Hi Ex, Your Uncle Is My Hubby Now - Chapter 80: Chapter 80

Jeremy gripped Irene's chin, forcing her to keep her eyes on the screen.
Irene fumed inwardly, 'Damn, Jeremy is such an asshole!
'He appears so refined and self-controlled, yet his actions are downright obsessive—borderline insane.'
Fighting back her nausea, Irene forced herself to sit through the entire video. Then she listened as Judson rambled on, spouting what sounded like alarmist yet heartfelt words.
Finally, Judson played another interview clip.
All the interviewees were late-stage AIDS patients counting down their final days.
They recounted the causes and circumstances that led to their illness, shared the agony of treatment, and opened up about their thoughts on mortality, the uncertainty of the future, and their loved ones.
As Irene stepped out of the CDC building, a heavy weight settled in her chest.
"Irene."
Jeremy's voice rang out behind her.
Irene turned and looked up at the man on the steps.
The setting sun set the sky ablaze with flaming clouds, casting Jeremy's slender yet upright frame in an aura of fragile precariousness.
The signs of his failing health were beginning to show.
But his voice was icy and accusatory. Jeremy said, "No matter what Dorian has done to break your heart, Irene, that's no excuse to throw yourself away like this.
"Getting male escorts, having one-night stands—these may sound cool, but to me, they're nothing but irresponsible behavior."
Irene frowned, about to explain that text message.
But then Jeremy said, "Your grandmother pulled you from that icy stream and, through great hardship, raised you with all her love. She did all this hoping you'd grow into someone rare and extraordinary—a truly one-of-a-kind woman."
Jeremy looked at her and asked, "Do you know what that means?"
Descending the steps to stand before her, Jeremy said solemnly, "Irenen, do thrive and make yourself shine even you grew up in dirt.
"Your grandmother has all her hopes for you, Irene.
"Don't break your grandmother's heart."
Jeremy's words sent Irene's heart racing uncontrollably in her chest.
That was her grandmother's hope for her—to grow strong and be somebody, even when born in the mud.
Surprisingly, Jeremy actually understood her grandmother's intentions and even knew the meaning behind it all.
"Mr. Tucker," Irene's previously tense expression suddenly transformed into a radiant, captivating smile.
Holding her bag, Irene tilted her head and asked pointedly, "Mr. Tucker, in what capacity are you saying this to me?
"So, are you lecturing me as an elder, or as your future niece-in-law?"
Irene thought to herself, 'Or is he just an older man lecturing a younger woman?'
But she kept that thought to herself—no need to lay all her cards on the table just yet.
She knew that if she said it out loud, Jeremy would see right through her—so she kept it to herself.
It was not the time yet.
Jeremy replied with complete candor, "Does it really matter? Since I'm in the know, I can't just stand by and watch you go astray.
"Looking out for young people, helping them, and guiding them onto the right path—that's the right thing to do."
Irene chuckled sarcastically. "Oh, how impressive, Mr. Tucker."
Irene spun on her heel and stormed off.
Jeremy reminded her, "Remember to write your reflection paper.
"At least a thousand words."
Irene was speechless.
She fumed inwardly, 'What a grumpy guy! What a jerk!'
Aiden watched as Irene started down the steps first. With a cheerful smile, he asked, "Miss Jackson, where are you off to? Would you like me to give you a ride?"
Jeremy followed her down the steps. Hearing Aiden's question, he also asked, "Shall I drive you home?"
"Thanks for your kindness, Mr. Tucker, but no thanks."
Irene shot Jeremy a pointed look and said, "You're young and accomplished, always driving luxury cars and decked out in designer brands. If anyone sees me getting out of your car, by tomorrow the rumor mill will be churning—they'll say I'm a gold digger and two-timing between rich men.
"I really don't want to be dragged to another lecture tomorrow afternoon—something like 'Punishment for Two-Timing.'
"Whatever. Bye." Irene stormed off in fury, her stiletto heels striking the cobblestones with such force that they seemed about to pierce right through.
Jeremy's face darkened, but he remained motionless on the last step for a long moment.
Aiden couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
He then cleared his throat with a cough and asked Jeremy, "Mr. Tucker, should I go after her?"
"For what?" Jeremy said icily. "What, so I can rush over just to be her lover and make her the two-timer?"
It took Aiden a couple of seconds to process before he finally got what Jeremy meant.
Aiden clicked his tongue. 'Tsk, he's pissed.'
Seeing Irene get into a cab, Aiden muttered under his breath, "Well, she's got wheels now—who needs a 'ride'?"
Jeremy shot Aiden an icy glare that could cut, and Aiden instantly shut up.