That evening, I accompanied Oscar to a family dinner at the Hunters‘.
Everyone in the Hunter family knew that Avery and I had grown up together, and they had always assumed we would marry someday.
Although they were puzzled by my sudden marriage to Oscar, no one showed it, still warmly offering us their congratulations.
After the dinner, Oscar drove me home.
Neither of us spoke during the journey, quietly enjoying the peaceful silence.
It was strange–Oscar and I weren’t particularly close, yet being together didn’t feel awkward at all.
Especially after my rebirth, knowing how deeply he had loved me in my previous life made me feel incredibly secure around him.
“What are you thinking about?” Oscar broke the silence as I was about to get out of the car, his voice gentle.
I smiled softly, looking at him. “Nothing really. It just doesn’t
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feel quite real. I never expected you to agree so quickly and decisively to marry me–it’s quite surprising!”
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He smiled at me affectionately, almost tenderly, pulling a small box from his pocket.
Inside was an exquisite diamond ring.
“I’ve had this ring ready for seven Christmases now. Learning that you wanted to marry me was the most exciting moment of my life. Amanda, my love for you has endured for so long, so you shouldn’t be so surprised.”
Though I already knew he had loved me for years, hearing him say it aloud made me lower my head shyly.
Before getting out of the car, I leaned over and kissed him, then jumped out with flushed cheeks.
Oscar came after me, catching my arm from behind.
My face grew even redder as I wondered whether to accept or reject if he tried to kiss me. The atmosphere suddenly became noticeably awkward.
Just then, Avery rushed out, breaking the tension.
His eyes reflected complex emotions. Without even glancing at me, he addressed Oscar: “Uncle Oscar, I need to speak with Amanda. Could I have a moment alone with her?”
Oscar didn’t answer directly, instead turning to ask for my
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I hesitated, initially wanting to refuse outright.
But considering the special relationship between Avery and Oscar, I felt I should clear things up with him.
Seeing me nod, Oscar also nodded to Avery.
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Avery and I walked to a quiet corner, and he spoke first: “Amanda, you got my Uncle Oscar to act in this little play just to provoke me, didn’t you? Going to the bridal shop on the same day as me, even getting your marriage license on the same day— you can’t tell me that wasn’t deliberate.”
I sighed softly, wanting to explain it was merely coincidence.
Avery gave a cold laugh. “You thought of everything, even preparing a fake marriage certificate! Well, Amanda, you’ve succeeded in provoking me. I suddenly realized I can’t accept you marrying another man, even if that man is my Uncle Oscar.”
He looked at me with a hint of resentment and sorrow. “Amanda, my Uncle Oscar is a very busy man. Stop wasting his time. I admit defeat, and I regret my actions. I thought I loved Stella, but now I realize I can’t let you go. So, Amanda, please stop this charade. I promise not to get a marriage license with Stella yet, and you stop using Uncle Oscar to make me jealous, okay?”
As Avery waited for my answer, I unconsciously glanced toward
Oscar.
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4/5
As if sensing my gaze, Oscar immediately turned to look at me.
I blushed instantly and lowered my head.
When I looked up again, I saw Avery’s eyes had reddened.
“Amanda, is this what you call loving me? It’s only been a few days, and you’re already exchanging glances with another man?”
I cleared my throat and said seriously, “Avery, I apologize for my past behavior! Back during those Christmas seasons when I was younger, I was foolish and immature, mistaking our childhood friendship for love. But watching you chase after Stella made me realize that what I felt for you wasn’t love–it was just childhood affection. So please, don’t say such things anymore. And for the record, Oscar and I really did get married -we’re legally husband and wife.”
Avery seemed unable to believe it, gripping my shoulders tightly, his voice filled with anguish. “I don’t believe it! You loved me so much–how could you possibly abandon me to marry someone else?”
I forcefully freed myself from his grip and, with a composed expression and calm voice, said: “But that’s the reality! The wedding preparations, the bridal gown fitting—it was all for Oscar. I’ve explained this to you many times, but you refused to listen.”
Avery looked on the verge of collapse, stepping back.
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He was about to lunge forward and grab me again when a woman’s voice from behind interrupted him.
