On my 20th birthday, I confessed my feelings to Thomas, who is ten years older than me, while tipsy and full of joy.

"Thomas, I like you."

I only received a cold response, "Nina, don't joke like that."

Later, I introduced my new boyfriend to him while leaning on another man's arm.

For the first time, I saw rare panic in Thomas's eyes.

He pinned me against the door, his voice low and husky, "Break up with him. Right now."

——

Tonight was my 20th birthday, and my family had organized a grand birthday party for me.

They invited all our relatives and friends from Emeraldia, as well as various influential figures.

I decided to confess to the person I had liked for a long time tonight.

Once everything was in place, I quietly snuck into Thomas's room.

After a few drinks, the bustle downstairs gradually faded.

Soon, a sliver of light came through the door.

Thomas had seemingly drunk quite a bit. Under the influence of alcohol, his features appeared even more handsome, his well-defined abs faintly visible under his white shirt, stirring my imagination.

When he saw me, his brows furrowed slightly, "Nina?"

His deep, slow voice sent a shiver down my spine.

I bit my lip and ran over to wrap my arms tightly around his waist.

Tonight, I had deliberately chosen a thin lace-trimmed slip dress that perfectly highlighted my figure.

When our skin touched, Thomas seemed to freeze, and I slowly spoke words that stunned him even more.

"Thomas, I lobe you."

Time seemed to freeze at that moment.

Only the sound of our intertwined heartbeats filled the air, creating an awkward and tense atmosphere.

I don't know how long it was before Thomas pushed me away, "Nina, don't joke like that."

The indifference and indifference in his eyes stung me deeply.

"I'm not joking."

"Ask yourself honestly, don't you like me at all?"

"Nina." He interrupted me in a deep voice.

I looked at him in surprise, my fingers instinctively digging into my palms.

Thomas raised his hand to rub his forehead, seemingly contemplating how to handle this troublesome situation.

"It's late. Go back to your room and rest."

At that moment, the courage I had mustered collapsed.

Shame and resentment engulfed me.

The nearly transparent lace dress made me feel like a clown.

"I hate you, Thomas!"

After saying that, I ran out of the room, biting my lip hard.

I decided never to talk to him again.

That night, I wrapped myself tightly in my blanket.

The words echoed in my mind, accompanied by tears.

The next morning, my eyes were indeed swollen.

I couldn't face Thomas, so I skipped breakfast and hurried back to school.

Throughout the day, I was distracted, constantly checking my phone for messages.

The previously constant contact from Thomas was completely absent.

My friend, Juliette, noticed my worry and asked.

"Did things not go well last night?"

I pointed to my swollen eyes. "What do you think?"

"Did you use the tricks I taught you?"

I thought about the slip dress and Thomas's final look at me.

I felt as if I were being torn apart again. "I used them."

Juliette was puzzled. "That's strange. With your looks and figure, how could you not win over a man?"

"You always said your uncle treated you well, didn't you?"

It was pretty good.

But I couldn't tell if it was because he liked me.

Or because I was his so-called niece.

Thomas wasn't my father's biological brother and he was an orphan.

Years ago, Marcus took him in and, given the small age difference, listed Thomas as a family member.

I went from being a little girl who followed him around calling him brother.

I became his only niece.

Five years ago, my parents went to Brittonia to expand their business, entrusting me to Thomas.

In the years I spent with Thomas, I rarely called him uncle.

He also acquiesced in me not using this word to address him.

Thomas helped Grandfather manage the Garrett group.

He was busy, yet he never missed a parent-teacher meeting.

He was decisive and assertive outside, but he would lower himself to cheer me up with my favorite strawberry cake when I was upset.

For years, Thomas's care for me had been meticulous.

I hadn't even realized when I fell for him.

Thus, I always felt his care was more than just treating me as a dear junior.

But my all-or-nothing gamble resulted in this.

I wasn't willing to accept it and decided to talk to Thomas again at the family dinner this weekend.

But that night, I received another shocking piece of news.

Thomas was getting engaged.

I sat in the living room of the old house, listening to Grandfather introduce the woman sitting beside him.

I heard she was the only daughter of Rainey group.

She and Thomas were a perfect match.

Throughout the family dinner, I couldn't enjoy the food, constantly sneaking glances at Thomas.

Seeing Maya's expression when she talked to him and the way he looked at her.

I was reminded of his cold gaze at my birthday party.

My stomach churned, and I ran to the bathroom to dry heave.

I tried to calm myself down with cold water.

When I came out, I found Thomas waiting in the hallway.

“Feeling better?”

His tone was still gentle, which suddenly made my nose sting.

I didn't want to talk to him, but my feet wouldn't listen.

Thomas seemed pleased with my compliance, his eyes softening.

He handed me a cup of warm water. "Drink some water."

"Can you not get engaged to her?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Nina, stop this."

I clenched my hands, using all my strength to confront him.

"Why can't you believe that I like you?"

Thomas didn't say anything and his eyes grew colder.

As if he suppressed something.

I was afraid of that look but still unwilling to give up.

"If you refuse, I won't bother you again."

A clear female voice interrupted.

"Thomas, I've been looking for you."

Maya affectionately took his arm.

Thomas didn't look at me and left with Maya.

And I tried my best to get the answer.

Now it seemed that it was not so important.

Perhaps, he had only seen me as a junior who needed his care.

After that family dinner, I applied to live at school.

When I moved out of the villa, I vowed not to contact Thomas again.

A few days later, Thomas's secretary found me, bringing two boxes of fruit and snacks, which I didn't accept.

For the next few weeks, the secretary always brought things I liked or used.

Basically, they were all my favorites.

I knew it was Thomas's order and returned everything.

Unexpectedly, Thomas came to see me in the rain.

"Still angry?" He looked the same as before, his features so handsome it was hard to look away.

I noticed the dark circles under his eyes and couldn't help but say sarcastically.

"Thomas must be busy with work and dating."

Thomas didn't get angry at my sarcasm.

He had the secretary bring several boxes to my dorm.

"If you don't want to go back, I won't force you."

"Call me if you need anything else. I'll get someone to send it to you."

Seeing the people he brought busying themselves, I couldn't bring myself to refuse.

Maya appeared when I followed Thomas downstairs.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

This was the first thing she said, holding Thomas's arm.

It was like a cold shower waking me up.

I should have known. Grandfather mentioned at the family dinner.

Maya was a guest professor of psychology here.

It turned out that Thomas was here for her.

Thomas had come to see her, and dealing with me was just an afterthought.

No wonder he seemed in a good mood.

Yes, how could he be in a bad mood when he could see the person he liked.

It was almost mealtime when Maya generously invited me to join them for dinner.

I didn't want to be a third wheel, especially not face-to-face with her and Thomas.

Recalling the last dinner at the old house, I was eager to avoid this invitation.

However, Maya was too enthusiastic, and I couldn't refuse, so I reluctantly agreed.

I quickly turned to my phone and contacted Marlon, a senior who had shown interest in me a few days.

I asked him if he wanted to have dinner with me.

Marlon responded and arrived swiftly.

Marlon walked into the restaurant holding my hand, and I saw the stiff expression on Thomas's face, which sparked a bit of malicious delight in me.

During the meal, Marlon enthusiastically served me food.

I had to stay highly alert to deal with him, acting particularly affectionate.

Even Maya remarked that Marlon and I looked very compatible.

Before leaving, Marlon stepped out to take a call, and Maya went to the restroom to touch up her makeup.

I continued eating as if nothing had happened when I heard Thomas's voice from across the table.

"What's your relationship with him."

"Can't you tell, Thomas? Are your eyes failing you already?"

Thomas's face darkened instantly. "Nina, his intentions are not pure. You'd better stay away from him."

I chuckled inwardly but maintained a serious tone.

"I think he's great, at least he's young, cheerful, and energetic."

"Unlike some people in their thirties who might already be past their prime."

"Isn't that right, Thomas?"

Calling him Uncle so mockingly, Thomas clearly became somewhat angry.

Fortunately, Maya and Marlon returned in time, and I left the restaurant holding Marlon's hand.

Before we parted, Marlon suggested taking me to his newly rented villa.

I hesitated, but Thomas spoke up to refuse on my behalf. "She's not available."

"Who says so?" Ignoring Thomas's advice, I agreed.

"Let's go, Marlon, I'll go with you."

"Nina." My name almost popped out of Thomas's mouth word by word.

I ignored him and Maya holding hands and got into Marlon's car.

...