From Heir's Ex to His Aunt novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9 I Want to Take Responsibility

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Finisher

The man before Alicia was tall, lean, and undeniably athletic. She had verified it that night–he wasn’t merely fit; he possessed endurance that seemed limitless..

With a face that could easily grace a movie poster, he was the kind of man any woman would want to flaunt. Frankly, he could make a remarkable husband too.

Too bad he wasn’t part of the Burton family.

David’s uncle had to be at least forty.

She had heard David mention him before–a peculiar man, uninterested in women, perpetually single. practically a relic. Alicia had never connected him with the Burton family.

“Sorry, we’re not compatible. I was drunk that night–surely you’re not taking a tipsy woman’s words seriously? Anyway, thanks for the painkillers.”

Alicia had always been stunning, and attention from men had never been in short supply. She had perfected the art of dismissing suitors, as efficiently as sweeping autumn leaves–swift, clean, and final.

She lifted her leg to leave when suddenly a hand seized her wrist, pulling her into a firm embrace.

His arm cinched around her slender waist with surprising strength. The other passengers had left, yet Alicia’s face burned crimson. “What are you doing? Let me go!”

Austin’s low voice whispered against her ear. “That night, we were perfect for each other. You felt it too, didn’t you, Ms. Gibson?”

The combination of teasing and intimacy left Alicia simultaneously mortified and infuriated. “What do you want from me?”

He leaned closer, lips almost brushing hers. “Alicia, I want to take responsibility for you.”

In retaliation, she stomped sharply on his leather shoe.

Austin released her. Her pale skin flushed in embarrassment–from her cheeks to her neck, even behind

her ears.

“Pervert! Dream on! There are plenty of men who’d be happy to marry me. Who do you think you to rather leap from a plane than marry you, so forget it!”

From behind came his icy, measured voice. “Ms. Gibson, I am not someone you can summon–or dismis -at your convenience.”

She hurried away in her heels, refusing even a backward glance.

Only when she set foot on her hometown soil did her racing heart begin to steady.

Her assistant hurried to catch up, dragging her suitcase. “Ms. Gibson, you walk so fast in those heels! Did someone chase you?”

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Chapter 9 I Want to Take Responsibility

“Yes, someone dangerous,” Alicia replied, thinking of the eyes that had fixed on her relentlessly.

The assistant looked puzzled, but Alicia had already climbed into the Gibson family can.

Watching the clouds drift, she realized that from the moment she returned, the real struggits w23811851 beginning.

No one in the family knew she had been to Southain except for Richard. Everyones assumed shelh simply returned from abroad.

The car approached the Gibson Residence. Years had passed since her ass visi; and the tome in her memories had been completely transformed.

Her mom had once adored the garden’s traditional elegance, but nowhitegrounds reflected mid–cenu modern style. Beyond the iron gates stood a massive fountain.

The house’s architecture and landscaping had shifted so dramatically that she could no longer recogni her childhood home.

A new servant glanced at her curiously. “Miss, who are youlooking for?”

The old butler interjected, scowling. “Don’t be riddiotubuss!iisiisis. Alicia!”

Finally, a familiar face in this unfamiliar setting. Hisseryessshimmered with emotion as he greeted her warmly, “Ms. Alicia, you’re finally home.”

She stopped beneath a cherry blossom trees–titssante spot where her mom had fallen.

How cruel. Her mom had despisedicherrybillassoms, yet one now stood at the place of her death.

Her voice trembled softly. “Yess.Inibixed”

The butler led her into the livingom. The house was so altered that it was almost unrecognizable.

By the grand staircase stonlawoman. Upon seeing the woman, Alicia instinctively clutched her dress.

It was Kyana Lawson

Once hernum’ssofbestfriend, Kyana had secretly seduced her dad, Frank Gibson. Her mom believed Kyanawassumtorumate in love, tricked by a deceitful man into giving birth to twins be at girl.

Seeing hersingggtedtone with the children, her mom often helped and supported her out of pity.

Unbeknownstoliter, her so–called closest friend was bearing Frank’s children–and their audacity on! grow, diamigtto indulge in such acts in the master bedroom.

Hemmomial returned unexpectedly one day and witnessed it all. The shock had been too much–sh haleapfrom the roof.

Atceritenmom’s death, her callous dad had welcomed Kyana and her children into their home.

No one mourned her mom; her passing merely cleared the way for Kyana to assume the title of Mrs.

4:55 pm PP DD.

Chaprer Want to Take Responsibility

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Gibson

Kyana’s voice rang. “It’s getting late, Aria. Hurry up–don’t keep the Burton family waiting.”

She turned and froze when she spotted Alicia in the living room. For a moment, her expression faitered then she forced a bright, insincere smile. “Alicia… you’re back.”

Alicia knew the game all too well. Kyana could appear sweet and considerate in front of Frank, yet the moment his back was turned, she delighted in undermining Alicia.

Whenever Alicia even hinted at showing emotion, Kyana would dash to Frank, complaining about the trials of being a stepmother and the hardships of raising a stepdaughter.

Eventually, Alicia had left the country, escaping the relentless drama.

Those years abroad had taught her one indisputable truth–family could not be relied upon–she could trust only herself.

The once expressive child had learned restraint, burying her contempt deep within.

She greeted Kyana politely, “Hello, Kyana.”

Kyana’s surprise was palpable. She had expected the old Alicia to lash out, to call her a murderer on a homewrecker just to provoke Frank.

However, Alicia had changed. Even so, it didn’t matter. Kyana had already claimed the family’s favor. An hope of inheritance for Alicia was gone.

“Look at you, Alicia. You’ve grown taller and prettier.” Kyana said, hurrying duwmitite stairs and seizing Alicia’s hand in a feigned display of affection.

Just then, Frank appeared, adjusting his cufflinks, his gaze sweeping over Alida Yontre back? Good tim Aria’s meeting the Burton family’s youngest son tonight. You can keep an eye onher. His tone was detached, offering no warmth.

If Alicia had not returned, he might have forgotten entirely thinusit existed.

Suppressing her disappointment, Alicia didn’t question why Atm, mat she, was marrying into the Barton family. She merely nodded, her voice measured andiswet. Airight, I go change

Frank’s expression softened slightly. “Alicia, we remonttitwhile you were abroad. Your old room is now

Aria’s.”

Alicia’s hand tightened around her suitcase. “I take anathem room.

Upstairs, Aria had combined three rooms into a single luxurious suite. The only other option was Berne

Gibson’s bedroom.

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