Share

Chapter 3

Author: Lana Mora
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-18 14:55:07

To be fair, Lorraine indeed wasn't as beautiful as Sienna. Lidya had said that before.

Anyway, wasn't it a bit too much to say that out loud in front of the bride herself?

Lidya turned awkward. "No, no! Raine is also very pretty, and they're both beautiful."

"Enough! It's early morning. You elders should have some shame! The younger generation is here to help. Just hand over the gifts and stop with the nonsense!" It was Agnes who finally put a stop to it.

She only doted on her grandson. As long as her grandson was happy, she didn't care whom he married.

Agnes looked Lorraine up and down with a smile. "Raine is a good child. Her face is round and cute. I like her."

"Here, take this. It's from me." Agnes handed over the wedding gift.

Lorraine instinctively glanced at Dawson. He remained expressionless, neither encouraging nor stopping her. So, she smoothly accepted it. "Thank you, Grandma."

With Agnes backing her, no one dared to continue making trouble. One by one, Dawson's parents, uncles, and aunts followed suit, each presenting their gifts.

The Mercer family was much easier to get along with than the Gregory family. During breakfast, the atmosphere was lighthearted, filled with casual conversation. No one deliberately made things difficult for Lorraine, nor did anyone stir up unnecessary trouble. At least, on the surface, everything seemed harmonious.

After breakfast, Dawson left the house.

Because she did not sleep well, Lorraine went back to the room to catch up on sleep.

By the time she woke up again, he had already returned.

As always, he was sitting silently on the sofa, his presence imposing yet unreadable.

"You're back?" she asked.

"Here, this is for you. Open it and take a look." Dawson pointed to a pile of beautifully wrapped bags on the floor.

"What is it?" she asked curiously.

"Clothes, a phone, a bag."

Lorraine was surprised.

Just as she was about to ask why he had bought her all these things, he cut her off with a scathing remark. "What kind of era do we live in? And you don't even have a phone?"

She lowered her head. "I don't go to school. I don't have friends. A phone would be useless to me."

"So, should I say the Gregory family treated you poorly?

"They raised you for four years, but they never even bought you a phone or proper clothes."

Lorraine remained silent, because everything Dawson said was true.

The Gregory family wasn't necessarily cruel to her. At the very least, the past four years had been peaceful, and no one had gone out of their way to torment her. But her presence in the household was so insignificant that she often ate meals alongside the maids.

At the same time, she couldn't exactly say the Gregory family had been kind to her either. They had never sent her to school, never acknowledged her existence in public. In fact, no one even knew the Gregory family had an adopted daughter until now, if it weren't for the fact that Sienna was unwilling to marry blind Dawson.

Indeed, Dawson had never paid attention to the fact that the Gregory family had an adopted girl who had been raised for four years.

Even now, he had no idea what she looked like. But at least, judging from her voice, she did not sound like an ugly girl.

"Why are you giving me these things?" Lorraine suddenly asked.

"Because I don't want you to embarrass me."

Lorraine remained silent.

"My wife shouldn't look so shabby. Take these and use them. At least they'll match your current status."

"Thank you." She wasn't the type to act overly proud. If someone gave her something, she had no reason to refuse.

Lorraine walked over, squatted down, and carefully took each item out of the bags.

The first thing that caught her eye was the phone. A brand-new, pink edition of the latest model.

No young girl could resist such a color. If Dawson's eyes were not blind, he would surely notice how it brightened her face.

The remaining items, like the clothes and designer bags, didn't bring her as much excitement.

Before she turned eighteen, Lorraine had lived in remote mountains with her grandfather.

So, these material things, luxury brands, and high-end fashion didn't attract her.

The only exception was the phone. It was something she had always wanted.

In fact, John Gregory had mentioned giving her one of his old phones.

But whether out of jealousy or something else, Eleanor Gregory said that since Lorraine had no friends and didn't work, she wouldn't need it.

That matter had just fizzled out. It was a bit awkward to admit, but during her four years in the Gregory family, the truth is that she had no money. She couldn't secretly find work behind the Gregory family's back, and without an education, finding work would be difficult anyway.

She had no way of keeping her favorite herbs with her.

Lorraine picked up the phone, feeling a little excited, and carefully held it in her hands.

"Let me ask you, if the poison I have is methanol, do you have a way to detoxify it?"

Lorraine slowly turned to look at Dawson.

As expected, there's no such thing as a free lunch. She knew this man wouldn't be kind enough to give her phones and bags for nothing.

She slowly said, "The doctors told you that methanol poisoning caused irreversible damage, didn't they?"

"Yes," he admitted.

Today he had visited his family's private hospital and consulted several authoritative doctors.

Although they confirmed signs of methanol poisoning, they all said the damage to his eyes couldn't be reversed.

Dawson had been restless ever since. He had sat in his room, waiting for Lorraine to wake up.

He had a vague feeling that perhaps this woman in front of him could bring him his last glimmer of hope.

"So, you're saying the poison you have is methanol?"

"Yes."

"Dawson, I've never conducted a clinical trial. Everything I know was learned from my grandfather. I've never cured anyone of this before. But ... if you trust me, I can give it a try." Her voice was serious, her words clear and deliberate.

"How confident are you?" he asked calmly.

"Not at all."

"Not confident?" Dawson heard what she said, and his heart sank.

He had come to her with the last shred of hope, and now she was saying she couldn't help him.

"I won't promise I can restore your vision, but I can try," she said.

"So, I'll just be your lab rat?"

"That's how it is," Lorraine replied, calm and composed.

Dawson suddenly became angry. He slammed his phone onto the ground with a loud crack. "Lorraine, how dare you! Do you really think I wouldn't kill you right here and now?"

"Mr. Mercer, the person who poisoned you isn't me, and the one responsible for your accident isn't me either. I think it's worth reminding you of that fact."

In an instant, the air grew tense again.

Dawson was naturally aloof, arrogant, and irritable. His temper was sharp like a blade.

On the other hand, Lorraine was born with stable emotions, without much joy or sorrow, always maintaining a steady composure, even in the face of danger.

They were completely different people, yet fate had intertwined their paths in an unexpected way.

"If it fails, will I be in danger?" Dawson tried to persuade himself, and his tone even softened.

"Of course not. At worst, you'll still be blind. Nothing will change."

"Then there's nothing more to say. Do it. The sooner, the better."

After just one week of blindness, his patience had already worn thin. His usual temperament had worsened, and he was constantly on edge.

He had to get his sight back. Every moment without it was unbearable.

"I needed some herbs," Lorraine said.

"Write a list, and I'll have someone buy them," he offered.

"You won't find them in stores."

"What do you mean? Are you messing with me?" He frowned again.

"No, the herbs I need are in the mountains. They're all unnamed wild plants that I can't describe in detail. So, if it's convenient, you might as well arrange for someone to take me back there. I'll gather them myself. I have the tools for making medicine at my old house, which would make things easier."

"Fine. Let's go immediately."

And just like that, on the second day of their marriage, Dawson used the excuse of taking his wife on a vacation, and they left Amber City.

Amber City was only about a hundred kilometers from Lorraine's hometown, Phoenix Ridge. But no one could have predicted that just three days later, when they returned, Dawson's eyesight had already been restored.

He still vividly remembered that night in the thatched cottage on Phoenix Ridge. Just ten minutes after Dawson drank the antidote, he opened his eyes, and the world was bright again.

"How about it? Can you see?" Lorraine cautiously held up her hand in front of his face, waving five fingers.

Dawson suddenly reached out, pulling her into his arms.

Their eyes met, and at that moment, the girl in front of Dawson became an unshakable legend in his heart.

"Dawson, you can see now, can't you?" Lorraine's voice trembled slightly, unable to suppress the excitement welling up inside her.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 4

    The first thing Dawson did after regaining his eyesight was, surprisingly, not rushing home to tell his family.Instead, according to local customs on the third day after marriage, they went directly to attend the homecoming banquet.On the way back, Dawson drove straight to the city's most upscale shopping mall.Not only did he buy a lot of new clothes, but he also hired a professional stylist for Lorraine.After the makeover, Lorraine stood in front of the full-length mirror, barely recognizing herself."Mr. Mercer, are you satisfied?" The stylist asked with full confidence.Dawson sat with his legs crossed, leaning back on the sofa, a cigarette held between his fingers.Holding the cigarette between his lips, he gave his usual command, "Turn around."Lorraine slowly turned, lowering her head slightly in shyness.She had spent the first eighteen years of her life living deep in the mountains with her grandfather, rarely interacting with outsiders.Even after she was brought to the G

    Last Updated : 2025-03-18
  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 5

    Lorraine faintly smiled. "Everyone has always been very kind to me. Otherwise, they wouldn't have given me such a great opportunity to marry Mr. Mercer. I am truly grateful."Lorraine's response was perfect, yet it was also a slap in the Gregory family's face.After all, everyone knew that the only reason Lorraine was marrying Dawson was that Sienna had outright refused.When Sienna first heard about Dawson's accident and blindness, she threw a fit, even running off to seduce Peter, the son of a real estate tycoon. She had a one-night stand with him and even had someone secretly photograph it and release the news. It all happened as fast as a blink of an eye.Since Sienna despised Dawson, Lorraine had become the next choice.But on the surface, they still had to maintain the peace, and they couldn't quite figure out whether Lorraine's words were sincere or sarcastic.Dawson smiled, "I should thank you all as well. If it weren't for Raine coming into my life, my eyesight wouldn't have

    Last Updated : 2025-03-18
  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 6

    "Why would Mr. Mercer hit someone?" Caleb wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and asked with a smile."Stay away from her, can someone like you, a filthy creature, even touch my people?" Dawson coldly looked at him."Don't be so nervous, I was just joking with Raine.""No need for jokes, if you wanted to live long, it would be best to behave yourself. I don't want to say it a second time."Afterwards, Dawson grabbed Lorraine's hand and said, "Let's go.""I hadn't found my clothes yet..." Lorraine suddenly remembered the purpose of coming to the old room."What are you looking for? Those old clothes? Just leave it"Dawson became angry at the thought of the cheap clothes that Lorraine had brought.After Dawson pulled Lorraine and left, Caleb leaned against the corridor and lit a cigarette, smiling.In the room."Seducing Caleb? That was hardly a wise move. Do you even know his reputation in Amber City? Or are you just not afraid of catching disease?"Lorraine's temper flared. "

    Last Updated : 2025-03-19
  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 7

    "Whatever," Lorraine suddenly said."Funny, huh?" The man frowned slightly, clearly displeased."Not a joke. That's just what I think. "Lorraine replied."And what exactly are you thinking?" Dawson ask again."Deal with whatever comes my way." The girl remained calm and composed.Dawson was losing patience. "Lorraine, I swear, you're something else. Just answer my questions properly. Stop dodging." His grip tightened on her arm, his tone growing harsher."If you had half a brain, Mr. Mercer, you wouldn't be asking me that.""Oh?" Dawson almost laughed and thought, "Did she just call me stupid? Did I hear that right?""You've seen how I lived in the Gregory family for four years. Do you really think I have anywhere to go after the divorce? Do you think going back there would make my life any better?""So you're saying... you're not leaving my house, right?""That's right.""Then why not just say it outright?" Dawson asked, puzzled."Because I don't want to feed your ego."Words failed

    Last Updated : 2025-03-19
  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 8

    "Esteemed Mr. Mercer, I know you're rich and domineering, but I am neither your subordinate nor your maid. I don't have to report everything to you, do I?" Lorraine huffed."I am just asking, not demanding a report. Ms. Turner, do you really think I care about those trivial matters between you and the Gregory family? Ridiculous."Annoyance flared up as arrogance took over, with a hint of pride."If you find it so ridiculous, then don't ask." Lorraine retorted, deliberately turning her head to look out the window.The driver in front was so terrified that he dared not say a word, and the atmosphere grew awkward.They remained silent the entire way to the Mercer's estate.Dawson was holding his phone and arranging work.Lorraine however, was quietly reading a medical book.At the Mercer family's old mansion, the news of Dawson's healed eyesight spread like wildfire.Agnes tearfully touched her grandson's face with her wrinkled hands, "Bless our ancestors, it must be the ancestors' inter

    Last Updated : 2025-03-19
  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 9

    "Really?" Lorraine's eyes lit up.These thoughts and details could not escape the big shot's sharp eyes."Of course.""I..."Lorraine really wanted to just say it outright, "I want the fire-red bead that Grandpa once gave to the Gregory family."After all, she had stayed with the Gregory family for four years, just looking for an opportunity to find out where it went.She had searched almost everywhere in those four years but in vain. It was strange.Except for the safe in John's room.There was no trace of the bead anywhere.But she also felt it was unlikely to be in the safe.Because recently the Gregory family had a financial crisis, and John had opened the safe.She was not there at that time.But later, from John and Eleanor's conversation, she learned that the safe only had gold, diamonds, and luxury watches.No one mentioned the bead, and she didn't dare to ask.For the past four years, her relationship with the Gregory family had always been delicate.To be precise, all four m

    Last Updated : 2025-03-19
  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 10

    Dawson casually asked, "Did you find anything?""That was not the case.""Without evidence, keep your mouth shut."The male assistant trembled in fear as he saw the president getting angry and quickly nodded, "Yes, Mr. Mercer.""Go out."When the male assistant walked out, he happened to brush shoulders with Lily.The entire corporation knew that this secretary was someone Dawson trusted.She was loyal to Dawson, always defending him in the company, and had ongoing power struggles with Helena and Baron, both overt and covert.Lily Finch is 25 years old this year and had joined Glory Group headquarters a year ago.She had not gone through the standard recruitment process; Dawson had personally arranged for her entry.Lily maintained an excellent physique. Despite standing around 1.7 meters tall, she only weighed only about 50kg.Wearing a navy-blue suit, she looked especially smart.Unlike the typical internet-celebrity look, Lily had distinct features. Beneath her light makeup, her fa

    Last Updated : 2025-03-19
  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 11

    The Foster family had a background in petroleum and chemical industries, boasting immense wealth. In Amber City, the Foster family was among the most powerful."Why don't you get married too?""Forget it, forget it. I'm scared." Ryan laughed heartily. It was clear that he and Dawson had a genuinely close relationship.Dawson walked over expressionlessly and sat down.Ryan handed him a glass of wine, and Dawson took a small sip."How was it?""It was fine.""If you say it's fine, then that means it's really something. Go on, ask your boss to bring over another ten bottles."Ryan was outgoing and well-connected in elite circles. He changed girlfriends faster than he changed clothes."Hey, where is your newlywed wife? Why didn't you bring her?" He suddenly remembered."At the old house.""Tsk, you should have brought her for us to see. I'm really curious to see what kind of woman the Gregory family set you up with. Haha.""There's nothing much to see, just a nose and two eyes," Dawson re

    Last Updated : 2025-03-19

Latest chapter

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 200

    The incident of the Hart family dinner was directly concealed internally and did not spread, as it was related to Keely.Dawson and Lorraine did not say anything after they came back.Lidya naturally didn't know, but Elizabeth, being Keith's sister, naturally knew."Oh? Such a big thing, such an exciting thing, Auntie doesn't know?" Elizabeth pretended to be surprised."What is this Bacchus, what's the matter?"Elizabeth then softly recounted the incident of Lorraine drinking with someone, of course, she did not mention that the other person was Keely, nor did she mention that Keely intentionally made things difficult for Lorraine.The whole thing sounded as if Lorraine herself didn't know the depth of it, deliberately causing a scene in public to attract attention.Lidya's hands trembled with anger, "Can this be true?""Many people were present at the event, and Auntie, you also have connections, so if you inquire, you will kn

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 199

    In the exquisite box, there was a stunning emerald ring.This kind of green, only seen on TV, is a quality that even jewelry stores do not have.The value could no longer be measured, and it was no longer a matter of being able to buy it with money.Lorraine took a deep breath, this thing was too valuable.Cannot accept, absolutely cannot accept.She carefully locked it in the medicine box at the Dorset Clinic, intending to find an opportunity to return it.Even though Heartleaf is priceless, it would not accept such a valuable gift.In fact, this was a relic of Jaden's late mother.Specifically, it was Jaden's grandmother's dowry, which had truly been passed down from generation to generation by the elderly.At this moment, the Ellerker's mansion.Jaden touched the photo in his mother's room, the woman in it smiled sweetly and elegantly.Jaden deeply felt reluctant and silently watched for a long time.

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 198

    "Well, we were in the same high school, but I was two grades below him. When he was in his senior year, I was only a freshman, but I would often see him on the basketball court."Upon hearing Elizabeth's words, Lidya suddenly had an idea and took out her phone. She sent a message to Dawson, saying, "I'll send you my location. Come and have dinner with me, and don't refuse."Dawson was suddenly caught off guard when the phone rang directly.Because he had everything planned, he was going to pick up Lorraine in Vermont Heights in the evening.Lidya: Hello?Dawson: Mom? What are we having for dinner? Why is it so sudden?Lidya: What, Lorraine? Why do you constantly bring up that woman? Can't you live without a woman?Dawson: ???Dawson was shocked.Dawson: What's wrong with you? What is this? When did I mention Raine? I said you asked me to have dinner, so sudden.Lidya: Mom called her son to have dinner, what's so s

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 197

    Layton's appearance was extremely inappropriate, missing the opportunity for Lorraine to catch up with Jaden and return the gift box.She watched as his car drove away, still holding the box in her hand."Lorraine, would you go out with me?""I would make you the happiest girlfriend in the world," Layton's sudden confession left Lorraine feeling uninterested.Lorraine was too lazy to look at him any longer, so she turned around and walked away.Layton, however, persisted, "Lorraine, wait a moment, don't you think we had a special connection?""What do you mean by fate?" Lorraine turned around."I was interested in you at school.""But soon it was winter vacation.""I thought I would not be able to see it until at least next year.""But little did I expect to see you at the Dorset Clinic, this is the opportunity that God has bestowed upon me.""Was your chance just to pester others?"Layton was slight

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 196

    Dawson almost immediately turned his head and shouted, "Andrew... come in."Andrew pushed the door open and saw Lily taking off her clothes, and he was also dumbfounded."Mr. Mercer.""Drag Lily out, quickly, she went crazy.""Okay."Andrew forced himself to pull Lily's arm with great effort and walk out."Dawson, why didn't you look at me?""Don't you know that I liked you?"Lily was almost hysterical, she had played all her cards, and perhaps the biggest failure for a woman is to stand naked in front of a man, who not only remains indifferent but even shows some disgust.Lily felt that at this moment, she had lost all her self-esteem and dignity.She was clearly a youthful and beautiful executive assistant to the CEO.Was it the charming and captivating Ms. Finch?But why didn't Mr. Mercer take a few more glances at her?Andrew not only took Lily out, but also, in order to save face for her,

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 195

    Dawson had no idea about what Lily had said to Lidya in private before.Lidya was really concerned about this matter, especially when she heard that the person on the other side was also a well-respected scion. She developed hostility towards Lorraine and became cautious."Don't treat Dawson's wife like that.""My mom hasn't given you a hard time all these years, why are you giving the daughter-in-law a hard time?" Frank advised."Shut up, you were all being deceived by that woman, she was just pretending."Her heart was never really with Dawson, waiting to have a child with him.Lidya couldn't take in a word and, picking up her bag, she left home and didn't return even for a night.The Dorset Clinic.Jaden walked in, holding the gift, and saw Lorraine give a slight smile.He was about to say hello when Lorraine's phone rang."Sorry, I received a phone call."Lorraine walked over to the adjacent lounge, hol

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 194

    "Jaden, are you really telling the truth?" Haylie clearly still didn't believe."You could go back and ask the teacher.""Originally, I didn't want to say it so bluntly.""But since you asked today, I will tell you the truth.""Haylie, you were also grown up, not a child anymore.""Including the medication you previously provided to me, which was not developed by you at all, I feel that you should not do this. It is also unfair to your classmates."Even this was exposed, Haylie felt completely ashamed.Crying, he turned his head and ran away.Jaden didn't feel too upset in his heart, marrying Haylie was simply impossible.Jaden had high expectations for love and marriage, and he would rather remain single than settle for less.Even if I remained single forever, I would still refuse to settle for marrying someone I don't like.The figure suddenly flashed in my mind again."Put the things in the trunk

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 193

    "Vermont Heights.""This name... sounds a bit strange." Lorraine frowned."Sure, we had it divined by a fortune teller, but this property is not developed by our family. It belongs to the family of my grandfather's good friend, Mr. Qin. It is considered the most expensive property in Amber City, even more expensive than villas.""Why?" Lorraine asked."First, the location was good, situated in a bustling area.""Secondly, the quality is good. The designer we found has won awards abroad and it is said that the design can withstand an earthquake of up to magnitude eight."Third, the interior decoration was all in traditional style, and only pure solid wood furniture was used."The household appliances were also fully equipped, all of which were imported brands, and many of them were even custom-made."Fourth, after being divined by a fortune teller, the people living here would be very lucky.Fifth, it had good privacy, wi

  • His Substitute Bride: Love at First Cure   Chapter 192

    "Dawson.""Hmm?""I kindly remind you that you haven't fallen asleep yet, so don't start dreaming so soon," Lorraine said seriously.It did amuse Dawson directly.To be honest, why didn't you let me show off just now?"Don't you know the ability of your husband?""We, the Mercer family, do not raise useless people. Even though I, Baron, have grown older, I am still very skilled in close combat."Lorraine nodded, "Indeed, otherwise could she have beaten up Annabelle like that?"Dawson: ..."Why are you bringing up the pot that I don't want to talk about?""It was you who brought it up first.""What I meant was, let me teach those bastards and scumbags, but you've already handled them all, what am I supposed to do?"Dawson always had a sense of melancholy, as if he had a wealth of talent but nowhere to showcase it.Just now, everyone was already eager and ready to go, planning to use those few p

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status