< The Forbidden Uncle
Chapter 168 Do You Still Believe In Me?
Ryan froze.
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For a second, something complicated flickered across his face–just a split–second flash of emotion-
but it vanished almost instantly, smoothed over by his usual calm.
Still, I caught it. That tiny shift. That hesitation. I caught it.
Something was definitely off.
My heart tightened, a chill creeping in under my skin.
Whatever Eric talked to him about last night… it wasn’t simple. And deep down, I knew–it had
something to do with me. Why else would Ryan be so evasive?
“Ryan,” I said slowly, each word deliberate, my eyes locked on his. “I’m going to ask you again. What exactly did Eric talk to you about last night? Was it… about me?”
His eyes flickered again. And then… he looked away.
That was all the confirmation I needed.
Yes–It was about me. And he was trying hard to cover it up.
Panic bubbled up in my chest. I grabbed his arm, my voice trembling, “Is it the baby? Did Eric find something wrong? Ryan, please–just tell me. Don’t keep this from me…”
Ryan immediately shook his head and pulled me into his arms, holding me close.
“No, no, it’s not the baby. Gabby, don’t let your mind go there. The baby is fine–healthy, perfect, I swear. I was just upset over something at the firm. Nothing serious. I’ve already taken care of it.”
I pressed my ear against his chest, trying to let the steady rhythm of his heartbeat calm me. But my own heart was racing, full of dread and doubt.
“Are you sure… there’s really nothing wrong?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I’m sure, baby. Absolutely sure.” His voice was soft, his hand stroking my back gently, trying to soothe
- me.
But I wasn’t soothed. Not really.
Something in my gut still screamed that he wasn’t being honest.
I looked up at him, my voice even quieter now, “Are you absolutely sure you’re not hiding anything from
me?”
Ryan’s brows drew together. Silence stretched between us. Then he met my gaze and said firmly, “I’m
not.”
I let out a slow breath, still unsure. And then I asked the question I’d been holding back, “You still haven’t answered my other question–who were you with last night?”
His body stiffened.
His arms stiffened slightly, but he didn’t speak.
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< Chapter 168 Do You Still Believe in Me?
In that moment, I knew.
Silence was the clearest answer of all.
It had been Summer.
I stepped back from him gently. There was no yelling, no accusations. Just a quiet, tired voice.
“I see. You came back so late last night—you must be exhausted. Go get some rest”
I turned to walk away, feeling strangely hollow, like someone had drained the warmth from my bones. I didn’t even have the energy to argue.
But as I turned, my vision blurred for a second.
Not from anger–but from a deep, aching disappointment.
For a while, I really thought I was happy. But now…
“Gabby!” Ryan caught up to me, grabbing my wrist. “I’m not tired. Let me just change, and I’ll come downstairs. We can have breakfast together, okay?”
I shook my head, gently pulling my hand from his grasp. “No need. I’m not hungry.”
His expression fell. He looked at me for a long moment, eyes filled with regret, brows knotted.
“I’m sorry, Gabby. I really am. I did drink too much last night. I was alone at the bar… and then, out of nowhere, Summer showed up.”
“I swear, I barely spoke to her before I blacked out. Nothing happened. You have to believe me.”
“I believe you,” I said quietly, reaching for my phone. “But Summer was the one who brought you home last night. And this morning… I got these.”
I held up my phone, letting him see the photos–clear, undeniable.
Then I added, “And Ryan… I’m your wife. It’s only natural that seeing these would bother me.”
Ryan’s face changed instantly–shock settling into disbelief.
“Where did you get these? Who sent them to you?” he asked, almost in disbelief.
I gave a dry, bitter laugh. “I don’t know. Shouldn’t you be the one who knows?”
“I…” Ryan rubbed his forehead, clearly overwhelmed. “I really don’t remember anything. I was com
pletely out of it. But I swear to you–I would never do anything to hurt you.”
He looked at me, desperate now. “Gabby… you’re the only one I care about. The only one I love. Do you still believe in me?”
