out. He barged into my room, waving his phone like a weapon.

"So, what's this I hear about you dipping into your trust fund? My lawyer tells me you're planning a little European adventure." He smirked. "Classic. Getting all 'Eat, Pray, Love' because you can't deal with my wedding?"

My heart skipped, but his assumption helped ease my tension.

Seeing my silence, his tone turned icy. "Are you done with this attitude, Gabriella? A whole month of ghosting me - what, were you planning to keep this up forever if I didn't come to you?"

"Ever since Charlotte moved in, you've been acting like we don't exist. She's the woman I love - if you actually cared about me, you'd make an effort with her too, not hide away like some teenager."

"You can't avoid us forever. What's your brilliant plan after we're married? Keep playing this avoidance game?"

I shook my head. "You've got it wrong, Kayden. I see you only as my guardian. Nothing more than gratitude."

He laughed mockingly. "Gratitude? Come on, Gabriella. You're not fooling anyone - least of all yourself."

His eyes landed on my desk, lips curling. "Look at this shrine of every gift I've given you, and you're really going to sit there and tell me you don't have feelings for me?"