The Substitute Husband.

a's

ec happened to be one of the recipients. Little did I know that he would become a constant thorn in my side, consistently outshining me academically. From high s

o relish it, thriving on the competition. I ensured

d our paths would never cross again. Yet,

" My father's voice urg

*

, escorted by my father. The audience was a mix of entertainment industry figures, friends from college, and co

scorting me, a collective shock swept through the crowd. My father, beaming

ryone wondering about the unexpected turn of events. I barely had the time to admire my perfect w

whispered a gentle reminder, his

eras. I leaned closer to my father, grateful that the aisle to Alec was lon

d a puzzled frown crept onto my face. How did Alec end up here? I didn't recall sending him an invitation, and I had painstakingly memorized everyone Daniel had invited. Was this merely

?" I voiced my concerns, worried that Alec

or Daniel. And, of course, I got him to sign your prenup," Dad whispered rapidly as we reached the front. He leaned over, plant

her, Mr. Jordan," Alec chimed in

t's Richard now," my dad smile

friends present found it difficult to believe. Alec smiled and took my hands in his as the priest began his part. Our vows we

mine perfectly. I glanced down at my left hand, where Daniel's ring had once resided. Alec had insisted I remove it before agreeing to marry me. Now I wore the white-gold wedding

king the momentary silence, "You

waist as he drew me closer. His other hand brushed a stray curl away from my eyes,

ingers carefully rested on his impeccably tailored suit, and a brief frown crossed my face. Where had he acquired the funds for such custom-tailored attir

onto mine. It struck me that Alec had gained something he'd seemed to lack before - an unden

vanilla - simply said: fucking irresistible. His eyes closed briefly, and I followed suit, my heart racing in anticipation

, breaking the romantic spell that had momentarily enveloped us. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of ann

c would bear the brunt of my fury; I was convinced he must have struck some sort of deal with my father. How else could he have tricked his way into my wedding and now be my husband? I had little doubt that he had approached my father for financial supp

and I, had intentionally invited a reporter from DevineMargot, a prestigious magazine with a knack for delving into people's lives. I had extended the invitation not only because I had been eager to see my marriage to Daniel featured but als

lywed. "Have you crafted a suitable lie to feed the public? Have you made up the perfe

in this charade, seamlessly transitioning from rival to fake husband. My mind raced a

ere, waiting for me along with many other