Chapter 946
Lena was led by Aaron into the courtyard, where the old persimmon tree stood bare, save for a single stubborn leaf clinging on. Despite enduring heavy rains and countless cold winds, that lone leaf remained, defying nature—truly a resilient “leaf warrior.”
The chilly wind stirred, making the branches sway, and the air felt even colder. Lena’s heart pounded, and inexplicable sweat formed on her back despite the cold. A sense of nervousness and unease filled her. The hand Aaron had held felt warmer than her other hand. She clasped her hands together to feel that warmth. “Uncle, I’ve told you before, your actions will hurt Grandma and Grandpa.”
Aaron didn’t respond. His deep, penetrating gaze fixed on her, burning with intensity. Lena avoided his eyes, instead focusing on the buttons of his coat.
“You wanted to know the reason, didn’t you?” His melodious voice broke the silence.
Her throat tightened, and her heartbeat quickened. “Uncle, no matter the reason, you shouldn’t—”
“The reason is you,” Aaron interrupted.
Her hands, clasped together, trembled. She looked up abruptly, meeting his profound gaze that seemed like a whirlpool, threatening to pull her in. Panicking, she averted her eyes. “Uncle, don’t say that. Mom already suspects me. If she hears this, she’ll scold me to death.”
“It’s because I no longer carry the Ace surname, because I have no blood ties to the Ace family, that I can be with you,” Aaron said, his words freezing her breath.
Lena’s body stiffened. Her mind buzzed as if someone had struck her with a heavy blow. She wasn’t clueless. She had sensed certain things, and his occasional hints had not gone unnoticed. But hearing him say it out loud was an entirely different matter. It felt like she had been struck by lightning.
“Lil’ Lena,” Aaron began, his voice steady, “I know this might scare you. That’s why I’ve kept it from you. But you must have felt it. So I’m asking you now—will you be with me?”
Lena felt as though she wasn’t herself anymore. She seemed trapped in a massive bell, surrounded by a cacophony of buzzing sounds.
“Lil’ Lena…” Aaron called her name softly, reaching out to touch her. Like a startled bird, Lena recoiled sharply, nearly stumbling in the process. Shaking her head furiously, she said, “Uncle, stop saying these things. I’ve always seen you as my uncle, never anything else.”
“Then think about it now. You don’t have to rush to answer. I won’t force you. I just want you to know how I feel,” Aaron’s voice was calm, deliberate, but weighty.
Lena shook her head violently. “I won’t think about it! And it’s impossible. Uncle, you’ve scared me!”
Her body felt frozen, yet her back was drenched in sweat—a sensation of heat and cold intertwined, something she had never experienced before. Aaron’s eyes softened with a trace of pity. He had anticipated this reaction, which was why he had suppressed his feelings for so long. But even after years of restraint, he had still frightened her.
“You don’t need to worry. I’ll handle everything. I’ll pave the way so you won’t have to bear any pressure,” Aaron reassured her.
“Uncle, stop it!” Lena cut him off. “I’ve never thought of you that way. To me, you’re just my uncle. Nothing more!”
With those words, she turned and ran out of the courtyard. Aaron didn’t chase her. He simply stood there, watching her silhouette fade into the distance. A gust of cold wind swept through the yard, and the resilient leaf finally broke away from the branch, drifting to the ground. It swayed and trembled, as if reluctant to part from the tree.
Lena fled as if escaping from something terrifying. She, a woman in her late twenties who spent her days in operating rooms, was utterly thrown off by a confession. It made her feel ridiculous and incompetent. But this wasn’t just anyone—this was Aaron, her uncle. Even without blood ties, in her heart, he was her closest family member. How could he possibly develop such feelings for her?