Chapter 4 Uncle Nick

Nicholas POV

After dismissing Leo last night, I barely slept. I can't stop thinking about Cherry and Vincent, unable to imagine their reactions if they knew the truth of what transpired.

My mind is consumed by one persistent thought: I cannot allow Cherry to marry Vincent. She seems like a proper girl with a personality I find surprisingly appealing. More importantly, she was my first, which made her kind of special to me.

I'm certain I was her first as well. She's so young, and her body felt so tight, her vagina responding in ways that only happen during a woman's initial experience. Vincent, that playboy, would only destroy her. The thought of her being married to him makes my stomach turn.

After tossing and turning all night, a solution crystallizes in my mind: why shouldn't I marry Cherry myself? That night, we were both caught in the drug's grip, helpless to resist. But it was that chaotic start that hooked me—I can't let her go. And despite our age difference, it solves everything at once. The business alliance would remain intact, Cherry would be spared Vincent's inevitable mistreatment, and I would satisfy my grandfather's marriage demands, securing my share of the overseas holdings.

The thought startles me, but I quickly regain composure. I'll see her at tonight's dinner first, approach her as the family patriarch, then maneuver to redirect her engagement my way.

Tonight, I deliberately arrive late to the gala. As I enter, the crowd parts automatically, all eyes turning toward me. I've grown accustomed to this weight of attention. Power carries its own gravity.

I spot Cherry immediately at the dessert table, surrounded by a group of young women. Unlike everyone else desperately seeking eye contact to signal their respect—or fear—her gaze wanders aimlessly. This girl grows more interesting by the minute.

Her wine-colored gown tonight is even more becoming than yesterday's outfit, making my mouth go dry. I pretend not to notice her, engaging in polite small talk with various social climbers while waiting for an opportunity to catch her alone.

When I glimpse Cherry heading toward the restrooms, my chance arrives. After discreetly ending my current conversation, I follow, only to collide with someone around the corner.

I lower my gaze to apologize, only to realize it's Cherry herself.

"I'm sorry," she murmurs, then looks up. Recognition flashes across her face, and she stumbles backward like a startled fawn.

I move closer, lowering my voice. "What, no hello for your savior?"

Cherry freezes, blurting out, "You enjoyed it too." Shock hits her instantly; she covers her mouth, tries to bolt, but I cut off her escape.

With deliberate slowness, I lean toward her ear. "I did enjoy it. But you weren't fully conscious then. Perhaps we should try again now that your mind is clear?" I'm testing her reactions, curious about her feelings toward me.

Fear flickers in her eyes, alongside something else—a reluctant spark. "Please show some respect, Nick."

"Fine. Let's talk business then," I shift gears. "I need to speak with you. Come find me upstairs after the gala ends." I extend a keycard that she promptly refuses.

"I don't want any ties to you, Nick. I tore up your card. That night—it stays there. No confusion, no strings."

This rejection ignites something primal in me. In all these years, no woman has dared speak to me this way.

I take a step back. "Fair enough. We won't discuss our... entanglement. Can we be friends, at least?"

She laughs sharply. "At your age, you could be my uncle."

"Then I'll be your uncle. I promise not to use that night against you. Better?"

She eventually agrees but maintains she can't meet me after the gala, claiming she has important matters to attend to.

I let her go. Didn't her father tell her why she's here tonight? Or perhaps he hasn't revealed my identity? Either way, I'm looking forward to her expression when I speak with her father.

Following Cherry secretly, I watch her sitting alone in a corner. Suddenly, her father, Arthur, makes a grand entrance with a woman wearing a backless Prada gown, drawing everyone's attention.

Based on my background investigation of the Millers, I know this isn't his wife, but his personal assistant.

Cherry tenses visibly as she watches them. Arthur spots her, his expression hardening instantly. He gestures for the woman and approaches Cherry together.

Cherry stands stiffly, addressing them with cold formality: "Father" and "Ms. Sharon," before saying, "Grandmother will be furious if she learns you brought your assistant as your date."

Arthur rebukes her harshly, "You're in no position to criticize my decisions."

Sharon affects kindness. "Cherry's just young, Arthur. She doesn't understand."

Cherry points to the sapphire necklace adorning Sharon's throat. "That was Mother's dowry jewelry. How dare you give it to her?"

Arthur threatens to "discipline" her properly once they're home. Cherry leaves in anger. "I'll remove myself then, before I become even more disgusted."

Arthur calls after her without success. Tears glisten in Cherry's eyes as she departs.

Sharon soothes Arthur. "She's ungrateful, just like Brittany." Then implies a shared secret: "If not for your decision back then, Jenna and the baby wouldn't have..."

Arthur cuts her off sharply, warning her against mentioning this in public.

Unfazed, Sharon presses on with a sly tone. "Fine. But you promised that beach house would be mine once Cherry marries."

Arthur assures her that once the marriage succeeds, she can have whatever she desires.

I contemplate this exchange. Clearly, Cherry holds little status in her home, and her father barely values her. If her own father shows such disregard, perhaps it's my duty as her new "uncle" to provide proper guidance?

I emerge from my observation point and approach Arthur.

Seeing me, he instantly adopts a sycophantic expression. "Mr. Salvatore!"

I mention coldly that I've come to discuss engagement arrangements, deliberately avoiding mention of who the betrothed might be.

Several whiskeys later, Arthur grows visibly intoxicated and begins praising Cherry's qualities as if advertising merchandise, which sickens me. He even suggests, "You can discipline her however you see fit. I won't interfere."

I smile coldly, expressing displeasure at his bringing a secretary instead of his wife. "In our tradition, a wife's position is sacred and inviolable."

Arthur fumbles awkwardly. "My wife hasn't been well recently..."

"Then contact me when she recovers. Bringing an outsider to engagement discussions—what were you thinking?"

Arthur nods repeatedly. "Yes, yes, you're absolutely right. Shall we meet again in two days?"

I acknowledge with a silent nod before turning to leave, Leo falling into step behind me.

"Get dirt on Arthur and that woman. And get me Cherry's phone number."

Leo handles it immediately. By the time I return to the club, he's already sent her number.

I text her without hesitation: [Are you alright?]

Her reply comes quickly: [Who is this?]

Me: [You know who.]

When she doesn't respond, I send another: [It's your uncle.]

The message shows as blocked. I can't help but laugh. This girl has more spirit than skill. But I enjoy conquering challenging women...