Chapter 5 I'm No Longer the Mistress of This Place Violet was caught off guard by the sudden question. She'd just been laughing at Gavin, but now she couldn't muster a smile. Not only was Gavin wary of the man before them, but she really didn't want to face his uncle either. At sixteen, Violet had spent a month rehearsing her confession in her head before sneaking over to the Braxton Villa when the adults were away to tell Gavin how she felt. Nervously staring at her shoes, she stood outside Gavin's bedroom door, summoning all her courage to knock. The door creaked open slowly, but she kept her head down, too shy to look at the boy who made her heart race. Her cheeks flushed as she poured every ounce of strength into her words: "Gavin, I like you." She never wanted to relive that moment-the man's slightly apologetic voice ringing in her ears: "Violet, Gavin's room is downstairs." Violet's eyes shot up in panic, only to find it wasn't Gavin standing there-it was his uncle! The man stood casually, a towel draped around him, the faint scent of body wash lingering, his eyes crinkling with a hint of confusion. Violet couldn't bear to meet his gaze. She blurted an apology and bolted downstairs without looking back. For months after. Violet avoided setting foot in the Braxton Villa. "Hey, what're you spacing out for?" Gavin tugged at her, snapping Violet back to reality. She quickly lowered her head, her voice softening. "Hello, Mr. Braxton." Gavin inwardly scoffed-she'd been all claws with him, but now, in front of his uncle, she was tame as a kitten. "Unde Wayne, we were just talking about you. You've been gone for years, and we've missed you." Wayne pulled out the chair beside Byron, shrugging off his coat and draping it over the back, casually rolling up his shirt sleeves. "Oh, really? Funny, I seem to recall you laughing the loudest when I left for overseas." Gavin gave an awkward chuckle. "Come on, that was ages ago." "Dad, I'm late, so 111 down a drink as punishment." Byron's eyes crinkled into a warm smile-everyone knew Wayne was his favorite son "No need, Wayne. You just got off a plane skip the drink. Wayne gave a faint smile, then tossed back the drink in one go. His cool gaze swept over the talde, finally resting to his left. "Gavin, you two got registered yet? I came back just for your wedding." Luna's glass slipped from her hand, shattering on the floor. She bent down, flustered. "Sorry, I didn't hold it right." Chapter 5 I'm No Longer the Mistress of This Place She reached for the glass shards on the ground. "Hiss..." Luna sucked in a sharp breath. "Careful!" Gavin saw the blood oozing from her hand and rushed to her side, gently holding her delicate fingers, his voice thick with affectionate scolding. "You're always so clumsy." "Grandpa, I'm taking Luna to get her hand bandaged." Without a glance at the sour faces around the table, Gavin gently guided Luna's trembling figure away. Tch, better hurry and patch that up. Any slower, and that tiny cut might heal on its own. Not just Byron, but Nathan and Clara's expressions darkened too. Their son's little crush wasn't fooling anyone. Clara forced a smile, patting Violet's hand. "Violet, Luna's always been frail, so Gavin's used to looking out for his little sister." Wayne's lips curved faintly as he turned the fish platter toward Violet. "Eat up. I remember you loved fish as a kid." His casual tone, laced with an elder's authority, made Violet uneasy. Nothing scared her more than him bringing up her childhood. She kept her head down. "Thanks, Mr. Braxton." Gavin and Luna never returned to the table before the banquet ended. Violet stood and gave a polite nod. "Grandpa, it's getting late, and I've got a case to argue in court tomorrow. I should head out." Byron mentally cursed his grandson. "Alright, work comes first." He glanced around. "Violet, you didn't drive, right? Why don't you let Wayne give you a ride?" Violet quickly waved it off. "No need, Grandpa. Mr. Braxton's been drinking." No way-shed hate for him to get pulled over for DUI right after coming back. Wayne dudded lightly, "No trouble. I've got an international meeting tonight and was about to head back. My driver can drop you off on the way." And just like that, Violet found herself dimbing into Wayne's car. She tried for the front passenger seat, but the driver had locked the door. Reluctantly, she slid into the back, flashing an awkward smile, "Thanks, Mr. Braston" Wayne's smile was cryptic. "You're welcome" "Where to? Your and Gavin's place? His low voice carried a faint whiff of liquor. Violet almost shook her head, then remembered the Braxtons didn't know she and Gavin had split, so she nodded. "Harborview Heights." 14:44 Loft Me Hanging at the City Hall2 I Morried Your Uncle 3.6% Chapter 5 I'm No Longer the Mistress of This Place Wayne's expression cooled slightly. "Harborview Heights. Drive." Violet pressed herself against the window, avoiding even a glimpse of the man's silhouette. But the silence, paired with Wayne's commanding presence, made it hard for her to breathe. 'Nice view out there?" It's okay." Only after replying did Violet realize who she was answering. Nayne let out a low chuckle. "Just okay, yet you're staring like it's the main event." So, you're dodging me, forcing yourself to stare at some average street view." holet's body stiffened, and she mumbled, "I'm done looking." After that, she leaned back and dozed off. When she woke, a blanket was draped over her. She blinked, groggy. "Mr. Braxton, why didn't you wake me when we got here?" urning her head, she saw him wearing earbuds, focused on his laptop. He was actually in a meeting. iolet quietly unbuckled her seatbelt, folded the blanket, gestured a quick "thanks," and slipped out of the car. Mr. Braxton, did you hear something just now?" Wayne's brow furrowed faintly. "Yeah, that was my nephew's fiancée. Keep the meeting going." Violet finally stepped out of the car. The sank onto her couch, still rattled. Five years later, Gavin's uncle was even harder to read. Ms. Miller, you want anything to eat tonight?" Violet glanced at the clock-it was already nine. I'm good She waited ten more minutes. Her case files were at her apartment-she couldn't exactly show up to court in this dress tomorrow. Violet grabbed her purse and headed for the door. Margaret looked stunned. "Ms Miller, you're going out again?" Violet flashed a gentle smile. "I'm no longer the mistress of this place." Soon enough, Gavin would be out of her life for good. (0) (0)