Forbidden Affection

Author’s Note:

This story does not contain incest.

The relationship between the male lead and female lead may appear close due to the "uncle" title, but there is no blood relation between them. The use of "uncle" is symbolic, based on long-standing family friendship. This story focuses on emotional tension, slow-burn romance, and forbidden love—but not between blood relatives.

(Lara's pov)

"Lara, listen to me," my mom's voice was gentle but firm as she stood by the door. "You need to promise me something."

I turned to look at her, a puzzled frown on my face. "What is it, Mom?"

"Promise me you won't give your uncle a tough time," she said, her eyes softening. "He's been kind enough to let you stay with him now that you've transferred to his city. It's a big change, and he's doing this for you because he cares."

I sighed, trying to brush off the conversation. "I know, Mom. I'll be fine."

She stepped forward, cupping my face in her hands. "I mean it, Lara. Be patient with him, okay?"

"Okay, okay," I nodded, giving her a small smile. "I promise."

She looked relieved, a smile touching her lips. "Good. Now, you should get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

I nodded, watching as she gave me one last look before leaving my room, closing the door behind her. I sat down on the edge of my bed, staring at my packed bags. It was really happening. I was finally going to be in his city-finally going to be with him.

I laid down and pulled open my bedside drawer. From it, I took out an old, slightly worn photograph. It was a picture of me at ten years old, smiling brightly, and beside me was Aiden, twenty-six at that time. I traced my fingers over his face. He looked so young, yet even then, I had admired him so much.

My heart swelled with emotions as I stared at the photo. "I'm coming to you, Uncle Aiden," I whispered to the picture.

I pressed the photograph against my chest, feeling its edges dig into my skin slightly. It was comforting, like he was right here with me. Soon, it wouldn't just be this picture. I'd see him every day.

With that thought, I let my eyes close, a smile resting on my lips as I drifted into sleep. Tomorrow would change everything.

-----

As I settled into my seat on the plane, I let out a deep breath. The city I was leaving behind felt like a distant memory already. All I could think of was what lay ahead.

I glanced out the window, watching as the ground slowly disappeared beneath the clouds. My heart pounded with excitement and nervousness. I hadn't seen him in so long, and now, I'd be living with him. "What would it be like? How had he changed?"