Trading My Ex for His Uncle

Valarie opened the box and found a red V-neck gown inside.

"This is gorgeous!" she exclaimed.

"Try it on," Nyla urged.

"Okay!" Valarie took the dress into the dressing room.

Less than two minutes later, she stepped out. "Nyla, it fits perfectly."

Nyla looked up, her eyes lighting up with admiration.noveldrama

Dressed in the red gown, Valarie exuded confidence and elegance, like a queen. It was impossible not to be drawn to her.

"I knew my taste wouldn't fail me! This dress was made for you—every curve is accentuated just right. You look absolutely stunning! If I weren't a woman, I'd probably fall for you right now!" Nyla gushed.

Valarie laughed, covering her mouth. "You're exaggerating. But I really do love this dress. Thank you, Nyla!"

"There's no need to thank me. We don't do that between us! Oh, by the way, why don't you go downstairs and let Brandon see it too?" Nyla suggested.

Valarie's smile faded slightly. "Forget it. He probably wouldn't care anyway."

"You two still haven't made up after half a month? Or did you fight again?" Nyla asked.

Valarie pursed her lips and sat on the couch. "I took your advice and went to apologize, but he just mocked me. He said I never really treated him as my equal, and then we started arguing again. He said he needed time to cool off.

"But it's been half a month, and he's still not done. I ran into him at the door just now, and he acted like he didn't even see me. He didn't even say hello."

She lowered her gaze and let out a small, bitter laugh. "If this keeps up, we'll probably just break up naturally."

She had always hated the silent treatment, but Brandon had ignored her for half a month.

At first, she had waited for him to calm down so they could talk properly. But as time dragged on, she realized she didn't care as much anymore. She had grown used to being alone.

If they broke up, it wouldn't be the end of the world.

Nyla frowned. "Maybe he's waiting for you to reach out first. You two can't just stay in this stalemate forever."

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. Just focus on your little one for now. If we're meant to be, things will work out. If not, then that's just how it is," Valarie replied.

She had already come to terms with it. Love wasn't everything. If it worked out, great. If not, she'd survive.

"Alright then," Nyla said, dropping the topic.

They continued chatting upstairs for a while. By the time Valarie changed back into her regular clothes and went downstairs, Brandon had already left.

After saying goodbye to Damon and Nyla, she left as well, carrying the gifts Nyla had given her.

Nyla had wanted her to stay for dinner, but she declined. "You guys just got back from traveling. You must be exhausted. I won't intrude. Let's have dinner another day when you're well-rested."

"Alright," Nyla replied.

Valarie got into her car and drove home.

...

As soon as Valarie stepped into the living room, she saw her mother sitting on the couch.

She considered pretending she hadn't seen her, but Phoebe spoke first. "Valarie, come sit down. I have something to talk to you about."

Valarie tried to avoid the conversation. "Mom, I had a long day at work. Can we talk tomorrow?"

"No, it has to be today," Phoebe insisted.

Valarie frowned but walked over and sat across from her.

"How are things with Brandon? Has he mentioned marriage yet?" Phoebe asked.

Every few days, her mother would bring up the same topic.

Valarie was beyond tired of hearing it. "Mom, I've told you already. We're not planning on getting married yet."