44. The Other Side Of Him

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★JANIE★

The bright morning sun flashed in rays through my slightly parted curtains. Birds chirped outside my window, and from the bustling activities in our neighbor's yard, I could tell that it was already morning.

However, I couldn't sleep.

My eyes were sore and heavy, yet I didn't get a single sleep because I was awake all night, contemplating why Luciano would want me as his girlfriend.

Expelling a weary sigh, I dragged myself to a sitting position and my eyes met with my reflection on the mirror, facing me. The girl staring back at me seemed worn out. She had dark circles beneath her eyes and her face appeared gloomy.

Was this all because of Luciano's terms? I thought to myself.

Sighing again for the umpteenth time, I hauled to my feet and then trudged towards the bathroom. My mind kept pondering the odds of rejecting his offer and the aftermath as I brushed my teeth, splashed some water on my face then left my room to the living room.

Upon approaching the living room, I could hear noises emanating from there, like they were busy arranging something, and their indistinct voices. Only for me to get there to find Mrs Isobel bringing out dishes from the kitchen to the dining table, Chelsea arranging the table while Noel and his father, Alan sat down, discussing with someone.

"Oh look the birthday girl is awake! Good morning, Janie." Mrs Isobel squeaked the moment she noticed me by the entrance between the long corridor and the living room, and everyone's attention turned to me, including the person discussing with Mr Alan and my breath hitched.

What?

Luciano?

Batting my lashes in confusion, I wondered what Luciano was doing here this morning. His motive for showing up in front of this family and if there was something sinister he was planning this time. But his lips just curved into a smirk as his eyes met mine.

I froze to bits.

My eyes traveled from Mr Alan to Noel, to Chelsea and Mrs Isobel. Were they aware of his presence or it was just me? How come he sat in the living area, discussing with Mr Alan like he was his business associate?

Almost at once, my mind began to run wild. I was trying to piece things up in my head but nothing seemed reasonable at the moment.

"Don't just stand there, Janie. Join us for breakfast." Mrs Isobel pressed, jolting me out of my series of thoughts.

My eyes didn't leave Luciano for once as I slowly strutted towards the dining table and then perched on an empty chair.

As soon as I sat down beside Mrs Isobel, she issued me a casual smile. "I decided not to wake you up this morning because you seem exhausted from your birthday events yesterday."

"Thank you for everything you guys did yesterday," I said, feigning a small smile. But my eyes remained fixated on Luciano, who still had that dark smirk plastered on his face.

"Janie...." Mr Alan cleared his throat. "....Didn't you recognize your uncle?" He asked, pointing at Luciano and I could swear that my jaw dropped to the ground in profound shock.

Uncle?

My eyes widened as I stared at Luciano, who seemed to find this situation pretty amusing then at Noel, before bringing my eyes back to Mr Alan.

"I thought you said you were her uncle, Mr Lucien." Mr Alan inquired after noticing the weird dynamic between us.

Luciano cleared his throat. "Of course. I guess she is still in shock because she's just setting her eyes on me after a long time." With a smug smile on his face, he added. "I was her favorite uncle back then. She must have thought she wouldn't see me again because I traveled to Asia."

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