From Heir's Ex to His Aunt novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19 The Sc*mbag Regrets, Begs Alicia to Come Back

Alicia had nowhere to run.

All she could do was try to calm his temper.

A thin blanket lay folded nearby. She wrapped it around herself, slipping out of the last remaining layer of clothing.

Though most of her body was hidden, her shoulders and legs were still exposed. She looked up, her checks burning.

“Mr. Burton… is this enough to prove I’m sincere?”

Complying with him didn’t mean she approved of his actions. His request had been humiliating.

Yet he didn’t touch her. Instead, he quietly gathered her clothes and said, “Wait here for half an hour.”

Only then did Alicia realize she’d been tricked–he had simply wanted to dry her clothes.

Sitting uncovered on the boat left her trembling with fear. She clutched his jacket. “Are you really leaving

me here alone?”

“What else am I supposed to do? Unless you want to be without clothes, Ms. Gibson. I wouldn’t mind watching.”

His cruel words shattered her illusion of him as a polite, refined gentleman.

“Austin Burton!” she snapped, teeth clenched, as he tucked her undergarments neatly into her long dress. Her face burned even hotter.

Unbothered, he added casually, “Nice style choice.”

Upset, Alicia took a pillow and threw it at him. This man isn’t kind at all. I used to believe he was polite and calm,

but I was mistaken.

As he stepped ashore, the boat rocked gently, and the world seemed to pause.

Though the surroundings were quiet, Alicia’s nerves remained taut. Every rustle of leaves, every splash from a jumping fish, made her flinch.

Half an hour later, the boat tilted as someone stepped aboard.

Alicia, who had been lying down, sat up quickly, holding the blanket tightly. “Who’s there?” she asked, her voice trembling.

A slender hand parted the curtain. He stepped inside, no longer in casual clothes but in a perfectly tailored suit.

The cramped cabin felt even smaller. He set the bag down on the bed and studied her. “Besides me, who

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Chapter 19 The Sc*mbag Regrets, Begs Alicia to Come Back

else are you expecting?”

Blushing, Alicia retrieved her clothes. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Finished

He lifted her chin gently. “I don’t accept mere words. Ms. Gibson, I’ve helped you again. Consider carefully how you’ll repay me.”

With that, he left the boat, granting her space.

Her hairpins had fallen into the river earlier, leaving her hair loose over her shoulders. As she fussed with it something at the bottom of the bag caught her eye–a jade magnolia hairpin.

He’d prepared it for me. He’s meticulous.

Alicia stared at the curtain, lips pressed together. “What a strange man.”

When he had offered to take responsibility, she had refused. Now, when she wanted him, he would not

agree.

He’s infuriating–like some fisherman dangling bait, making sure I stay hooked. But among the Burton family’s possible matches, aside from that jerk David, he’s the only option left. What choice do I have? I’ll just have to pay back the debt my own stubbornness caused, bit by bit.

After dressing, Alicia deliberately asked about David’s whereabouts.

He must think I’m still in Sylvoria, searching every corner. Sylvoria is huge–let him wander.

Once she had tidied herself and left, there was no sign of Austin along the shore.

After following the servant, Alicia found herself back in the incense room, where she was kept occupied for half the afternoon.

At dinner, Tasha greeted her warmly. “Old Mr. Burton hasn’t been well for the past two years, so he rarely leaves his courtyard. Miguel had an unexpected engagement, and Austin went to dine with the Wallace heiress. Tonight it’s just us. I hope that’s alright.”

“I don’t mind. Fewer people make it easier to relax.”

“Good. Treat this as your own home. I feel such a connection with you–you must come often.”

Tasha’s fondness was clear. “I hear you play the mandolin beautifully. You’ll have to perform for me someday.”

“Of course,” Alicia replied politely, her smile sweet and composed, though a hint of disappointment flickered in her heart.

She had hoped Austin would stay. She hadn’t expected him to go on a blind date.

It was like business–until the contract was signed, nothing was certain.

Still, the visit wasn’t wasted. She learned a few details about Austin’s preferences from Tasha.

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Chapter 19 The Sc*mbag Regrets, Begs Alicia to Come Back

B

Finished

After dinner, Alicia took her leave politely. Tasha immediately called David.

“You rascal, when are you coming back to meet the Gibson family’s eldest daughter? She’s gentle, gracious -perfect for you…”

David had spent the whole day searching Sylvoria without finding Alicia. He knew she was avoiding him and had likely gone somewhere remote.

Thinking of her now gravely ill, he felt both anxious and worried. The mere mention of the arranged marriage irritated him.

If it weren’t for that d*mned arrangement, I wouldn’t have refused Alicia—and she wouldn’t have to spend her final

moments all alone.

Before Tasha could continue, he interrupted.

“Mom, I have something important to do. I don’t care about that Gibson heiress.”

“You should at least meet her. If you don’t have time, I’ll send her WhatsApp. Look at her photo–you might like her.”

“I said I’m not interested. I already love someone else! I’m busy–goodbye.”

He hung up before she could argue further.

Fuming, Tasha tossed her phone aside. I had worked so hard to arrange everything, yet he showed no concern at all.

Far away on the plateau, David gazed at herds of yaks and sheep, but his eyes were empty.

“Alicia, stop hiding. Let me see you,” he begged.

He sank to his knees in the grass.

“I know I was wrong. I’ll never hurt you again. Please come back–I’ll marry you, I swear. Alicia…” His voice broke.

On her way home, Alicia sneezed suddenly.

“Ms. Gibson, are you cold?” the driver asked.

She rubbed her nose. “It’s fine. Keep driving. Someone must be thinking of me.”

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