Chapter 2 Cedric's Uncle Is Her Ex

Heather, Cedric, and Alexia had lingered upstairs for a considerable time.

Sharon called from the staircase landing, "Heather, have you found Cedric?"

"We'll be right down, Mrs. Buckley," Heather called back, her voice carrying downstairs.

With the guests soon to arrive, Cedric knew this wasn't the time for confrontation, and Alexia remained silent. The trio descended the stairs to the front yard, where a sleek black Maybach had just pulled up on the driveway.

Noticing Cedric's disheveled appearance, Heather, in a final gesture of goodwill, straightened his tie and adjusted his buttons.

Suddenly, a deep, unmistakably sexy voice called out, "Michael, Sharon."

At the sound, Heather's hands stilled. That voice was unforgettable.

She turned, searching through the crowd, and locked eyes with a man whose gaze was intense and filled with unspoken emotion.

It was clear he hadn't expected to see her here. His look was sharp, his emotions raw.

As their eyes met, Heather's heart raced, and she quickly looked away, her eyes tinged with red.

She hadn't anticipated that her ex-boyfriend, who had abruptly left her two years ago, would appear at this funeral-and dressed so sharp and sophisticated.

Sharon nodded towards him. "You're the last to arrive. Everyone's here now. Let's head inside."

As Jeremy Buckley walked past Heather and Cedric, he paused and asked coolly, "Your girlfriend?"

With a steadying grip on Heather's trembling hand, Cedric responded firmly, "Yes, my girlfriend."

Jeremy snorted dismissively as he walked past, his disdain for Cedric bringing Heather into their family clear.

Cedric, noticing Heather's discomfort, leaned in and whispered, "What's wrong? Why is your hand trembling?"

Taking a shallow breath, Heather responded with a feigned casualness, "I'm just upset with you. It's breaking my heart."

Cedric's guilt deepened. "I..."

"Who is that man?" Heather asked quietly.

"That's my uncle, Jeremy Buckley."

Heather's expression turned icy at the revelation. "What a coincidence."

"What do you mean?"

"I once had a boyfriend who died tragically in a car accident. Your uncle looks a lot like him." Her words were heavy with implication. She remembered her ex, a boxer she'd lived with abroad in a shabby apartment, who had been dominating and controlling. Now, it seemed he had reappeared, transformed into a wealthy man-Cedric's uncle.

What a jerk!

Cedric was taken aback, having never known about Heather's past relationship, and it left him feeling uneasy. As the last of the guests filtered into the hall, he guided Heather gently by the arm.

"Just stay close," he whispered. "We'll talk more after my grandpa's funeral."

Regaining his composure amidst the challenging emotions of the day, Cedric avoided making any scenes, especially under Alexia's sorrowful gaze. It was crucial not to draw undue attention or cause a spectacle.

Today, Heather was recognized as the future wife of Cedric.

Cedric introduced her around, and she managed to ignore the disdainful looks from some family members until she came face to face with Jeremy.

Recently, Heather had overheard whispers about Jeremy's prospective engagement to a daughter from the influential Murphy family-a union well-regarded due to their wealth, powerful connections, and reputedly upstanding characters. The pairing was seen as perfect by their elite social circle.

This news, however, only stirred a sense of disgust in Heather.