Your Uncle Is Mine

Evelyn's POV

I sat in the room, the sound of my thumping heart was louder with the placidness around. As the clock ticked every moment, my body grew more intense in fear and anticipation. How long have I been sitting here? I could barely remember, but I was badly waiting for the doctor to enter the room. But even if he comes, I doubt he could dispel the unease that coiled in my stomach like a slithering serpent.

I jerked back from my seat when the door was pushed open. The doctor stepped into the room and made his way to his seat. I furrowed my brows, trying to fathom his expression in order to know my fate, but he had a serious look arched on his face as he passed a paper to me.

"What does it say?" I asked, looking at him desperately.

"Take a look," was his only reply as he leaned back against his seat. With a racing heart, I slowly opened the paper and read through it.

"Positive?" I turned my gaze to look at the doctor. I stared at him with wide eyes in disbelief. "Doctor... I'm pregnant," I said almost in a whisper as my lips broke into a smile and tears filled my eyes. "Please tell me I'm not dreaming," I was almost in tears as I waited for his reassurance.

His smile widened, and that alone was enough to reassure me that I wasn't dreaming. I was actually pregnant. "I'm pregnant!"

The serious look on his face fell and a genuine smile replaced. "Congratulations. You're pregnant, Evelyn. I'm happy for you," he beamed, causing my breath to cease.

"Oh my goodness! I'm pregnant. I... I can't believe that I'm finally pregnant, Dr. Henry. You know how long I've been hoping for a child. For five years and finally," my voice broke as tears rolled down my cheeks.

"I know, Evelyn," he nodded his head.

"Oh my! I have to share this with Caleb. He would be so happy," I quickly finished up with the doctor. My goal was to share the good news.

I got into a cab and went straight home, eager to tell the news. I entered the living room, looking around confused. Where was Caleb? I thought he said he was feeling unwell to go to work. Or did he still go to work in my absence? I wondered as I walked towards our room.

However, I suddenly stopped in my tracks as I heard sounds coming out from the room. I could hear the lascivious moaning coming from the room. My body froze in shock and fear gripped my heart.

"God, please don't let it be what I am thinking," I whispered as my heart raised even faster as I held the doorknob and immediately, I pushed the door open. The sounds became more audible, causing my heart to sink. My gaze landed on the bed and a gasped escape from my lips. My body became tense. Caleb's naked figure on top of a lady.

I took a step back, my heart pounding within my rib cage as I realized what was going on. "C-Caleb?" My voice trembled as I called in a whisper.

Hearing his name, he snapped his head towards me and his lips parted in shock. "Evelyn!" He quickly pulled away. The lady propped herself up, and her face came in full view. I felt the air stuck in my throat the moment I saw her face.

"Dana?" I felt the world around me spin, and I quickly reached for the wall.

In a split second, she slid out of the bed with the surrounding sheet.

"Evelyn, what... why are you here?" Caleb's voice caught my attention and I turned to look at him. He was already struggling to put his brief on.

"Caleb... how could you?" Fresh tears flooded my eyes as I moved my gaze between them.

This felt like a nightmare that I badly wanted to wake from. "Dana, you're my best friend. H-how could you?"

"Evelyn, please allow me to explain. I... I thought..." he struggled to say a word, but his words were lies and poison that would only destroy me from within.

"You're right. We've been doing it for six years now!" She yelled from behind him, her hand holding up the sheet around her chest.

"What are you doing, Dana?" He snapped furiously.

"Don't you think it's time for her to know the truth? We already discussed this, and you've agreed, so what's the difference if you tell her now? Would it make any difference later?" She countered back.

What was going on? They wanted to tell me about what? About his infidelity and her betrayal? Several questions ran through my mind, but I ended up asking just one question.

"What do you mean by six years?" I inquired and waited with bated breath.

Dana pushed past him as she walked towards me. "You want an explanation, right? A better one to help you fathom what you just saw. Well, here's the truth, I always had a crush on Caleb since college, but then I realized that you liked him too. So I began to think about it. Your father was CEO of the renowned company but sadly he has no successor and you, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with the company. You wanted to pursue your fashion designing career. However, if you get married to your husband, the company would ultimately belong to him," with her piercing gaze and cryptic smile, I could almost read the evil thoughts in her heart.

With my heart pounding in my chest, I took a step back, steeling myself for the battle that lay ahead as she took one step closer. She leaned down towards me, her breath in my hair as she spoke. "I seduced him, got him to fall in love with me and used him. You don't know how joyful it was to watch you struggle for a child while paying little attention in the company. You're helplessly in love and that is your weakness," she spat before pulling away. Her smirk sent a shiver down my spine, but I refused to show any sign of weakness.

The tension mounting with each passing second, I felt a surge of adrenaline course through my veins and without thinking, I pushed her harshly.

She groaned in pain while Caleb rushed to her side. "Are you okay?" He asked, holding her gently.

Anger, shame, regret, and pain filled me. The emotions made it hard for me to breathe. It was all my fault. Why didn't I see this coming? How could this be happening for six years?

"I-I'll tell the board about this. You're incapable of handling the company," I said in fear and confusion.

Slowly, he turned to look at me. "No you won't," his eyes were dark as the night sky and his gaze as sharp as the blade as he looked at me. "Do you know how long it took me to be the CEO of that company? You think I'll let someone as useless as you ruin that for me? I never actually liked you, I only dated you because I wanted Dana," he revealed. His cold, calculating eyes bore into me, sending a chill down my spine.

"W-what did you say?" I took a step back in trepidation.

"If you dare try to do anything, I'll make sure you regret it because that would be the end of you, just like I did to your father." he threatened, his voice filled with extreme hate and his eyes shone with anger.

"What do you mean by 'just as I did to your father, Caleb?" I swallowed the lump in my throat as I squeezed the test results in my hand.

He squeezed his eyes shut and when he finally opened them, they were as dark as an abyss. "Don't tempt me Evelyn, if you dare do anything funny I swear on my life that I'll make sure you painfully regret it." he spat.

"You haven't answered my question," my voice was barely above a whisper, but the desire for an explanation was way above my whisper.

But Caleb suddenly went mute, and I felt dread rising in my throat like a tornado. "Answer me Caleb!" I screamed at him and his eyes narrowed at me as he screamed back at me.

"'Your father didn't die of any bullshit cancer, it was I who killed him!"

What?!

"I paid his doctor to place him on the wrong medications after forging a fake cancer test result. I needed to get the company as fast as I could and the mere fact that he was alive was a huge obstacle. There you go, satisfied now huh?" he added brutally.

I staggered away from him in shock, how.......how could he do this to me? Hot tears brimmed my eyelids and flowed down my cheeks in torrent. All this years, I've lived cursing cancer for taking away my dad, not knowing the man that I literally loved and worshipped was the one who took him away from me.

There was no way in hell I was letting him take the company. I had to do something as fast as I could. Without blinking, I turned to the door instantly as I reached for the doorknob desperately, but I felt a sharp pain as something hard hit my head from behind. I fell to the floor, my vision blurry as the world continued to spin, yet I forced myself to take a look at Caleb and there he was, holding a metal vase.

My gaze shifted to his treading feet. I struggled to stand up back on my feet as I propped myself up. My heart raced with fear as I sensed his presence drawing near. My eyes wide with terror as I realized the danger I was in. I attempted to back away, but it was too late. He was already advancing on me with menacing intent, he raised the vase in aggression.

Unexpectedly, the second blow landed on my head, sending me crashing to the floor. The metallic taste of blood flooded my mouth as I struggled to stifle a cry of pain. I tried to crawl away, but he kept coming, raining down blows upon me in defenseless form.

"I warned you Evelyn, I freaking warned you!" He murmured in my ears repeatedly. Each strike felt like a hammer against my fragile body, each impact shredding my sense of security and trust as the pain increased, reminding me of their betrayal.

Through the haze of pain, I caught a glimpse of his face, twisted with rage and cruelty. It was a nightmare come to life, a horrifying ordeal that seemed to have no end. "Please stop," I pleaded but ended up gasping for air.

In a final act of brutality, he left me battered and broken, my body a canvas of bruises and lacerations. With a trembling hand, I reached out for help, for anyone who could offer solace in the wake of such senseless violence. I was slowly slipping into the darkness and my body turned cold with blood seeping from my wounds.

I could hear Dana's voice in the background. "I think that's enough. You already mess the place up with her blood. Just look at the sheets," her voice was fading, and my eyes slowly closed in darkness.

Was this the end? I never imagined losing my life this way. The same day, I found out I had a child inside of me. Why did I trust the wrong people?

"If there truly is a supreme power please give me a second chance I pleaded. Just another chance to rewrite my past' I felt hot tears rolling down the corners of my eyes. I'd never forgive them, not even in my next life. Those were my last words before giving into the darkness lurking around and accepting my cruel fate.

Evelyn's POV

I slowly opened my eyes but closed them immediately when I felt the pain. My head was throbbing in pain and I felt a sharp pain that left me breathless. Forcing myself to focus, I tried to move, only to realize that my limbs were unresponsive, weighed down by an unseen force.

Desperation etched across my features, I attempted to scream for help, but no sound escaped my lips, trapped in a silent scream of anguish. I heard the room door slammed open and soon a fight ensued.

"Evelyn?" That voice... that was familiar and in desperation to find out if my consciousness was playing a trick on me. There was no way I could be hearing the voice of my father...

"Evelyn wake up? Are you okay?" The voice came again and this time, I forced my eyes open and a gasp escaped my lips.

"Dad?" I called in disbelief. What was going on? What was he doing here? "A-Am I in heaven?" I asked and his brows furrowed.

Where was I? I darted my eyes around in wonder, but then he spoke again. "What are you talking about, Evelyn?" He asked with a frown on his face.

The room was dim, but I could still make out my surroundings as the light emanating from the lamp stand illuminated the room. The walls were rather familiar and the atmosphere... everything was undeniably familiar.

It took a moment to realize that I was in my room and the painting was just the same as I remembered. What was happening? Why was I in my room? I thought I was dying. No, it felt so real that the memory was engraved in my mind. Was that only a dream?

"Child, are you sure you're okay? Should I call Dr. Henry?" My father's voice cut my train of thoughts and I shifted my gaze back to him. Was he real?

I found this difficult to believe or fathom. I still remember he died of cance....my thoughts abruptly ended because I could somehow hear Caleb's voice, whispering loudly and indignantly in my ears. 'Your father didn't die of any bullshit cancer, it was I who killed him. I paid his doctor to place him on the wrong medications after forging a fake cancer test result....'

I went completely still. How come he was right in front of me and in my room? "Dad, is that really you? Or is this a dream?" I stretched my hand weakly towards him, while he growled in frustration.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Of course, I'm real. Why do you look so surprised? Do you know how worried I was because you were suffering from a fever yesterday?" He said with a frown, while I finally touched his face. Oh heavens, he felt so real. This wasn't a dream.

How could this be happening? I wanted an explanation but at the same time, I was too happy to care and without delay, I jolted up from the bed, ignoring the pain as I hugged him tightly. My heart was beating faster and louder than before.

"Oh my goodness, I'm just so happy," I muttered. He was tense for a while, but soon patted my back gently. I never actually had a close relationship with him before, but I couldn't contain the happiness I felt when I opened my eyes and saw him for the first time in three years.

"Alright, that's enough. You have an engagement party to be at, Evelyn, so do well to get dressed now that you're awake," he informed me as he pulled away.

My eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "Engagement party? With whom?" I asked, looking at him with a perplexed expression.

His brows creased and he seemed taken aback. "Evelyn, don't tell me you forgot your engagement party with Caleb. Everyone is getting prepared and few of the guests are here. Soon you'd be called down, and you're still not dressed," he explained, but his voice sounded faint as the only thing replaying in my head at the mention of Caleb, was the memory of him holding the metal vase and hitting me with it.

This was my engagement party with him? How? I was getting lost and confused. "Dad, what's the date?" I inquired, and my voice fell into an octave.

"This is April fourteen..." he trailed off as he tried to comprehend my expression, but I was also confused.

He didn't have to say the year because I already knew what year it was. This was the year and the same month I got engaged with Caleb, and today was our engagement party. Was my prayer answered? Was I sent back to the past to actually rewrite my past? Was it even possible?

I wanted an explanation in simpler terms, but this wasn't a dream, and I was actually alive and reliving the day of my engagement party. I suddenly gasped again, but I covered my mouth with my hand. I was already engaged to Caleb and if I was correct, then in the following days, we'd be getting married!

Hell no! I couldn't make the same mistake twice, especially after being given a second chance.A knock resounded, drawing my attention. Soon a servant stepped in. "Sir, the guests are downstairs," she informed me and my dad stood up.

"Alright, I'll be downstairs waiting for you. So hurry and ask the maid to assist you," he sounded authoritative as always as he walked away.

The maid walked towards me while I slowly slid out of bed. I couldn't believe this, and although I felt a conflict of emotions, I couldn't help but smile happily. Whatever this was, had somehow gotten me back my father.

I quickly got dressed and went downstairs to meet the guests. This was another opportunity to prevent the past from repeating itself and I wasn't going to just let it slide down the drain.

The living room of the luxurious mansion was ablaze with dazzling lights and the murmur of high society mingled with the soft clinking of champagne glasses, an engagement party attended by the elite of the city. Among the sea of designer gowns and tailored tuxedos, one figure stood out.

I noticed a man standing at the corner. He was dressed in exquisitely tailored suits that spoke of wealth and refinement. His dark hair swept back from his forehead, and a faint smile played upon his lips, drawing the attention of almost everyone. With sharp features and piercing dark brown eyes.

I could remember him clearly. He was the uncle of Caleb. I had little memories of him because he only attended two occasions, which were my engagement party and wedding.

Despite his captivating appearance, he kept to himself, rarely speaking to anyone and always disappearing before dawn broke over the horizon. Rumors swirled around him like a cloud of mystery, each more fantastical than the last. He hated the spotlight but could never avoid it.

But standing here again after surprisingly being reborn and whirled back to the past made me feel foreign watching Caleb's uncle stand so tall and confident. Or maybe it wa...

"Babe?" I heard a familiar voice that sent shivers down my spine, followed by a hand that came around my waist, causing me to jerk back in fear and irritation. I could tell whose voice it was, anytime, any day and anywhere. It was that of Caleb, my fiance who turned into my literal killer.

Turning around, I found him looking at me with a frown. His hair was styled back, framing a dashing appearance. However, if only I had fathomed the evil that laid within those gentle eyes. And if i was correct, our engagement party was the exact same period where he was already having an affair with Dana.

I gritted my teeth as I turned around, no longer blind to his claws and fangs that had gripped me and torn me into pieces.

"What's wrong?" He moved closer, and it took everything within me not to punch him so hard and fast, such that a teeth or two would have fallen out. And where was that whore of a friend? I almost forgot she lied to be sick just to miss the engagement party. She was such a bad liar, and I couldn't believe I fell for those lies before.

I froze when he suddenly wrapped his hand around me. "I don't want you touching me right now, Caleb." I deadpanned, shoving him aside in the most gentle way that I could.

But the damn bastard didn't take me any serious. He laughed softly and snuggled me back into his body.

"Having cold feet already? You look beautiful by the way," he murmured in my ears before pulling away. I could see lust in his eyes. That was the only thing he ever felt for me. Lust.

Evenly's POV

"Oh and there is our couple," his mother's voice made me pause, and he finally pulled away. I couldn't be any less thankful for the timely interruption. Being in his arms felt suffocating, I nearly puked.

She wore a black dress and behind her was Caleb's father, matching her outfit. "I heard you were down yesterday," she pointed out. I had always felt this extreme hate oozing from her but always ignored it: and the few times i'd spilled it to Caleb, he merely waved me off . Perhaps it was time I face the truth without ignoring it.

"I'm better now, thank you," I smiled faintly at her. I wanted it to end already because the memories of Caleb hitting my head with a rod multiple times with eyes glaring at me had began seething into my head. I felt angry, irritated and hurt at my naivety with every moment Caleb stayed beside me.

Suddenly, it became too hard to breathe as the emotions weighed on my chest, making it impossible to breathe or think properly. I immediately excused myself before rushing out of the building. I went to the garden and the warmth of the sun rays greased my skin.

But as the minutes passed without any sign of relief, a sense of unease crept over me, and so did the strong smell of cigarette.

Someone was smoking in the garden. Looking around for the source, I found a tall man standing from afar smoking. I stood there for a while, contemplating, but I finally moved towards him. As I drew closer, I realized it was Caleb's uncle.

"Hey," I said, inhaling the smell of the cigarette. I hated it and could barely stand it. He slowly turned to look at me and his dark brown eyes bore into mine. "You know smoking is bad for your health right?" I asked immediately.

He slowly tilted his head to the side with a curious gaze. Something about his movements slightly terrified me... "Alright. Since you know what's good for my health," he replied, and I couldn't depict the meaning of those words.

Was he mocking me or actually listening? "I believe you know already about the consequences," I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

He bit down on his lips before slowly releasing it. My gaze was stuck on him and I failed to realize that he had put the cigarette out. "Is it better now, Ms. Hawthorne," he drawled, drawing my attention.

I clenched my jaw, hearing the name that irked my skin. "Don't call me Hawthorne. We're not married yet," I retorted, causing him to raise a brow.

I bit my lips, realizing that I had let my anger out. He suddenly narrowed his gaze at me, and he seemed to be in a deep thought. "You don't want his name?" He asked, startling me. I swallowed, finding it difficult to reply when he added. "Or maybe you don't want this wedding as well," he face was blank and unreadable.

"I only stated what was the logical truth." I was being careful with my words because this was Caleb's uncle and an enigmatic stranger. I couldn't fathom his expression or read his thoughts.

"You don't love him," he said immediately. I stared at him to know if he was angry, but he looked unbothered and seemingly curious to know my thoughts.

"I don't know," I replied.

He was quiet for a while and only stared at me without saying a word. I was about to speak, but he beat me to it. "If you can't be with him then why don't you do the both of you a favor by speaking your mind to him?" he said thoughtfully.

I was left in shock. He wanted me to call off the wedding instead of being furious with the fact that I was going to break his nephew's heart... that was if he even had one to begin with.

"Just do as your heart pleases," he said, tucking his hands into his pocket before walking away.

Doing as my heart pleased...The words echoed in my head as I stood still in one position. Getting killed by the man I had unquestioningly loved for so many years hurt more than I had ever imagined. The pain of getting hit over and over again and seeing that one particular face that you had once viewed as your salvation. The pain of never getting to meet your first ever baby. The pain of hearing him confidently talk about how he had murdered your own father, whom he termed an obstacle to getting his hands on your father's company – a company his greedy hands didn't labour for.

The tears welled up in my eyes, struggling to break free but I hastily blinked them back inside where they belonged. This was no time to cry, I had cried enough and I planned to let it stay that way. What was more important right now was getting my revenge on Caleb and Dana.

This time ought to be different. I would never allow them succeed in breaking me. I'd make sure they pay for their disloyalty. Finally muttering my courage, I walked back to the living room.

"Where have you been? Have been looking everywhere for you. Do you know how worried we were?!" Caleb scolded me, gripping my arms roughly. He looked angry, and I could've been scared before, but now I felt disgusted, just seeing how controlling he was.

I glared at him, tearing my arm away from his devilish grip, "Worried enough that the first thing you could do after finally seeing me was to grip my hands roughly, rather than ask if I was okay or not?"

He cleared his throat, casting his eyes at the guests who looked curious as hell. "We can't do this here, Evelyn." he whispered hoarsely.

Of course not. He was a selfish bastard that only cared about himself. Forcing a smile at him, I wrapped my hand around his. "Alright babe, I'm here now so why don't we continue with the phase?" I said sweetly.

He wrinkled his brows but said nothing. Instead, he picked up a drink and a spoon. He hit the silver spoon on the glass, heightening the people's attention immediately. He cleared his throat as he wore that despicable smile on his face.

"Good day everyone. Firstly, I want to thank you for choosing to celebrate this wonderful day with us, and I'd also like to appreciate your gifts, wishes, and patience. Thank you for being part of our special moments. We've already arranged the day of the wedding," he said with a smile.

My stomach churned as I realized the meaning behind those smiles. He was going to get his hands on everything my father worked hard for before he died. His plans were finally going to be successful, and I was speechlessly watching, a bit terrified by the suddenness of the situation.

But then the words of Caleb's uncle reeled into my head again, 'Do as your heart pleases.' My heart immediately soared with a new determination and I made to speak, until Caleb beat me to it.

"And the wedding date is--" but he was cut off.

"I believe the woman would also like to say a word," someone said among the crowd. Moving my gaze swiftly, I found his uncle looking at him blankly.

Caleb frowned, clearly displeased by the interruption but didn't have the guts to say a word. I found it quite amusing to watch as he struggled to hide his irritation.

Everyone's eyes turned to me, and I straightened my shoulders confidently as I moved my eyes, scanning the sea of bodies.

I could see the anticipation on their faces as they waited for me to confirm the date with smiles on their faces. Eventually, my gaze landed on his uncle, his name I could barely remember, but his face was stuck in my memory like a tattoo.

He gave me a nod to go ahead, but it felt more like a reassurance that I could speak my mind without fear.

Exhaling sharply, I finally parted my lips to speak. "Once again, I want to thank you for the effort you put in just to be here. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but sadly, it's not. Therefore, the wedding will not be held any longer. I hope you all understand, and I apologize for any inconvenience," I said sternly with a raised chin.

I didn't have to wait for their reaction as they all gasped in utter shock. They looked at me with shock on their faces.

"What did you say?" Caleb's voice rang from beside me. His tone was enough to imagine his reaction. Without bothering to look at him, I turned to my dad. "Dad, I'm sorry, but I have to go now. Please help me see them off," I quickly said while he stared at me with his mouth agape and a deep frown etched on his face.

I really wish I could explain things to him, but that would blow everything out of proportion. I was certain of that.

I hurried through the crowd and straight to the entrance as I ignored the calls behind me. I was so done listening to them telling me what to do. It was time to be in charge of my life and make them pay for what they did to me in my now past life. Caleb, Dana, my father's doctor....every single one of them who's connected to him and helped him commit his treacherous desires.