Jilted by the Heir, Targeted by His Tycoon Uncle

Evelyn Moore’s fingers flew across her phone screen, typing out a message that pulsed with anticipation: [Alexander, I just landed. Meet me at City Hall in thirty minutes.]

Today was the day. After five years together—from college sweethearts to a committed engagement—she and Alexander Harris were finally getting their marriage license.

She settled into the taxi’s backseat. Morning light poured through the window, gilding her delicate features and making her hopeful smile seem to glow from within.

The driver caught her expression in the rearview mirror and grinned. “In such a hurry to get to City Hall right after landing? Must be a big day.”

“It is,” Evelyn confirmed, her smile widening. “Valentine’s Day. I booked the appointment two weeks ago. I wasn’t going to miss it.”

The driver chuckled. “You young people and your romance. My daughter tried to get a slot for today but had to settle for tomorrow.”

“Congratulations to her,” Evelyn said warmly.

“And to you,” he replied.

But as Evelyn stepped out of the cab, a cold knot tightened in her stomach. Alexander hadn’t replied.

Frowning, she dialed his number, her pulse quickening with each ring.

It rang until she thought it would go to voicemail. Then he picked up.

His voice was flat, distant. “Yeah?”

Evelyn’s grip on the phone tightened. “Alexander, where are you? I’m at City Hall. We need to—”

“Evelyn, I can’t make it.” His interruption was blunt.

“What do you mean? Today was the plan. We agreed.”

“Something came up. We’ll do it another day. Any day. It’s not important.”

To her, it was vitally important. She had counted down the days, her heart full of their shared future.

Then, a familiar, lilting voice echoed in the background. “Alexander, are you still on the phone? Everyone’s waiting for us to come down for breakfast!”

Evelyn’s heart dropped. That was Chloe’s voice.

Chloe Miller. The girl the Harris family had adopted eighteen years ago. ‘Is Chloe back?’ Evelyn’s mind raced.

Her knuckles whitened around her phone. Before she could speak, the call disconnected.

“He told me he was tired and went to bed early. Was he really with her all night?” The thought was a sharp, bitter stab.

A moment later, a text lit up her screen.

Chloe: [Evelyn, was that you? I just got back to town. Alexander threw me a welcome party last night. I had too much to drink and stayed over. Please don’t misunderstand. Would you like to join us for breakfast?]

A heavy, suffocating pressure settled in Evelyn’s chest.

She typed back quickly: [Send me the address. I’m coming.]

Outside the private room at Morning Bites, laughter and chatter spilled into the hallway. She recognized the voices.

“Alexander, isn’t today your big license day with Evelyn?” someone teased.

“I heard she booked that slot half a month ago just to lock you down today,” another added, the mockery clear.

“What’s so special about today, anyway?”

“Hello? It’s Valentine’s Day!” The reply was followed by snickers.

“Tsk. Alexander doesn’t even love her. Everyone knows the only one in his heart is Chloe.” The words made Evelyn’s stomach twist.

Chloe’s voice, feigning shyness, piped up. “Stop it, guys. Alexander is just my brother.”

Evelyn stood frozen, her face pale. She desperately needed to hear Alexander’s response.

The door was slightly ajar. Peering through the gap, she saw Alexander lounging casually, his arm draped over the back of Chloe’s chair.

From her angle, it looked like he was holding the girl he truly cherished.

His voice floated out, soft. “Chloe, do you really only see me as your brother?”

“Alexander,” Chloe’s voice trembled slightly, “aren’t you going to get the license with Evelyn today?”

“No. I already told her.” His tone was indifferent, as if discussing the weather.

He noticed Chloe shivering from the teasing and leaned closer, his voice dropping to a murmur meant only for her. “Chloe, no one is more important to me than you.”

The room erupted in knowing laughter and playful shouts.

But Evelyn, standing alone in the hallway, felt a sharp, clean pain pierce her heart. The truth, finally undeniable: she would always be second.

‘How pathetic have I been?’ she thought.

Just then, someone emerged from the restroom and stopped short, spotting her.

“Oh, Evelyn… you’re here. Aren’t you coming in?” The voice was hesitant.

The door swung fully open. All eyes turned to the woman in the doorway, her face devoid of color.

An awkward silence hung for a beat before someone tried to salvage the moment. “Evelyn! You made it. Have you eaten? Come, sit down.”

Alexander withdrew his arm from behind Chloe’s chair, his brow furrowing. “Evelyn, what are you doing here?”

Evelyn took a deep, steadying breath and stepped forward. “Am I not welcome?”

Chloe jumped up quickly. “Evelyn, come sit here! This seat is for you.”

“Chloe, stay.” Alexander placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her seated. The gesture was another small knife to Evelyn’s heart.

“It’s fine. Keep your seat,” Evelyn said, her voice surprisingly calm. “I’m not here for breakfast.”