Uncle's New Wife, Nephew's Regret Free Preview

"Trevor, I've just touched down. I'll reach city hall in about thirty minutes."

After sending the message, a faint, contented smile appeared on Serena Steele's lips.

Today marked the moment she and Trevor Levine would finally apply for their marriage license.

From falling in love in college to getting engaged and arriving at this day, exactly five years had passed without a hitch.

She reclined against the back seat as the soft morning sun illuminated her fair complexion, giving her features a calm, gentle glow.

Catching her expression in the rearview mirror, the cab driver chuckled. "Straight from the airport to city hall, huh? It must be a big day."

"That's right. Today's Valentine's Day. We reserved the appointment two weeks ago," Serena replied cheerfully.

The driver laughed aloud. "Youngsters really know how to pick dates. My daughter wanted today too, but she failed to secure a spot, so she had to settle for tomorrow!"

"Congratulations to your daughter," Serena said politely.

"Same to you," he replied with a grin.

…

However, even after stepping out of the cab, she still hadn't received a response from Trevor. Her lips curved into a small pout as she dialed his number.

The phone rang endlessly before he finally answered.

His tone was flat and distant. "Yeah? What is it?"

Serena's grip tightened around her phone. "Trevor, where are you? I'm already at city hall and took our queue number. We're—"

He interrupted her without hesitation. "Rena, I can't come right now."

Her chest tightened. "What do you mean? We agreed we'd handle the license today."

"Something came up," he said casually. "We'll do it another time. The date doesn't really matter."

Doesn't matter?

She had scheduled everything two weeks in advance.

Before she could respond, a woman's voice cut in from his end. "Trevor, are you still on the phone? Everyone's waiting downstairs. We're heading out for breakfast."

Serena's heart dropped sharply.

That voice belonged to Amber Jacobs.

Amber had been adopted by the Levine family eighteen years ago.

She is back?

Serena's fingers turned icy around her phone. Before she could say another word, the call ended abruptly.

He had told her he went to bed early the night before because he was exhausted. Now she knew the truth—he had spent the night with another woman.

Soon after, her phone vibrated with a message.

"Serena, was that you who called Trevor just now? I just returned, and he hosted a welcome party for me last night. He drank too much and didn't go home. Please don't misunderstand. Would you like to join us for breakfast?"

A crushing weight pressed against Serena's chest, making it difficult to breathe.

She replied immediately, "Send me the address. I'm on my way."

...

Outside a private dining room at Vermillion Restaurant, Serena heard familiar voices drifting through the door.

"Mr. Trevor, I thought you were supposed to be at city hall with Serena today?"

"Well, I heard she booked the slot two weeks ago just to get the marriage license with Mr. Trevor today."

Someone asked curiously, "What's so special about today?"

"It's Valentine's Day."

A scoff followed. "Come on, Mr. Trevor doesn't love her. Everyone knows the one he truly cares about is Amber."

Amber lowered her head shyly. "Don't say that. Trevor is my brother."

Standing outside, Serena's face drained of all color. She waited, desperate to hear how the man she loved would respond.

The door was slightly ajar.

She stood motionless, peering through the narrow opening. Trevor was leaning back casually, his hand resting possessively on the back of Amber's chair.

From that angle, it looked like an intimate embrace shared between lovers.

His voice flowed smoothly through the air. "Amber, do you really see me as nothing more than a brother?"

She hesitated. "Trevor... are you really not going to city hall with Serena today?"

"Yeah," he replied lazily. "There's nothing between us."

Noticing her discomfort during the teasing, his voice softened further. "Amber, no one matters more to me than you."

The room erupted into cheers and whistles.

Only the woman outside felt a sharp, tearing pain rip through her chest. She finally understood—no matter what she did, she could never reach his heart.

In his world, she was always the second choice. No effort could change that.

Serena felt ridiculous—weak and pitiful.

Someone exiting the restroom froze when they saw her. "Serena? You're here. Why aren't you coming in?"

The door swung open abruptly, and all eyes inside landed on the pale woman standing there.

After a brief, awkward silence, someone tried to ease the tension. "Hey, Serena! You're here! Come join us for breakfast."

Trevor withdrew his hand from Amber's chair, his brows knitting slightly. "Why did you come?"

Serena steadied her breath and stepped inside. "Am I not allowed to be here, Trevor?"

Amber quickly stood up. "Serena! Take my seat—I saved it for you."

"Amber, stay here," Trevor said, pressing Amber back down.

The gesture felt like a blade stabbing into Serena's heart.

"Right. Stay seated," Serena said calmly. "I didn't come here for breakfast."

Trevor's expression hardened. "Serena, what are you doing? Didn't we agree to postpone it?"

Her smile turned razor-sharp. "There's nothing to postpone."

He stared at her. "What did you say?"

She inhaled deeply, then smiled as gently as spring wind. "I said we're not getting the marriage license. You already said it yourself—we're nothing. Our engagement is over. I'm stepping aside."

Trevor froze. His eyes darkened. "Say that again."

"Since she matters so much," Serena continued, "consider the city hall slot I booked as my wedding gift to the two of you."

She dropped the queue number she'd been clutching onto the floor.

"Serena!" Trevor snapped through clenched teeth. "Amber just returned. Can't we talk about this at home?"

Someone scoffed. "As if she'd really canceled. Everyone knows she's obsessed with Mr. Trevor. If Old Mr. Levine hadn't interfered, she wouldn't have had a chance."

Amber looked thrilled beneath her forced panic. "Serena, don't listen to them. Trevor and I are siblings!"

Siblings.

Serena had heard that excuse countless times, yet no real brother would skip applying for a marriage license just to host a welcome party for his so-called sister.

A cold smile tugged at her lips. "Really? That's one devoted brother. Or should I say lover?"

A vein throbbed at Trevor's temple as fury crossed his face. "Enough! Serena, apologize to Amber. Now."

Serena met his gaze, her resolve unshaken. "I swear I will never marry Trevor Levine—ever. If I break this vow, may he never have children."

After delivering that remark, Serena turned on her heel and walked out, leaving the people in the private room exchanging stunned looks.

Someone broke the silence with an uneasy laugh. "Well, Serena's got a sense of humor, I guess."

"Don't take it to heart, Mr. Trevor. Sweet-talk her some other time, and she'll soften up."

Another person snorted in disdain. "Sweet-talk her? Why bother? Pamper women too much, and they'll just climb all over you."

"Enough." Trevor's expression turned frigid, their chatter scraping harshly against his patience.

Amber's chest tightened. Since when does Trevor side with that woman? While I was gone all those years, has Serena already replaced me?

She pressed her lips together, then spoke gently. "Trevor, if Serena's upset, I can apologize to her for you, okay?"

She reached out and lightly poked his waist with one finger, smiling playfully. "Don't be angry. Look at you—you're scaring everyone."

Back when they were younger, she loved teasing him like this under the table. Every single time, it worked.

As expected, the tension in his brows eased slightly. "I'm not angry. Amber, I wouldn't ever take my temper out on you because of someone else."

She lowered her eyes, looking shy and tender, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "I know. I feel the same way, Trevor."

The group immediately started teasing them, and the heavy atmosphere Serena had left behind vanished in an instant.

...

Serena went straight to the residence that was supposed to become her home with Trevor, a wedding gift from his grandpa, Bryce Levine.

"Mrs. Levine, you're back?" The maid, Lucy Brown, sounded genuinely surprised. Weren't they supposed to register their marriage today? Why is only Mrs. Levine home?

Serena didn't respond and went straight upstairs. She had never truly settled in; all her belongings fit neatly into a single suitcase.

As she passed Trevor's study, her gaze landed on the tablet resting on his desk.

She remembered once wanting to watch a show on it. He had snapped at her for no apparent reason.

She had assumed he disliked people touching his things. Yet earlier that day, she had clearly seen Amber casually handling his phone.

Serena stepped into the study and tapped the screen.

A password prompt appeared.

Taking a steady breath, she entered his birthday.

It was incorrect.

She tried again, this time with her own birthday.

Still wrong.

For the third attempt, she recalled something she'd once heard about Amber—born in autumn, her name inspired by falling leaves. Serena quickly checked Amber's social media and confirmed her birthday was September 23.

Her fingers trembled as she typed in 0923. The screen unlocked instantly.

Bitterness rose in her throat.

The tablet contained no apps at all.

Following her instinct, she opened the photo gallery.

The warmth drained from her hands. There were 3,344 photos—every single one featuring Amber and Trevor.

Pictures of Amber alone. Pictures of the two of them together.

As for Serena, he had always avoided taking photos with her. The only image of them together was the formal wedding portrait hanging in the bedroom.

He'd claimed he disliked being photographed. Yet in these thousands of pictures, his smile was open and radiant, happier than she had ever seen him.

Serena shut the tablet, leaving the study as though she had never entered.

Lucy watched as the bride-to-be dragged a suitcase back downstairs, utterly confused. "Mrs. Levine, you just arrived. Are you heading out on another trip already?"

Knowing Serena was a lawyer who traveled frequently, Lucy naturally assumed it was work-related.

Serena paused briefly. "Yeah." Then, she walked out, her expression completely unreadable.

...

Trevor didn't return home until the following day.

A whole day and night passed, and she hasn't sent me a single message. She's really getting bold.

"Did Serena come back yesterday?" he asked.

Lucy shook her head. "Sir, I believe Mrs. Levine went away on a trip. She didn't mention when she'd return."

A trip—or deliberately avoiding me?

He didn't dwell on it. She always sulked for a while before coming back on her own.

After all, they were already engaged, the wedding photos were done, and registering the marriage was only a formality.

As for her dramatic talk about not getting married yesterday, Trevor hadn't taken it seriously at all.

As if she would actually mean it.

"Alright." He went upstairs.

No one had moved into the master bedroom yet—they planned to do so after the wedding.

Since he and Serena each used separate guest rooms, he didn't notice that the wedding portrait had vanished from the stark white wall in the master bedroom.

He had barely sat down when his grandpa called.

"Trevor, did you and Rena get your marriage certificate? I didn't see any updates in the family group."

He paused briefly. "Grandpa, something came up that day. We didn't manage to go and forgot to tell you. After your birthday banquet, we'll take care of it."

"The sooner, the better. It'll put my mind at ease. Also, I heard Amber is back."

Trevor had never known that five years ago, Amber had left the country after Bryce tried to arrange a match she disliked.

He never knew what she'd said to Bryce. After Bryce rejected the arrangement on her behalf, she left in a hurry—without even informing him.

That year, his relationship with his family had been strained. Things only improved after he became engaged to Serena.

"So it seems," Trevor replied calmly.

His tone reassured Bryce. "Good. I'll have your father contact her. Since she's returned, she should come home. Trevor, regardless of who comes back, I want you and Serena to finalize your marriage soon. Do you understand?"

His gaze turned cold. "I understand."

After ending the call, he rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Tomorrow was Bryce's birthday banquet. He stared at his chat history with Serena, the last message still from the day he had stood her up.

"Are you back from your trip? Grandpa's birthday banquet is tomorrow."

…

An hour later, she replied with nothing but a question mark.

Irritation darkened his eyes.

"Serena, stop this. You know how important Grandpa's banquet is."

Fresh from the shower, she read the message and laughed softly, her tone icy. "Mr. Trevor, we already broke up. I won't be attending the banquet. Take whoever you like."

His patience snapped.

"Are you playing games again? I didn't agree to break up. I'm picking you up at seven tomorrow. Grandpa has treated you well. If you have any conscience at all, don't ruin his birthday."

The message sounded like both a warning and a threat.

Serena scoffed, utterly unmoved.

"Fine. I'll go. Send my appearance fee first." She attached a QR code for mobile payment. "Label it as labor compensation."

Anger flickered across his face. He couldn't tell what she was trying to pull.

With no time to argue, he transferred a million.

She accepted it almost instantly, then sent back a meme. "Thanks, sir. You're very generous."

She felt it was annoying and unnecessary to say anything more to him.

Serena arrived at the villa right on time, wearing a delicate lavender gown.

Her long, soft waves were tied back with a white ribbon, falling effortlessly down her back. Her skin was flawless and fair, her eyes sparkled with vitality, and her smile exuded warmth. Her features were striking and captivating, yet she carried an air of serene, unapproachable elegance.

The soft hue of her gown muted the sharpness of her features, just enough to soften her fierce edge.

Trevor had just opened his car door when he caught sight of her stepping into the courtyard.

It was the first time he had ever seen her in a dress. The form-fitting garment hugged every curve of her figure, making it impossible for him to look away.

Her beauty held a dangerous allure that sent a sharp thrill racing through him.

He frowned, his voice tight with tension. "Go upstairs and change immediately."

Serena chuckled softly. "And who, may I ask, gave you that order?"

"Tonight is Grandpa's birthday banquet. Wearing that…" he hesitated before continuing, "you'll draw far too much unwanted attention."

Serena glided toward the rear door. "Exactly. I want every eye on me. I'll save the boring look for your funeral."

"Serena." Trevor ground out her name.

Ignoring him, she slipped gracefully into the back seat.

He climbed into the driver's seat, his voice calm but unyielding. "Sit in the front. I'm not your chauffeur."

Her gaze flicked to a pearl earring on the front seat.

Her expression darkened. "No thanks. It's filthy. I'm not risking ruining my gown."

Trevor had no idea why she was being so obstinate; it seemed like she might be on her period, but that wasn't due until the end of the month.

Time was pressing.

As the eldest grandson, he couldn't risk being late.

...

When they pulled up to the venue, he stepped out of the car and offered her his arm.

Serena shot him a sharp, irritated glance—but tonight was Bryce's birthday.

And he was right; Bryce had backed their engagement more than anyone, and she couldn't humiliate him on his special night.

She pulled a silk scarf from her clutch, wrapped it neatly around her hand, then lifted her gaze, cool and composed. "Fine. Let's go."

That one small gesture made the vein in Trevor's temple pulse. "Serena, don't push your luck. Do you honestly think I'm that filthy?"

Her lips curled into a mischievous smile as she shrugged. "That obvious? I'll be more discreet next time."

…

The second they stepped into the banquet hall, every head turned.

Trevor looked as if he'd stepped straight off a fashion magazine page. Tall, lean, and poised, he commanded attention wherever he went.

His eyes glinted like starlight, his brows bold, his features sharply chiseled. A faint, cool smile softened the sharp lines of his face.

As the heir to Denton's most powerful family, he was a natural magnet for admirers.

His warm hand rested over hers through the silk scarf. "Stay here. I need to go greet Mr. Wright of Starhill Corporation. Keep yourself occupied for a moment."

Serena's lips twitched in a faint smirk, and she slipped her hand free effortlessly.

Her palm had grown damp beneath the scarf anyway.

Trevor's expression darkened faintly, but more important matters demanded his attention. He turned and strode off.

…

The second he was gone, whispers erupted and spread like wildfire.

"Well, well—look who it is. Isn't this Trevor's clingy little fiancée?"

"Funny, wasn't there someone who swore just days ago she'd stop clinging to him?"

Serena let out a cold, sharp laugh that cut through the room. "Oh? Are you suggesting Trevor can never have children?"

The woman had only meant to provoke Serena—not insult Trevor.

"What on earth are you talking about?"

Serena's eyes glinted with biting sarcasm. "I did swear, didn't I? If he can't have children, that means I've broken my vow, hasn't it? No one even knows if he's sterile—maybe you ought to find out for me."

"How dare you!" The woman's face contorted with shock.

Her friends stared at her, wide-eyed. Has Serena lost her mind? Did she really just suggest someone seduce her own fiancé?

"Hmph. Enjoy your little moment. Once Amber shows up, you'll be nothing."

Naturally, the Levine family's beloved adopted daughter wouldn't have missed a night like this for the world.

...

"Serena, Mom and I have been calling you nonstop. Why didn't you pick up?"

Serena turned slowly to face Kyana Steele, her irritation plain as day.

Her gaze drifted to the poised woman standing beside her. Yvonne Quinn, her stepmother, wore a saccharine smile. "Rena, didn't you say you'd go get the marriage license with Trevor on Valentine's Day? Why haven't you posted it in the family chat?"

Serena looked away and pulled her phone out of her bag. "Oops. I must've left the family chat by accident. You three are doing just fine without me—I doubt you'd even notice."

Her father, Donald Steele, wasn't even here tonight.

Her mother had died when Serena was three. Three months later, her father remarried—and that was the day her own father became nothing more than a stranger in her life.

"Serena, what's that supposed to mean? Show my mom some respect!"

Before Serena could reply, Kyana's eyes lit up. "Amber's here! Mom, I'm going over!"

Yvonne kept her smile in place. "Be careful. Don't fall."

She turned back to Serena, a smirk playing on her lips. "Don't pay her any mind. Kyana's just impulsive. She and Amber are best friends, and after five years apart, it's only natural they're this excited."

"By the way… does Trevor know his sister is back?"

Everyone knew just how deeply Trevor doted on his adopted sister. He spoiled her so shamelessly that people whispered: if Amber hadn't been taken in by the Levine family, she might well have become his fiancée instead.

Still, no one dared say such a thing out loud in front of the Levines.

Years ago, Bryce himself had quashed those rumors—Amber was, and always would be, the Levine family's daughter.

Serena pressed her lips into a thin line and said nothing.

Yvonne still got a kick out of needling her with words, but Serena was no longer the fragile, easy-to-hurt girl she used to be.

Yvonne only smiled.

When she spotted a man striding toward them across the hall, her smile widened. "Rena, who would've thought… after five years apart, Trevor still adores his little sister this much?"

A tightness coiled in Serena's chest. "You're right. But tell me something, Yvonne, do you think Trevor knows his precious sister's best friend is in love with him too?"

Yvonne's smile faltered at once.

"Come now, Rena, you're being ridiculous. Kyana isn't trying to steal your man."

Serena smiled softly, calmly. "It's quite all right. I'm done with him."

Yvonne stared at her, stunned. "Rena, you…"

Her eyes darted back and forth between Serena and the man approaching.

"Serena… who exactly are you done with?"

Yvonne gave a gentle smile. "Trevor, Rena was only teasing you."

Amber's long hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing her fresh, simple white dress. Her voice was soft as she asked, "Serena, are you still upset with Trevor about what happened that day?"

Kyana curled her lips in a mocking smirk. "Serena, how do you even find it in yourself to be angry at Trevor?"

None of this mattered to Trevor, though.

His gaze dropped, sharp and calculating. Slowly, he repeated each word with deliberate clarity. "What did you just say you're done with?"

Serena gave him a disdainful smile.

"So, Mr. Trevor, you don't hear well, huh?" came her reply. Then, she firmly said, "I said I'm done with you."

Yvonne raised an eyebrow, realizing she had greatly misjudged her stepdaughter.

Anger surged through Trevor, but he restrained it and pulled her into his arms. "Do you really think you can push me away just by saying that? Stop it. It's Grandpa's birthday. Let's go wish him a happy birthday."

He draped an arm around Serena and walked past Amber toward the main table where Bryce was seated.

Watching their close stance, Kyana stomped up behind them. "Amber, has your brother lost his mind?"

Amber's long lashes flickered, and her smile carried subtle meaning. "Kyana, do you have feelings for my brother too?"

Kyana froze.

"N-No." Her voice dropped, tinged with guilt. "Why would I like him? He's about to be my brother-in-law."

The last words were loaded with reluctance.

Amber's expression turned cold. She stopped looking at her friend and focused straight ahead. "Come on, Kyana. Let's go greet my grandpa."

Five years.

She was reclaiming everything that had always belonged to her.

...

Serena didn't resist him. She had already accepted her fee for the day and knew she had to see the performance through.

"Old Mr. Levine, this is just a small gift from me. Wishing you health and happiness always."

Bryce accepted the present with a hearty laugh. "Rena, you really didn't need to. Your wedding with Trevor is just a month away. When will you two get your marriage license?"

The onlookers understood the implication instantly.

Bryce clearly approved of Serena as his grandson's wife.

Trevor's eyelids twitched in apprehension, afraid the reluctant woman in his arms might say something reckless.

He intervened quickly. "Grandpa, we'll take care of it in a few days."

Bryce gave Trevor a slow, warning look. "A few days? Which day exactly?"

Trevor pressed his lips together. "I'll be flying to Hugrove for work tomorrow and returning the day after. We'll go then."

Serena's lips curled slightly. The day after? No way I'm going. He can go with whoever he wants—doesn't matter to me.

With the date set, Bryce finally relaxed.

"Rena, take a seat. I might be busy today and not be able to entertain properly," he said, his smile warm and gentle.

Serena returned his smile. He was a kind man, and she had no intention of embarrassing him. "Thank you, Old Mr. Levine. I won't be a bother—just enjoy your day."

Trevor casually indicated a table. "You and your family, sit here."

He noticed Amber talking with Bryce and quickly walked over.

…

"Hah. See, Serena? Amber obviously holds the top spot in Trevor's heart."

Serena ignored her spiteful stepsister and smiled at Yvonne instead. "Yvonne, when did she get a brother? Dad has been longing for a son. That's major news! Have you told him?"

Kyana's face burned. "You! Serena, what are you talking about? When did Mom give me a brother?"

"Oh," Serena said, her smile tinged with knowing amusement, "you've been so fixated on Trevor. I take it you've had your eye on him all along, hoping for a brother. Maybe Yvonne will make your little wish come true."

Yvonne's lips tightened. "Rena, you sure love making jokes."

The remark was sharp, hinting she couldn't give the family a son.

…

"Hello, Ms. Steele. Old Mr. Levine requests your presence at the main table."

Serena blinked and then stood, smiling politely. "Alright. Thank you."

Kyana's expression twisted as she watched her walk away. "Mom, look at her!"

Yvonne gave her a stern glare. "Enough. Pull yourself together. Remember why we're here."

Kyana immediately composed herself.

Today wasn't about arguing with Serena.

"Did you hear? Mr. Levine will also be coming later."

"Mr. Sebastian Levine? He's back?"

"Yes. He's stabilized the family's overseas business, so of course he's returning."

Everyone knew that the real force behind the Levine family was the quiet, mysterious third son, Sebastian Levine.

"I heard he's still single. Now that he's back, the socialites in Denton will be scheming."

...

"Rena, sit by Trevor. That boy's being careless—his wife belongs at the main table."

Trevor's parents exchanged warm smiles.

"That's right, Rena. We're looking forward to your wedding," Trevor's mom, Deanna Cooper, said kindly.

"Amber, since you've been overseas for five years, you may not know. This is your sister-in-law, Serena, the eldest of the Steele family. You should've met before," Deanna introduced.

Amber's smile stiffened.

"We've met before. Serena was my senior in high school."

Trevor couldn't bear to see her uncomfortable. He peeled a shrimp and placed it in her bowl. "Amber, have some shrimp. You love it."

Bryce's eyes narrowed slightly. He wasn't thrilled but wouldn't scold his grandson in public. "Rena, let Trevor peel one for you too."

Trevor had peeled a second shrimp, ready to place it in Serena's bowl, when her calm voice stopped him. "No, thank you, Old Mr. Levine. I'm allergic to seafood and don't eat shrimp."

Looking him in the eyes, Serena added with subtle meaning, "Give it to Amber instead."

Bryce smiled but sent Trevor another discreet glare. "Sebastian said traffic's bad, and we shouldn't wait for him."

"Grandpa, is Uncle Sebastian staying for good this time?" Trevor asked.

At home, the Levine Group was long managed by Trevor's dad, Nathan Levine, while overseas operations were overseen by Sebastian.

People often said Bryce had two excellent sons, and some secretly hoped they'd clash for drama.

But Bryce had already determined their futures.

Nathan, the elder, was cautious and practical—perfect for preserving the legacy. Sebastian, the younger, was ruthless and decisive—the heir Bryce favored.

The Levine Group's rise in Denton came from Sebastian's bold, calculated moves.

Five years ago, Bryce fully stepped aside, appointing Sebastian head of the group.

True to his low-key nature, Sebastian delegated domestic affairs and focused overseas.

Bryce gave Trevor a sidelong glance. "Are you worried your uncle's return will put you in check?"

Sebastian, thirty-three, wasn't old but was notoriously strict.

At seventeen, Trevor had sneaked out with his sister in a family car and nearly got caught by Sebastian.

He'd always been a little wary of the man.

Trevor rubbed his nose. "No. Why would I be?"

He gave a sheepish smile—then met Serena's cool gaze, fire igniting in his chest. Leaning close, his voice low and intense, he asked, "What are you laughing at?"

Serena brought a piece of fish to her lips. "Nothing. You just amuse me."

A deep, magnetic voice rang above them. "What's so funny? Share it with us."

Serena's heart skipped a beat.

A tall, lean man entered with effortless grace.

Dressed in charcoal and black, his eyes were piercing and sharp, brows furrowed, revealing nothing.

"Dad, sorry I'm late."

The Levine family's third son, Sebastian, had arrived.

Serena was caught completely off guard by the sudden question.

She had just been laughing at Trevor, and now it was her turn to lose her smile. Trevor might have been wary of the man in front of them, but she wanted even less to run into his uncle.

When she was 16, she had spent an entire month rehearsing the words in her head before finally working up the nerve to confess to Trevor, timing it carefully for a moment when none of the Levine family elders were home.

She stood outside Trevor's bedroom with her head lowered, staring fixedly at the tips of her shoes, her heart pounding as she gathered every ounce of courage she had and knocked on the door.

The door opened slowly. She still didn't dare lift her head to look at the boy she loved. Her cheeks flushed, and with all the strength she could muster, she blurted out, "Trevor, I like you."

It was a moment she never wanted to remember again. A man's voice, apologetic and calm, sounded beside her ear. "Rena, Trevor's room is downstairs."

Serena jerked her head up in panic, only to realize that the person standing in front of her wasn't Trevor at all—but his uncle.

A bath towel was draped casually around the man's body, the faint scent of body wash lingering around him. His eyes curved slightly at the corners, carrying a trace of confusion.

Serena didn't dare meet his gaze. She threw out a hurried apology and bolted downstairs without looking back. For months after that, she hadn't dared set foot into the Levine residence.

…

"Hey, Serena, you there?" Trevor tugged her arm, snapping Serena back to the present.

She immediately lowered her head, her voice softening. "Hey, Mr. Sebastian."

Trevor clicked his tongue inwardly. She was all claws and attitude with me just now, but the moment she sees Uncle Sebastian, she's all well-behaved.

"We were just talking about you, Uncle," Trevor said with a smile. "You've been away for years—we really missed you."

Sebastian pulled out the chair beside Bryce and took off his jacket, draping it over the back. He casually rolled up his shirt sleeves. "Is that so? I seem to remember that when I went abroad, Trevor, you were the most delighted."

"That was ages ago," Trevor muttered, feeling awkward.

"Sorry for being late, Dad. I'll drink to that."

Bryce's eyes crinkled into a smile. Everyone knew Sebastian was his favorite son. "Oh, don't bother," he beamed. "You just got off the plane—why drink?"

Sebastian only smiled faintly and said nothing, tilting his head back and taking a shot. Afterward, his calm gaze swept over the table before stopping to his left.

"Trevor, have you registered your marriage yet? I came back this time specifically to attend your wedding."

The glass in Amber's hand slipped and shattered on the floor. She bent down immediately. "Sorry, I didn't hold it properly."

As she spoke, she reached for the shards of broken glass. "Ow!"

"Careful!"

Seeing bright red blood well up from her hand, Trevor rushed to her side at once and gently clasped her hand, his voice full of intimate concern and reproach. "How are you always so careless?"

Then, he turned to the table, announcing, "Grandpa, I'll take Amber to get her wound dressed."

Without sparing a glance at everyone's grim expressions, Trevor wrapped an arm lightly around her trembling back and led her away.

Wow, he really does need to hurry. Any later and that tiny cut will heal on its own.

It wasn't just Bryce—Nathan and Deanna's expressions were grim as well. Their son's little intentions were hardly a secret to anyone.

Deanna smiled faintly and patted her future daughter-in-law's hand. "Rena, Amber's been frail since she was little. Trevor's just used to looking after her."

Sebastian gave a half-smile as he turned the dish of chicken toward Serena. "Have some chicken. I remember you loved it when you were little."

His tone was casual, his manner that of an elder, yet it made Serena uneasy. Of all things, she hated hearing about her childhood from his mouth.

She kept her head lowered. "Thank you, Mr. Sebastian."

…

Until the dinner ended, neither Trevor nor Amber returned to the table.

Serena rose to her feet and inclined her head politely. "Old Mr. Levine, it's getting late. I have a case in court tomorrow, so I'll head off first."

Bryce scolded his grandson inwardly before nodding. "Alright. Work comes first."

He glanced around the table. "You didn't drive here, did you, Rena? Let Sebastian give you a ride."

Serena declined immediately. "It's fine, Old Mr. Levine. Mr. Sebastian had a drink earlier."

Oh, imagine how awkward it'd be if he got hauled in for drunk driving as soon as he returned?!

Sebastian chuckled softly. "It's fine. I have an international meeting later tonight anyway, and was about to head back. The chauffeur can drop you off on the way."

Just like that, Serena found herself forced into Sebastian's car.

She tried to open the front passenger door, only to discover that the Levine family chauffeur had locked it. With no choice, she sat in the back seat, offering an awkward smile. "Thanks for the lift, Mr. Sebastian."

Sebastian's expression hovered between a smile and something unreadable. "You're welcome."

"Where to?" His low voice carried a faint trace of alcohol. "Your marital home with Trevor?"

Serena had been about to shake her head, but then remembered that the Levines were still unaware of their breakup. She paused, then nodded. "Crownshore Villas."

Sebastian's expression cooled noticeably. "Crownshore Villas. Drive."

She turned her body toward the window, doing her best to avoid catching his reflection in her peripheral vision. Even so, the sharp, oppressive presence radiating from him made it hard for her to breathe in the silence.

"Is the street view outside nice?"

"It's… average."

Only after answering did Serena realize who she had been replying to.

Sebastian chuckled softly. "If it's that average, why are you staring so intently? Or is it because you're afraid of me, so you're forcing yourself to look at something so painfully ordinary instead?"

At his words, Serena's body stiffened. She murmured quietly, "I won't look anymore."

After that, she leaned to the side and fell asleep.

When she woke, she noticed a blanket draped over her. She gathered herself and said softly, "Why didn't you wake me up if we've arrived, Mr. Sebastian?"

Turning her head, she saw him wearing earphones, focused on his laptop—he wasn't lying. He really had a meeting.

Serena carefully unbuckled her seatbelt, folded the blanket, and gave a small hand gesture of thanks before getting out of the car.

"Mr. Levine, did you hear something just now?"

Sebastian lowered his gaze slightly. "Yes. That was my nephew's wife. Let's continue the meeting."

…

Serena finally made it out of the car.

She sat down on the couch, her nerves still unsettled. Trevor's uncle is even harder to read now than he was five years ago.

"Mrs. Levine, would you like something to eat tonight?" Lucy asked.

Serena checked the time—it was already 9 p.m.

"No, thank you."

With that, she waited another ten minutes.

Her documents were still at her own apartment. She couldn't very well show up in court the next day wearing a fitted dress. Serena stood up, picked up her clutch, and headed for the door.

"Mrs. Levine, are you going out again?" Lucy asked, surprised.

Serena smiled faintly. "Please don't call me Mrs. Levine."

Before long, Trevor will be completely out of my world.