ir Gifts Wedding My Ex's Uncle Chapter 24 The Dinner Joanne's expression stiffened . She quickly reached for Kaia's hand . " Kaia , sweetie , let's talk after dinner , okay ? It's already past seven . You must be starving . " Zane , who had been silent all along , finally chimed in , clearly catching on . " Right . Let's eat first . Dad , let's get started . " Lucien stood up , casting a lazy glance toward Kaia's pale face , then toward Alden's stiff one . Alden was terrified she'd say it . If she did , Luna might end up shipped off overseas again . The rest of the meal was tense and flavorless . Kaia had saved Joanne some face , but she wasn't leaving without saying what she came to say . " Grandpa , Dad , Mom , I'm done . I'm going upstairs . " Luna was the first to set her fork down . Allen didn't even look up . " Alright . " Joanne jumped in , smoothing things over . " Okay , Luna , go on 17-26 Chapter 24 The Dinner up and rest . " Then she threw Zane a look . He got the cue . " Dad , I wanted to talk with you and Lucien about that Houston project . " Allen frowned , " You've got to do that now ? " Zane hesitated . " It's urgent , Dad . " Allen stood , grumbling , but started upstairs . He paused at the steps . " Kaia , keep eating . I'll be right back down . " Joanne had successfully cleared the room . Kaia set her utensils down , already guessing Joanne wanted to talk one - on - one . " Alden , go upstairs and get that box from my closet . Now . " Alden glanced at Kaia , then turned and left . Joanne turned back and clasped Kaia's hand . " Kaia , I'm sorry for what you've been through . Alden's an idiot , but you know how long you two have been together . It's been five years . You've come so far . Don't let one stupid mistake in it . 17:26 Chapter 24 The Dinner " Trust me , once you're married , if he ever messes up again , I'll be the first to smack him . And if I don't , his grandfather will . Please forgive him , honey . I've always seen you as his future wife . I'm counting the days till your wedding . " Kaia gave a small smile . " Joanne , I'm not marrying him . He didn't tell you ? When we couldn't get the license that day , I knew I was done . " Joanne's smile broke . " Kaia , tell me the truth . Did he do something bad to you ? If he hurt you , I'll make it right . But the wedding's just around the corner . You can't say something like this now . " Kaia laughed bitterly inside . Right , all about what's convenient for her son . She took a breath and continued , " Joanne , I've spent five years convincing myself he loved me , but I still can't feel it . " I remember every single thing he liked , even his favorite colors . I followed him everywhere , thinking I was special because he let me tag along . I thought he finally loved me back . " But you can't fake real love . When he's with her , he remembers everything without even trying . He notices every little thing . " No one has to remind him . He never forgets anything abo her . But with me ? He couldn't even remember the day we were 17:27 Chapter 24 The Dinner supposed to get our marriage license . " ( * ) 12 min left Kaia met her gaze squarely . " I can't commit to a marriage without love . I'm not the kind of girl who can play pretend forever . So , tell me , shouldn't I walk away ? " That landed hard . Joanne opened her mouth , but all that came out was a sigh . " You're right . It's Alden's fault . You've done nothing wrong . It's my fault I didn't raise him better . " She gave Kaia's hand a firm squeeze . " But Kaia , please … just give us a little more time . Allen's getting old . I'm afraid he won't take the shock well . " Look , you can forget about the license for now . Just go through with the ceremony . After that , you can tell him it didn't work out . How's that sound ? " Write your comment 1 Gifts 17:27