Marry Ex's Billionaire Uncle After Divorce (Aurora and Jasper) novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Unsuitable or Unworthy?

(Aurora’s POV)

The VIP ward was so quiet I couldn’t hear the hum of a single machine. The air didn’t smell of antiseptic, but of fresh lilies arranging in a crystal vase.

Leo leaned back against the plush pillows, his lips pale. He looked at me with hesitant eyes.

“The mysterious sponsor… is it Jasper?”

My hand paused over the apple I was peeling. The skin broke.

“No,” I said firmly. “It isn’t.”

The light in Leo’s eyes dimmed. He looked down at his hands.

“I knew it. He must want to cut off my medical bills,” Leo whispered. “I’m just a burden. I’ve dragged you down for years, and now I’m making you suffer in that family.”

I set the fruit knife down on the bedside table with a soft clatter. I reached out and gently

ruffled his hair.

“Don’t say that. The suffering I went through was my own choice. I was blinded by love,” I said softly. “Now that I see Jasper for who he really is, I’m free. I just want God to help you

recover.”

A shadow passed over his face. We both knew the truth of our family. After Dad died, Mother had been desperate for a donor for Leo. She had even considered having another child just to harvest the cord blood–a “spare part.” That twisted logic had suffocated me for over a

decade.

“I should go,” I said, checking my watch. I didn’t want to run into Mother and start another

argument.

(Jasper’s POV)

The chandelier in the Everett mansion cast a warm glow over the mahogany table. Sienna walked in, holding two heavy, gold–embossed envelopes like they were holy relics.

“Look, Jasper,” she said, handing them to me.

I opened the first one. It was an invitation to the Sterling Charity Gala.

My heart rate picked up. This was the golden ticket. Lord Sterling was old money–the kind of connection that could elevate our branch of the family instantly. The gloom from the

Chapter 15 Unsuitable or Dowrthy

morning’s scandal began to lift.

“Mr. Sterling invited us?” I asked, a grin spreading across my face.

Clau

“I told you everything would be fine,” Sienna said, sitting on the arm of my chair. “How is the school situation?”

“The PR team handled it,” I said, relaxing. “We made a significant ‘donation‘ to the St. Jude’s library fund. The Board dropped the inquiry, and the Judge agreed to a settlement. It was expensive, but the silence is worth it.”

I looked up at her. She looked vulnerable, her eyes seeking approval.

“Don’t listen to what my mother said this morning,” I said, my voice dropping to a low purr. “You were just trying to help Rosalind.”

“I just want to look perfect for you at the gala,” she murmured.

“Then let’s go,” I said, standing up. “We’re going to Rodeo Drive. Get whatever you want.”

(Aurora’s POV)

I waited seven days. Jasper didn’t send a text, an sss, or a lawyer. He was giving me the silent treatment, expecting me to crawl back.

I wasn’t going to crawl.

I sat in Gavin Sterling’s office, the skyline of Los Angeles visible through the floor–to–ceiling

windows.

“I want to proceed with the divorce suit immediately,” I said.

Gavin nodded, taking notes. “And custody of Rosalind?”

“I’m not asking for it,” I said calmly.

Gavin paused. He pushed his rimless glasses up his nose, frowning. “Aurora, are you sure? Most mothers fight tooth and nail. It looks better for the judge.”

“I can’t win against the Everett family right now,” I said, my voice steady but cold. “And Rosalind… she has been brainwashed. If I force her to come with me now, she will hate me forever. I need to build my own power first.”

Gavin looked at me with new respect. “Understood. Strategic retreat.”

“Now, about the patents,” I said. “Send a Cease and Desist letter to Aether Life Sciences. They are using my research.”

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“If Jasper offers to pay a licensing fee?” Gavin asked. “He might offer millions to make this go away.”

I let out a short, cold laugh. “No settlement. I don’t want his money. I want my dignity. He doesn’t get to build his empire on my blood anymore.”

(Aurora’s POV)

The next day, a horn blasted outside my apartment. Olivia was waiting in her red convertible, sunglasses perched on her nose.

“Get in, loser! We’re going shopping,” she yelled.

She was dragging me to the Sterling Gala. Apparently, Mrs. Redmond had lined up five different bachelors for her to meet, and she needed a human shield.

We ended up in an exclusive boutique on Rodeo Drive. Olivia pulled a dress from the rack.

“This one,” she declared.

It was a dusty blue mermaid gown. The back was entirely open, plunging dangerously low.

I hesitated. For three years, Jasper had dictated my wardrobe. *Too revealing. Too flashy. Wear high collars. Be modest.*

I touched the silk.

“Jasper isn’t here,” I whispered to myself.

I went into the fitting room. When I zipped it up, the fabric hugged my waist like a second skin. I turned to the mirror. My back was exposed, my shoulder blades sharp and elegant. I looked like a woman, not a shadow.

“It’s time to let her out,” I thought.

(Author’s POV)

Olivia was still fighting with a zipper in the next stall, so Aurora stepped out alone.

The sales assistants gasped. The dusty blue color made her skin look like porcelain. She looked regal, untouchable.

The bell above the door chimed.

Jasper walked in, with Sienna on his arm and Rosalind holding his hand.

Sienna froze. She saw the dress first–the limited edition gown she had seen in magazines.

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< Chapter The Unsuitable or Unworthy?

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Then she saw the woman wearing it. Aurora’s back was to them, a vision of elegance that Sienna could never quite mimic.

Aurora turned around.

Jasper stopped dead. His blue eyes darkened, shifting from shock to a heavy, suffocating possessiveness. He had never seen her look like this.

“Mom,” Rosalind said. Her voice was flat, devoid of affection.

Aurora tried to step back toward the changing rooms, but Sienna spoke up.

“That dress,” Sienna said, her voice shrill. “I want it. Wrap it up for me.”

She looked at the shop assistant. “Tell her to take it off.”

The assistant looked terrified. “Ma’am, she is trying it on…”

“I said I want it,” Sienna snapped.

“It’s not for sale to you,” Aurora said coolly.

Jasper stepped forward, his jaw tight. “Take it off, Aurora. It’s not suitable for you.”

“Not suitable?” Aurora laughed dryly. “Because I’m not a mistress?”

“You are supposed to be pregnant,” Jasper hissed, lying through his teeth to save face in front of the other customers. “And it’s too revealing. You look ridiculous.”

“Do I look unsuitable, Jasper?” Aurora stepped closer, staring into his eyes. “Or do you just think I’m unworthy?”

Jasper flushed. The men in the store were looking at Aurora with undisguised admiration, and it made him furious.

“Take it off!” Rosalind suddenly screamed.

The little girl let go of Jasper’s hand and charged at Aurora. She grabbed the delicate tulle of the mermaid skirt and yanked with all her weight.

“It’s for Auntie Sienna! You’re ugly! Take it off!” Rosalind shrieked.

Aurora stumbled, the bodice of the dress slipping dangerously. She tried to balance,

humiliatingly exposed.

Suddenly, a heavy weight settled over her shoulders. A suit jacket, warm and smelling of cedarwood and cold winter air, enveloped her.

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Aurora looked up, shocked, and locked eyes with a pair of piercing, icy grey pupils.

Phineas Everett stood there.

He didn’t look at Jasper. He didn’t look at Sienna. He looked down at the screaming child still clutching the dress.

“Little girl, where are your manners? That was incredibly rude.”

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