ManyWriters

In the year I lost both my parents, my mother's closest friend, who I affectionately called Auntie, welcomed me into her home.
She nurtured me with great care and affection, offering support and a depth of love I had never experienced before.
As a young lad experiencing his first crush, I secretly promised myself that I would wed my aunt when I became an adult.
Yet, during my coming-of-age celebration, when I finally mustered the courage to express my feelings for her, she reacted with anger!
She considered my affection a breach of moral standards, violating ethical and social norms.
From that point forward, she became increasingly aloof and distant. She even consented to an arranged marriage with the Lombart Family, effectively crushing any hope I had harbored.
Devastated, I abandoned my aspirations. I embarked on a freight vessel destined for far-off lands, resolved to leave everything behind.
Nevertheless, Auntie wept uncontrollably and pleaded with me to face her once more.

Aunt's Forbidden Love

The damage seemed irreparable, a reality that couldn't be undone.


That evening, sleep eluded me. I remained in the living area, listening to the indistinct noises from upstairs. The room's lights above flickered intermittently, each change piercing my heart.


I bit back my cries, repeating to myself, "Shouldn't you have moved on by now? You're well aware this can't happen. Your feelings for Auntie are destined to remain unfulfilled."


Yet tears continued to flow uncontrollably.


Only when I heard footsteps on the stairs did I realize morning had come. I quickly dried my face, erasing evidence of my distress.


Auntie descended the stairs. Her hair, recently washed, fell loosely, and she carried herself with a newfound air of self-assurance. She appeared like a woman who had recently experienced intimacy.


She barely looked at me, her expression aloof, as if I were unfamiliar. She didn't speak a word.


Anxiously, I found myself calling out to her retreating figure, "Auntie!"


She frowned with irritation. "What is it?"


Her tone was unrecognizable, cold enough to chill the atmosphere. I was momentarily at a loss for words.


Yet her detached manner jolted me back to reality. Forcing a grin, I asked, "Auntie, I was wondering what you'd like for your birthday meal tomorrow?"


Seemingly relieved I hadn't said anything inappropriate, her voice softened slightly, "Whatever you choose is fine. I'm off to work now."


She left, leaving the house silent once more.


Before I could depart, the man from the previous night came downstairs, still wearing a robe. He greeted me casually, saying, "I've heard much about you from your Auntie. You're Joey, correct? I'm her betrothed. You should address me as Uncle-in-law."


He smirked before adding, "I understand you're a taxidermist. It's an uncommon profession here. Interestingly, so am I."


I barely heard him. My eyes were fixed on the visible marks on his


A mix of sorrow and rage bubbled up inside me. Wanting nothing to do with him, I turned to leave.


However, he grasped my arm, pulling me back. "What's the matter? Joey, my nephew, aren't you going to greet your uncle?"


As he said this, he leaned in, whispering, "It's common knowledge in Mirage City that you're in love with your Auntie. Did you think it was a well-kept secret?"


"Let me tell you something. While Leslie agreed to our families' arrangement, she wasn't planning to fully commit to me yesterday."


"Want to know how I changed her mind? I threatened to tell the press that her beloved nephew was hopelessly in love with her. Imagine the public's reaction to such a scandal."


"You... scoundrel!" I exclaimed, glaring at him. My fists clenched tight.


The knowledge that Auntie had been forced into submission cut deep.


"Scoundrel?" He laughed, "Joey, you're mistaken. I'm not the one who fell for the aunt who raised me. That's all you. In fact, I'm doing you a favor, aren't I?"


He chuckled mockingly and jabbed my chest with his finger.


Rage exploded within me. Uncontrollably, I seized his collar and hauled him towards the backyard pool. I threw him to the ground, my fist poised to strike his arrogant face.


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