Falling For My Ex's Uncle novel Chapter 6

The loud screech from the phone cut me off just as I was about to finish my sentence, thanks to Austin.

I couldn't help but smile a little as I said, "Austin, your mom has always looked down on me, thinking I'm not good enough for you.

"Now that we've broken up, you can finally be with Rosemary, and I want to wish you both a happy marriage. Don't ever call me again."

With that, I hung up the phone. Amanda had never been a fan because she thought my family was too ordinary and my mom's situation was a burden.

I was just a good-for-nothing in her eyes, but she reluctantly went along with the marriage because I was so focused on Austin.

Still, she always found ways to undermine and belittle me in front of Austin.

I tried to keep my cool because I didn't want to cause drama with her since she was his mom, and it was supposed to be about me and Austin in the future.

Little did I realize, I was just an easy target for their manipulation.

Rosemary also joined in, spreading lies about me. It felt like they thought I was overreacting just because she was sick and I had to cater to her every whim.

Whenever I liked something, I'd end up giving it to her without a second thought. At first, it was just jewelry, clothes, and bags—things that didn't mean much to me, even if I had spent a lot of money on them.

After all, she was like a little sister to Austin.

But later, I figured out that it wasn't just my stuff she was after. She wanted Austin too.

And he kept lying to me, hiding the truth, always giving me the bare minimum every holiday while Rosemary made sure to pop up on the most important days, trying to prove she was the priority.

I was tired of this endless competition between us and didn't want to play this game anymore.

"Laurel, what are you doing back here?" I looked up to see Bonnie standing in front of me, her face a mix of surprise and concern, with slightly red eyes.

"Aunt Bonnie, how's Mom doing?" I smiled and wrapped my arm around her, trying to keep things light.

"Your mom's okay," Bonnie replied, her brow furrowing as she leaned in. In a softer voice, she asked, "Is it true what your mom said about you and Austin breaking up?"

I nodded.

"Are you kidding? Austin's got the looks and the perfect family background. What's not to like?" Bonnie raised an eyebrow, her gaze fixed on me like she was trying to read my mind.

When I didn't say anything, she pressed her lips together and continued, "Did he end things with you?"

"No."

Bonnie stopped in her tracks, tugging on my arm with frustration. "Then why did you break up? Did you two argue? You can't just hold onto a breakup like this—men get tired of hearing about it."

I knew if I didn't spill the beans, she wouldn't let it go. After a moment of deliberation, I unlocked my phone and handed it to her.

Bonnie watched the video, and after a bit, she suddenly crouched down, unable to stop the tears.

"Aunt Bonnie, don't cry. It'll look like I'm the villain here," I said, quickly pulling her up and maintaining my composure.

"You did the right thing. We don't need men like him who hurt women!" Bonnie stood up, wiped her eyes, and gently touched my face. "If your dad were here, he wouldn't put you through this."

The mention of my dad caused a wave of emotions to rise up in me—frustration mixed with sadness. Taking a deep breath, I said softly, "Aunt Bonnie, please don't tell Mom about the video."

"I get it. I'll handle your mom and explain the breakup," she said.

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