Wedding My Ex’s Uncle

Chapter 325 Epilogue: Kayla and Calvin XIV

Brenda had thought Damien was finally catching on, but his next words hit her like a cold splash of water. “Kayla picked it out at her shop. Said it’d suit you. Seems she was right–you like it, don’t you?”

Brenda’s face darkened, her mood souring in an instant. “You paid for it?”

Damien shot her a scowl. “What, you think I’d mooch off my own niece?”

Kayla had no clue that this one dress had upset Brenda so much that she stayed holed up in her room, too furious to come downstairs for a whole week.

*****

The boutique had hit its stride. For two months straight, customers kept coming, and some of the wealthier ones even spread the word, bringing in new faces.

It wasn’t a goldmine, but Kayla was over the moon. Truth be told, she was pulling in more cash than she ever had as an

actress.

One day, she gathered her family. “Mom, Dad, Mark,” she said, eyes sparkling with excitement, “I’m thinking of taking a trip. Probably gone for about two weeks.”

No one batted an eye.

Mark leaned in, curious. “Where are you headed? Want me to tag along?”

Kayla laughed, waving him off, “No way, Mark. I’m not a kid anymore. I don’t need a babysitter for everything.”

But to them, Kayla would always be their little girl, no matter how grown she was.

“I’m going to the Rockies this time,” she added with a grin. “Not too far. I’ll snap some awesome snowy mountain pics and toss them in our group chat.”

Mark, always the protective brother, mulled her words over a bit longer than their parents did.

“Kayla,” he said, squinting at her, “you’re not going on this trip with Calvin, are you?”

*****

Kayla

had bought a full set of

trip was hers alone–no one

the rolling hills and layered peaks stretched out before her. Her heart swelled with a wild, carefree joy

back in town, wracking his brain for ways to steal a few more moments

by Kayla’s shop, her business partner Amy gave him a sympathetic look.

chess game was garbage today!” John grumbled, clearly

the board, shaking his head. “That move was straight–up awful. A kid just

his heart clearly not

where Kayla had gone–only

herself, there were no flight records

him completely

at John across from him. He pressed his lips together before speaking, “Sir Lewis, any chance you know how long Kayla’s planning

sharp gaze locking onto Calvin. A knowing grin tugged at

distraction, his scattered

lifted in

know where

pour him a fresh cup

blew on the steaming mug, taking his sweet

Aren’t you worried about her out there all alone, so far

with her, she’ll have someone to watch her back, right? Two’s better

a wry smile creeping across his face. “You with her?

you, and you’re… decent enough. Just don’t you dare let slip that I told

life depended on it. “Not a word. I swear. If she asks, I’ll say it was pure luck. I’d rather

back and said,

his phone, arranging a car

Lewis, I’ve got

his frantic retreat, chuckling to himself

way

for a while. He should’ve made Calvin play

John had been swayed by Calvin, but he had done a thorough investigation

only child, a