My Ex's Uncle Is My Baby's Daddy

Emma's POV

I stood before the mirror, smoothing my hands down the delicate fabric of the gown I had finally chosen for my engagement party tomorrow. This day had finally arrived. The day I had waited for, dreamt of, and sacrificed so much for. Even though my marriage to Ryan Carter was arranged, I loved him.

Ryan had always been a bit controlling. He was the one who brought me out to pick dresses today, as usual taking the lead. I should be used to it by now. He never quite let me decide on my own, always having a comment or correction.

"This is not for your body proportions. You would look more stunning in something else."

His voice was sharp as he dismissed yet another gown.

"I don't like how tight it is. You're literally calling out to lustful men when you wear this."

The store attendant cleared her throat. She had been patient, but I could tell she wanted to say something.

"Sir, this looks good and sophisticated. It's just that Ma'am Emma looks outstanding in whatever she wears," she explained, trying to defend my choice.

Ryan, as usual, brushed her off like her opinion didn't matter. Like my opinion didn't matter.

I let out a soft breath, staring at my reflection. Did I really need his approval for everything?

Then I stepped out in the dress I was wearing now-a sleek, elegant piece that hugged my body in all the right places. Finally, a satisfactory compliment.

"Now, this is it," Ryan said with a nod of approval.

He then excused himself to take a call, stepping away as I turned back to the changing room to get dressed again.

That's how it had always been with Ryan.

It wasn't that I didn't have my own fashion sense. In fact, the dress I had initially chosen was perfect-but of course, he hated it. Not because it didn't look good, but because it wasn't his taste.

Lena. My best friend. My sister, though not by blood.

She was the only one who truly understood how much passion I had for fashion. She had seen my sketches, my vision. My family had built an empire in fashion. We had been at the forefront of the industry for years, following the aesthetic traditions passed down for generations.

But I had bigger dreams.

I wanted something new. Fresh. Innovative. Designs that would break the mold.

But my father had shut me down before I could even begin.

"That's not how we do things, Emma. Our legacy must remain untouched."

So, I had kept my ideas to myself. I had watched in silence as my dreams stayed locked away, too afraid to go against tradition.

Until Lena.

She had taken my designs, the ones I poured my soul into, and presented them as her own.

At first, she promised me it was temporary.

"They won't listen to you now, Emma. But if I introduce them slowly, one by one, they'll see the value. When the time is right, we'll tell them."

And I believed her.

I told myself it didn't matter whose name was on the designs-as long as they saw the beauty in them, as long as they were out in the world.

But deep down, something inside me felt uneasy.

I stepped out of the changing room, adjusting my dress as I made my way toward Ryan. He was still on his phone, his voice low but firm.

I wasn't trying to eavesdrop. I really wasn't.

But then I heard her name.

"Lena, you just have to keep quiet. It's still our secret for now."

I froze.

The air around me seemed to shift, the atmosphere suddenly too thick, too heavy.

Lena.

A secret.

With Ryan.

What secret could she possibly be hiding?

Lena had stayed back at home, helping with the engagement party. If not, she would have been here with me, fussing over every little detail, making sure I didn't pick something "too boring" or "not breathtaking enough." She was just as excited about this engagement as I was. Maybe even more.

Lena had always been my best friend-the sister I never had. She knew my dreams, my fears, my deepest insecurities... and most importantly, my love for Ryan.

And Ryan-he was my fiancé. The man I was going to marry. The man I had loved for years.

So why did it feel like they were keeping something from me?

Could it be that the two of them were planning a surprise?

The thought made sense.

Maybe that was why Ryan had sounded so secretive just now. Maybe that was why Lena had been unusually giddy all week, always whispering with our parents when she thought I wasn't looking.

Yes. That had to be it.

I let out a slow breath, trying to shake off the unease creeping in.

Just then, Ryan turned around, his deep blue eyes locking onto mine. His smile was immediate-effortless, warm, reassuring.

"Ready to head home?" he asked.

I wanted to ask him about that phone call.

I wanted to look him in the eye and demand to know what he was hiding.

But did he even look like someone with something to hide?

No.

He seemed perfectly at ease, completely unbothered.

Maybe he just didn't want me to find out yet.

Maybe whatever secret he and Lena were keeping was something good-something meant to make me happy.

So I pushed the doubt away, forcing a smile.

"Yes," I said, slipping my hand into his.

Because whatever they were hiding... it couldn't possibly be something bad.

Right?

Ryan led me to the elevator, his hand resting lightly on my back. The boutique was nearly empty now, save for a few late shoppers and sales attendants tidying up for the night. The soft chime of the elevator doors filled the silence as we stepped inside.

I stole a glance at him. His expression was calm, but his grip on his phone was firm, his thumb hovering over the screen as if waiting for a message.

"You're quiet," I murmured.

"Just tired," he answered smoothly, slipping his phone into his pocket before wrapping an arm around my waist. He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Let's get home. Tomorrow's a big day."

I nodded, leaning into him, willing the unease to fade.

The Sinclair Family Home

Emma's Pov

The evening air was crisp as Ryan pulled up in front of my house. The warm glow of the porch light cast soft shadows across the driveway, making the place feel even more like home. My heart swelled with excitement as I looked at him-my fiancé-to-be, the man I had loved for years.

"I can't wait to see you all dressed up tomorrow," Ryan said, his lips curling into that effortless smile that always made my heart race.

I smiled back, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks. "Don't miss me too much," I teased, unbuckling my seatbelt.

"Never," he said, reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind my ear.

For a moment, I let myself sink into the warmth of his touch, ignoring the strange heaviness in my chest that had been lingering all day. Maybe it was just nerves. Tomorrow was a big day, after all.

I stepped out of the car, throwing one last glance over my shoulder as he drove off. The excitement of the engagement party buzzed inside me, but something about the way he left-a little too quick, a little too eager-nagged at the back of my mind.

Shrugging off the feeling, I made my way inside.

The moment I stepped into the house, a wave of excitement hit me. Everything was coming together beautifully-the twinkling fairy lights, the soft floral scent in the air, the faint sound of laughter from the living room. Tomorrow would be my engagement party, and for the first time, the reality of it all truly settled in.

I was getting engaged.

To Ryan.

The thought sent a nervous flutter through my stomach, but it wasn't fear. It was the kind of thrill that came when you knew your life was about to change forever.

I smiled to myself, shaking off my coat as I stepped deeper into the house.

Lena's voice was the first I heard, laughing at something. I peeked into the living room and saw her curled up on the couch, a wedding magazine in her lap. Our parents were there too, sipping tea, looking completely at peace.

For a moment, I just stood there, watching.

This was my family.

My people.

No matter where life took me, they would always be my safe place.

Lena caught sight of me first and grinned. "There she is! The almost-engaged woman of the hour."

I rolled my eyes, stepping inside. "I am engaged, Lena. Tomorrow just makes it official."

She waved a hand. "Details, details." Then she patted the seat next to her. "Come, tell me everything."

I settled in beside her as Mom and Dad turned their attention to me.

"How did shopping go?" Mom asked.

I smiled. "It was... perfect. Ryan was patient-too patient, honestly. I think he'd have let me try on a hundred dresses if I wanted."

Dad chuckled. "That's a good man right there."

Lena nudged me. "And? Did you find the dress?"

My smile widened as I reached for my shopping bag. "I did. And it's perfect."

I carefully unzipped the garment bag, revealing the soft white fabric with delicate lace details. Gasps filled the room.

"Oh, Emma," Mom breathed. "It's beautiful."

Lena reached out, brushing her fingers over the material. "Wow..." she whispered. "Ryan's going to lose his mind when he sees you in this."

Warmth spread through me. "I hope so."

Then Lena stood up excitedly. "Wait! I have something too."

She grabbed a dress bag of her own, unzipping it to reveal a stunning deep champagne-colored gown. It shimmered under the lights, elegant and understated, but still enough to make an impression.

I gasped. "Lena, that's gorgeous!"

She grinned. "Mom and Dad had it made for me. They said I needed something special too."

I turned to them, eyes softening. "You guys really thought of everything."

Mom smiled. "Of course. Tomorrow is a big day for all of us."

Lena twirled a little, admiring her dress. "I can't wait. It's going to be magical, Emma."

And for the first time, I truly believed it.

Tomorrow would be everything I had dreamed of.

The house was quiet except for the soft hum of music playing from Lena's phone. She had convinced me to sit down and relax for a bit after the long day, and honestly, I needed it.

My engagement was tomorrow. Tomorrow.

The thought sent a strange mix of nerves and excitement through me, making my stomach flip.

"You're overthinking again," Lena said, waving a nail polish brush at me. "I can literally see it on your face."

I blinked. "I am not."

"You so are." She smirked, grabbing my hand and starting to paint my nails a soft pink. "What's running through that pretty little head of yours?"

I sighed. "Just... everything. The guests, the decorations, the vows... what if something goes wrong?"

"Nothing's going to go wrong," she assured me. "Mom and Dad triple-checked everything, and Ryan probably quadruple-checked."

I laughed at that. "That's true. He did seems sure of the arrangements , called the venue, three times today."

Lena rolled her eyes. "Of course, he did. Perfectionist Ryan strikes again."

I playfully nudged her with my foot. "Be nice."

"I am! He's just... intense."

I didn't disagree.

She finished the last stroke on my nails, blowing on them before moving to her own. "So... have you thought about what kind of wedding you want?"

I tilted my head. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, this is just the engagement. The wedding is the big day. Do you want something small? A beach wedding? Something extravagant?"

I paused, thinking. "Honestly? I always pictured something simple. Intimate. Just family and close friends."

Lena's lips twitched. "Instead, you're about to marry into one of the richest families in the city."

I laughed. "Yeah. Not exactly how I imagined it as a kid."

She glanced at me, something unreadable in her expression. "But are you happy?"

The question caught me off guard. "Of course."

"Like, really happy?"

I hesitated for half a second before nodding. "Yeah. Ryan is... stable. Secure. He's a good man."

Lena hummed, focusing on her nails. "That wasn't my question."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

She waved it off. "Nothing. Just wondering."

The silence between us stretched for a moment, the air feeling a little heavier than before.

Trying to lighten the mood, I smirked. "What about you? Do you ever see yourself getting married?"

Lena let out a short laugh. "Me? Please. I'd be a disaster as a wife."

"I don't believe that."

She leaned back against the couch. "I just don't think I'm meant for that kind of life. The commitment, the expectations... it's a lot."

I tilted my head. "You never know. Maybe one day, you'll meet someone who changes your mind."

Lena's smile was small, almost sad. "Maybe."

Her phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up. I glanced at it instinctively, but she snatched it up before I could see the name.

"Important?" I asked.

She hesitated. "Just... a friend."

Emma's POV

I woke up to the sound of tapping on my shoulder. Lena's face was the first thing I saw, her broad smile almost blinding. I yawned and sat up, scratching my hair, still confused by the morning. What was all the fuss about?

"Lena, are there visitors around?" I asked, hearing loud voices drifting up from downstairs. I could tell something was off- there was an odd energy in the air today.

"Oh dear..." Lena groaned, rolling her eyes. "What's up with you? You think this is just a normal day? You've completely forgotten, haven't you?" She sighed dramatically. "You can't forget something like this, just like your birthday, Emma."

I blinked. It didn't take long for the pieces to fall together. Today was the day. The day my life, or rather, my family's future, would be sealed through my engagement to Ryan. The Sinclair and Carter families, once separate, were about to merge through us.

The media circus had been relentless for weeks now. The reporters, the cameras, the constant questions-it was all part of the deal. This engagement was not just about love, it was about power, influence, and legacy. I couldn't forget that, no matter how much I wanted to.

Lena's voice broke through my thoughts. "Emma, snap out of it! We've got to get ready. Everyone's waiting downstairs."

I nodded, trying to shake off the heaviness in my chest. The event wasn't just any ordinary occasion-it was a pivotal moment for both families. I had been trained for this my entire life, groomed for this day. My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, had never given me a choice. And Ryan... well, Ryan was the perfect match for the plan they had carefully laid out.

The weight of it all felt suffocating, but I had to keep going. My family depended on it.

Downstairs, my parents were in full-on "business mode." My father, Mr. Sinclair, was finalizing some paperwork with his associates. I could hear the familiar buzz of conversation-talk of investments, mergers, and strategic partnerships. It felt like everything had already been decided for me before I even had a say.

Lena grabbed my hand as we walked toward the car. "You okay?" she asked, concern evident in her eyes.

I smiled weakly. "I'm fine. Just... a little overwhelmed."

"Don't worry," she said, squeezing my hand. "You're going to be amazing tonight. And you know what? You've got Ryan in your corner."

That was the thing, though. Ryan might have been in my corner, but I wasn't sure I was in his. The engagement was happening-there was no turning back-but that didn't mean I knew where I stood with him, or what I really wanted from all of this. The media had painted a perfect picture of us, the perfect couple, but behind closed doors, things felt much more complicated. I didn't know why all this was running through my head today of all day!

The drive to the hotel felt like a blur. The grandeur of the five-star venue was enough to leave anyone breathless. Reporters lined the entrance, their cameras flashing as our car pulled up. I could already feel the weight of their gaze on me. I had to smile, to look confident, to keep up the act. After all, this wasn't just about me anymore.

As we entered the grand hall, I caught a glimpse of Ryan at the far end, talking to his parents, Jonathan and Elaine. They looked as polished and perfect as ever. Ryan's dark suit fit him perfectly, and his hair was styled in that effortless way that seemed to say, "I've got it all together." When our eyes met, he gave me a small, reassuring smile.

"You look..." He hesitated for a moment, his eyes scanning me. "You look beautiful."

I arched an eyebrow, a teasing smile on my lips. "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself."

He chuckled, his gaze softening. "I mean it, Emma."

Before I could respond, a waiter appeared, offering champagne. Ryan grabbed two glasses and handed one to me. "Here's to us," he said, raising his glass. "Tonight is ours."

I lifted my glass, the champagne sparkling in the light. "To us," I echoed, but part of me wondered what "us" really meant. Was it just about the families? The merger? Or was there something more?

We slipped away from the crowd, retreating to a quieter part of the bar. The music from the main hall faded into the background as we settled into a corner. The drinks began to flow, and the alcohol loosened my tongue.

Ryan leaned in slightly, his voice low and almost vulnerable. "You know, when I first agreed to this engagement, I thought it was just business. A way to make the families stronger. But with you..." He trailed off, his fingers brushing mine. "It feels different."

I felt my heart race, a flutter of something unfamiliar stirring in my chest. Was he just saying that because of the alcohol, or was there something more? Something real?

But before I could respond, Lena's voice cut through the moment. "Emma, Ryan!" she called out, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "You two are hiding away from the party! Come on, everyone is waiting for you."

Ryan groaned, rubbing his temple. "Lena, must you be so dramatic?"

"Yes!" she shot back, her tone playful but insistent. "Because you two are the stars of the show, and you're going to make everyone wait? Get back out there!"

We both stood, and I followed Lena back into the crowd. The music had picked up, and guests were laughing and chatting. Ryan and I drifted back into the center of it all, but something didn't feel right. I glanced around the room, scanning for Lena.

Where had she gone?

The crowd seemed to grow, the noise becoming louder, but Lena was nowhere to be found. I turned to Ryan, but he was already deep in conversation with his parents, Jonathan and Elaine, discussing something with a group of businessmen. I stood there for a moment, feeling oddly isolated in the midst of it all. Was this the life I had signed up for? The constant demands, the business deals, the expectations?

I stepped away, my mind racing. I wanted to find Lena, to ground myself in something familiar, but the longer I looked, the more distant she seemed. I moved through the crowd, trying to shake the growing unease that gnawed at my insides.

After a few minutes, I stopped to catch my breath, but then I realized something. Ryan was gone.

I glanced around, confused. Was he still with his parents? I hadn't seen him for a while. Maybe he had stepped away for a moment.

But as the night wore on, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. It wasn't just that Ryan had disappeared, it was the strange emptiness that settled over me. My role in all of this had been planned for me, decided before I had a say. The engagement, the families, the merger-it was all happening, but where did I fit into it? And where was Ryan, the man who was supposed to be standing by my side?

As the minutes ticked by, I found myself standing alone, feeling more disconnected than I ever had before.