I Married His Uncle for Revenge

Chapter 6

Ethan Sterling's smile froze on his face, his wineglass tipping slightly, and red wine nearly splashing onto the pristine white tablecloth.

"Uncle's getting married?"

He forced a laugh, though it sounded strained.

"Perfect timing! Why don't we have a joint wedding? Double the celebration!"

Mr. Sterling slammed his chopsticks down, the porcelain plate clinking sharply.

"Enough nonsense! Your uncle and Bianca are getting married next month. Don't cause trouble!"

Turning to me, his face softened into a smile.

"Bianca, my brother's finally come to his senses. Let me toast to you!"

Ethan's face drained of color, his knuckles turning white.

"Dad... Who did you say is getting married?"

Quentin Sterling calmly took my hand, intertwining our fingers on the table.

"Bianca and I," he said quietly, but his words cut through the air, silencing the entire dining room.

"Impossible!"

Ethan shot up from his seat, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"You insolent brat!"

Mr. Sterling roared, slamming his fist on the table.

"What's gotten into you tonight? One more disrespectful word to your uncle, and you're out of this house!"

Ethan glared at me, chest rising and falling rapidly. His jaw clenched before he finally sank back into his seat.

Throughout the dinner, Quentin calmly discussed wedding plans, while Ethan's eyes drilled into me like knives—his stare so intense that he didn't even notice Stella snuggling into his side.

As the evening wound down, Quentin returned to retrieve my forgotten coat.

That's when Ethan emerged from the shadows and grabbed my wrist.

"Bianca Northwood!"

His voice was hoarse, desperation tinged with anger.

"You're lying, aren't you? There's no way you'd marry my uncle!"

I yanked my hand free.

"Ethan, calm down."

"You love me!"

His eyes were bloodshot.

"In our past life, we—"

His tone softened, almost like he was trying to coax a petulant child.

"Stop this. I promise I'll give you the wedding of your dreams. As for Stella... I'll handle her later."

I stared at him, disgust curling in my stomach.

"Listen carefully, Ethan," I said, enunciating each word.

"I'm marrying Quentin Sterling. In this life—and every one after."

"You dare—"

He grabbed my arm again.

Before he could do anything else, I was suddenly pulled into an embrace that smelled of crisp pine.

Quentin's coat draped over my shoulders, and his fist collided with Ethan's face.

"Touch what's mine?"

Quentin's voice was as cold as ice.

Ethan wiped the blood from his lip, then let out a manic laugh.

"Uncle, everyone in Northcrest knows Bianca chased me for ten years. You really want some desperate—"

Before he could finish, another punch sent him sprawling.

"One more insult toward Bianca," Quentin said coldly, looking down at Ethan, "and someone else will be taking your place tomorrow."

I gently cradled Quentin's reddened knuckles, blowing softly on them.

"Does it hurt?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan struggle to his feet, the light in his eyes flickering dimly.

Stella called after him sweetly, but he ignored her and sped off alone in his car.

"Nothing ever happened between us—"

I rushed to explain.

Quentin pressed a finger to my lips.

"I believe you."

Then, with a boyish pout, he added, "My hand hurts too much to drive. The doctor said it needs daily massages to heal."

I laughed, standing on tiptoe to ruffle his hair.

"Should I be Mr. Sterling's personal nurse, then?"

He leaned down, his breath warm against my ear.

"I'd be honored... my soon-to-be bride."