I Married Another Man While My Uncle Lover Watched

Chapter 2

"Alex."

I reached for him, but he was already gone.

Uncle Vincent gently held me back as I watched Alexander Cooper walk up to my father. They exchanged a few words. Moments later, both men returned, smiling.

That shocked me. My father wasn't easily swayed, especially not when it came to discipline. He hated disruptions more than anything.

Alex leaned down and ruffled my hair. "Let's go. Time for the ceremony."

I blinked at him. "What happened?"

He tapped his cheek with a smirk. "Kiss your husband and I'll tell you."

My face instantly went hot. He just laughed, clearly enjoying my flustered reaction.

Meanwhile, Olivia Green was having a far different day.

She was fuming.

Guests were whispering, checking their watches, but Ethan Sullivan never showed.

"Where is he? Did you find him?" she hissed.

"Miss Green…" One of the staff hesitated, eyes full of pity. "I'm afraid Mr. Sullivan won't be coming."

Olivia shot to her feet. "What do you mean he's not coming?!"

"Mr. Sullivan… was assaulted by Mr. Williams. He's being taken to the hospital."

Olivia went still.

"Sophia's getting married today," she muttered. "Mr. Williams should be thrilled. Why would he go after Ethan?"

She began pacing, panic etched into her every step. Then she spun on the staff member, grabbing his sleeve.

"What did Ethan do?"

He hesitated. "He… tried to stop the wedding."

Olivia staggered backward like she'd been slapped. Her knees buckled, and she sank to the floor, clutching her gown like a lifeline. Her manicured nails dug into her palms until blood seeped into the white fabric.

Still, she forced herself to smile, apologizing to guests with practiced charm. Then she disappeared, changed out of her gown and rushed to the hospital.

My wedding, on the other hand, went off without a hitch.

Just like my father said, the Coopers were a better match. For me. And for the Williams family.

When we arrived at our new home, I noticed something unexpected: the walls were covered in photos. Childhood snapshots of two kids, our wedding portraits… even a solo birthday portrait of me, framed above the bed.

"Wait… isn't that from my birthday shoot? How'd you get this?"

Alex shrugged. "The studio you went to is owned by the Coopers. I happened to see it. Thought it was beautiful, so I had it printed."

I glanced around again, suddenly recognizing the kids in the older photos.

Our families had been close.

Back then, I'd been bold, fearless under the Williams name. I even made Alex cry a few times.

But then the Coopers moved overseas, and he disappeared from my life.

"You remember that?" he asked quietly.

I nodded. "Of course I do."

Without warning, Alex scooped me into his arms. I let out a startled yelp and clung to his neck.

"Call me big brother Alex."

I squirmed. "No way, ah!"

He bounced me a little and grinned. "Say it."

His fingers found my sides, tickling without mercy.

"Okay! Okay, big brother Alex!" I gasped between laughter.

Something in his eyes changed then, like the words had undone him.

In an instant, his restraint shattered. He kissed me hard, his hands tearing at my clothes, his desperation nearly overwhelming.

But then, he stopped.

He hovered over me, breathing hard, conflict raging in his gaze.

"I'm sorry," he said, voice hoarse. "I didn't mean to scare you."

He pulled away slightly, still hovering close. "I won't ask about Ethan. I won't push you. Just… give me time. Let me earn this."

He brushed a strand of hair from my face, the gentleness in his touch clashing with the fire still in his eyes.

"Until you're ready, I won't touch you."

"Alex..." I whispered. "Why did you marry me?"

He took a deep breath.

"After I transferred schools, I spent fourteen years looking for you."

His thumb grazed my cheek. "And six years planning this wedding."

He pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Goodnight, Mrs. Cooper."

He was about to get up, but I caught his waist.

"Alex… are you really going to leave me alone tonight?"

My fingers trailed up his jaw. "I'm ready… to try. To accept your love."

And little by little, I broke down his walls.

The next morning, we were woken by the phone.

I picked up, still half-asleep. "Hello?"

"Sophia… it's Uncle Ben."

"Uncle Ben? What's wrong?"

His voice cracked.

"Uncle Christopher… doesn't have much time. He wants to see you."