The Substitute Husband.

a's

's pleas for us to meet. I took a deep breath, struggling to push past the painful memories of the

ss to cascade gracefully to the floor, the expensive silk and delicate lace pooling around my ankles. As I stood before the mirror, all dolled up for my husband on our weddi

et my hands wander down my body, tracing the curves and contours, almost able to imagine Alec's touch – rough yet possessive. I recalled the sensation of his fingertips brushing over my back when he'd unzi

I withdrew my hands abruptly, shocked by the vivid imagination that had taken hold

, I couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability. It hit me that I would be spending my first night in this unfamiliar house with

entions. What if he had sinister plans for me? Had my father truly vetted him thoroughly before orchestratin

roat. Fear gripped me as I envisioned the worst-Alec could be preparing to dismember me. But

tarily took a backseat as I involuntarily admired the transformation he had undergone. Gone was the scrawny Alec I had known year

him. An annoying smirk played on Alec's lips as he unabashedly indulged in cake.

on. Even the choice of cake had been mine, as Daniel had been too preoccupied with his

too, it's that box." Alec poin

k and went over

aloud as I unboxed the cake he had procured for us. Amidst the whirlwind of e

ding-related notifications, including messages from Daniel. My frown deepened as I stum

t their latest acquisition. The area had been on the decline, but now there were rumors of the cinema

iduals alive," I said. Alec stood behind me, peering o

ut them?" he inquired whi

le," I admitted, recalling the countless discussions during dinner with my parents about this enig

ith a new notification. The message was from none other than Daniel, and

singly complicated. We might not have a true marriage but loyalty would obviously be important in this union. Right now, this