Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex’s "Uncle"

Selina immediately felt annoyed and marveled at Jillian's audacity to say something so shameless. Taking a serious look at Jillian from head to toe, she put on a concerned expression and said, "Mrs. Carter, I didn't expect you to hit your head so badly yesterday that you've started talking nonsense."

Jillian's temper flared instantly upon hearing Selina's mockery. "What nonsense are you spouting? Typical of someone from the countryside with no manners, daring to speak so rudely to your elders!"

Logan's face darkened as his sharp gaze cut toward Jillian. Just as he was about to speak, Selina let out a sneer, her tone dripping with agreement. "You're right. Coming from the countryside, I clearly don't have your refined manners—like cozying up to an illegitimate daughter who had an affair with her brother-in-law and delighting in the thought of marrying her into the family as a daughter-in-law."

Jillian was furious. Pointing a finger at Selina, she yelled, "You're just jealous that Natalia is kinder and more beloved than you—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Selina swatted Jillian's pointing hand away, her expression turning cold. "Mrs. Carter, I despise people pointing fingers at me."

"Besides, the Natalia you so dearly admire spent money to ruin my reputation at yesterday's wedding. The evidence is conclusive."

"That's impossible! You're lying!" Jillian refused to believe Natalia was capable of such actions.

Seeing the attention they were attracting from onlookers, Selina didn't want to stay and be the center of gossip. "If you think I'm lying, why don't you go ask Ryan yourself?" she said before pulling Logan along and walking away.

It wasn't until they reached the end of the corridor that Selina realized she was still holding Logan's hand. She quickly let go and smiled awkwardly. "Sorry, I acted on impulse."

Logan glanced down at his right hand, his eyes darkening slightly. "No matter. You're as fierce as ever in battle."

Selina gave a soft huff and raised her chin proudly. In the past, she had tolerated the Carter family for the sake of the engagement, but now that the engagement was off, she no longer felt the need to hold back.

Logan chuckled lightly. "Come on, the private room is just ahead."

The private room reserved for Logan was, unsurprisingly, impeccable. As they sat down, a tranquil bamboo grove came into view through the window. A vintage wind chime hung from the eaves, its delicate ringing blending with the soft breeze.

Selina had never been to this place before and let Logan order the dishes. As they waited, a thought suddenly struck her. Logan was supposed to be Ryan's uncle, so why didn't Jillian react at all upon seeing him?

Frowning slightly, Selina tentatively asked, "Mr. Reid, has Mrs. Carter never met you before?"

Logan paused as he poured tea, then raised his eyes to look at her. He had little interaction with the Carter family, so naturally, Mrs. Carter wouldn't have met him.

Still, his new wife seemed quite interested in such matters.

The rising steam from the teacup blurred Logan's features as he calmly replied, "No, she wouldn't have the chance to meet me."

At this, Selina suddenly understood. Of course—Ryan's branch of the family wasn't particularly prominent in the Main Carter Family and wouldn't usually have the opportunity to meet Logan, the heir.

Having figured it out, Selina let the matter drop just as the dishes were served. She quickly immersed herself in the meal.

She had to admit, the chef at Celestial Feast was truly exceptional.

Selina ate to her heart's content and leaned back in her chair with a satisfied expression. "It's no wonder Celestial Feast is so popular—it's completely deserved."

Logan's lips curled into a slight smile as he pushed a cup of tea toward her. "Thank you for the compliment, Madam."

It was only then that Selina remembered Logan was the owner of Celestial Feast. By praising the restaurant, she had essentially been praising him.

Trying to cover her embarrassment, she took a sip of tea—only to accidentally choke on it.

Logan furrowed his brows and got up to check on her, but Selina waved her hands quickly, signaling for him to stay back. She'd recover on her own in a moment.

After a fit of coughing, Selina finally managed to calm herself. She covered her face with her hands, feeling like she'd lost every ounce of dignity in front of Logan.

Logan chuckled softly at her embarrassed state but refrained from teasing her. Instead, he considerately changed the topic. "There's a charity gala tomorrow evening. Do you have time to accompany me?"

Selina thought for a moment. "I have time. Do I need to prepare anything?"

Logan replied, "No need. I'll take care of everything. You only need to attend with me."

"Alright."

Seeing her agree, Logan's eyes softened with a smile.

It wasn't until later that Selina realized attending the charity gala with Logan would essentially announce their marriage to the public. The Carter Family was likely to be invited as well. If Ryan found out that she was now his aunt, his expression would undoubtedly be priceless.

The thought of that moment filled Selina with anticipation for the following evening.

...

The next day, after having a simple breakfast, Selina drove to the Clark Family estate.

The estate was usually only occupied by Grandpa Clark, who had agreed to safeguard her late mother's belongings when Selina couldn't protect them herself. He had promised to keep them safe and return them to her when she grew older.

Upon arriving, Selina found Grandpa Clark strolling in the garden. She walked over with a bright smile. "Grandpa, I came to see you!"

Grandpa Clark's expression shifted briefly upon seeing her but quickly returned to his usual warmth. "Selina, you're here. Why didn't that boy Ryan come with you?"

Supporting Grandpa Clark by the arm, Selina calmly replied, "I broke off the engagement with him. From now on, I'll come to visit you alone."

"What?!" Grandpa Clark stopped walking, frowning as he looked at her. "How did it come to that?"

"Ah, Grandpa, I'll explain later. I came today to retrieve my mother's belongings."

Grandpa Clark stiffened for a moment before replying, "Those things are safe with me. Why do you suddenly want to take them?"

Selina smiled faintly. "I've moved out of the Clark Family's home. The place I'm staying now is quite spacious, so I figured I'd bring my mother's things over. That way, I won't keep troubling you."

Grandpa Clark opened his mouth, "Selina—" but before he could finish, Natalia and Katie emerged from the villa.

"Grandpa!" Natalia called sweetly.

Selina's smile slowly faded as she saw them. Why are they here?!

Years ago, when James insisted on bringing Katie and her daughter Natalia into the Clark Family, Grandpa Clark had vehemently opposed it. His health had even deteriorated due to the stress, and he had reluctantly agreed only when he had no other choice.

Since then, Grandpa Clark had forbidden James and his family from visiting the estate, preferring to avoid the sight of them entirely.

Selina had never expected to see Katie and Natalia at the estate.

Natalia's expression turned sour the moment she noticed Selina, but after a moment, her face brightened again, as if she'd thought of something. She took two steps forward and said in a soft voice, "Grandpa, where is the Eternity of the Stars you mentioned? I couldn't find it."