The Substitute Husband.

a's

ame to a halt, I shifted my gaze to the window, revealing a magnificent villa nestled in the suburbs. A vast expanse of lush greenery enveloped the property, providing the generous buffer of space and privacy that I h

wrong? Is it too much? Perhaps we can switch the gazebo around and it will match the village cave you come out of."

out of the car and positioning myself bes

ine, leaving me momentarily speechless with his unexpected charm. Alec then retrieved two small, closed-off bo

t, knowing full well of my aversion to lemon-scented cleaners, whereas my father always favored the citrusy variety. The house boasted a minimalist decor, with functional furnishings an

ther seems to have selected the destination," Alec rem

ired, moving closer to Alec, c

al location,"

I replied excitedly, momentarily forgetti

ight?" Alec took the paper f

to?" I retorted with a playful snort, sensin

day of your goddamn wedding. So, you better start appreciating me," Alec's words cut through me, a harsh reminder of the cruel reality. I winced at the painful truth. "I'm the one now being insulted instead of you, and

g," I replied, my voice wavering sligh

lk now, and the world will know you can't hold down a marriage. And what w

threate

re appreciative." He crossed

its pastel purple walls and grey accent walls, perfectly matching the room's decor. The walk-in closets wer

his wedding. Love, Mom." As I read the letter, my eyes welled up with tears. My mother had written this, assuming that I was going to marry for love. Despite my father's lack of emotions an

I noticed numerous missed calls from so-called friends, real friends, people who had rejected me or refused to work with me, and unknown numbers. Of course, there were also calls from Daniel. I accidentally clicked on social media and immediately came across several articles with headlines like "The

chool sweetheart from a village. Could it be he's only in i

tual love in this marriage?" I clicked on that one an

y head. This situation had cert

able to get it off. It had taken three people to put this dress on, and now I was foolishly trying to take

raised a

eading what I was about to ask.

aced him. With a gentle touch, he gathered my hair and draped it over one shoulder. His fingertips traced over my bare back, sending shivers down my spine and making g

d my bare shoulder, and

odded at him, saying

sing the door behind me. My phon

ard Jordan? He could've gotten m

e other man? You hijacked my wedding and

heating on me fo

ve to go marry someone else. This is beyond s

THER? YOU LIED TO ME? HOW

ll me, or if you'd like, can you meet me? T

articularly the last one. He wanted to explain