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Chapter 33
Huling Na-update:
2023-12-20 01:29:59
Kaugnay na kabanata
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 34
VALERIAJust as I was about to get down to reading, I saw a shadow fall over me. Assuming it was Zane, I immediately switched off the screen of my phone and looked up while wondering to myself about how he had managed to return so soon.However, it wasn't him that I saw after looking up, it was an unfamiliar woman instead.The said woman was wearing an off-shoulder bling-bling black dress(don't ask me the brand 'cause I sincerely have no idea)¹ and was looking down at me haughtily.I couldn't help but feel irritated by that look of hers, however I managed to suppress my emotions when I thought of how I still didn't know what her purpose for coming here was."How may I help you?" I asked politely.The woman didn't answer me immediately. Instead, she gave me a once-over first off, which only managed to fuel my growing annoyance and right after, she posed a bewildering question, "You feel very proud of yourself currently, don't you?"Not quite understanding what she was getting at, I res
Huling Na-update : 2024-06-13Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 35
ZANE'I have been careless.'That was my first thought after Matt, my driver broke the news that we were being followed.As the leader of the biggest mafia organization in the country, AMETHYST, I have never been short of enemies (both internal and external) who aimed to take my life. For this reason, I never went anywhere without my convoy of bodyguards following right after me.But today, I had made a decision very uncharacteristic of me.Why?Because apart from the fact that I was being considerate of the fact that Valeria still didn't know of my identity as a mafia boss, I also didn't want to cause too much ruckus at Mr. Carson's birthday banquet.It was a form of respect to an ally.A loud bang sound suddenly brought me back to my senses.At the same time, the driver, Leo also spoke out, his voice cold as he suddenly swerved the car."They are aiming for the tyres, sir."After humming to show I heard him, I gave Valeria one last glance and then said to him."When I count to three
Huling Na-update : 2024-06-13Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 36
ZANELong after Valeria left, I sat alone in the study with a lot of thoughts running through my mind.It wasn’t until I heard a ‘ding’ sound that I came back to my senses. Picking up my phone, it was Mason who had sent me a message.[They have been brought over]Upon reading this, the look in my eyes immediately turned cold.I almost forgot that I was yet to hear an explanation for what happened today. Because of them, the dark part of my life which I wasn’t ready to tell Valeria about almost got exposed in advance.Well, since they were gutsy enough to do so, they’d better be ready to face the consequences for I always make sure to repay a favor tenfold!With this thought in mind, I stood up and walked over to the bookshelf and turned the mechanism slightly following which the bookshelf slid to the side to reveal a narrow entrance which was just enough for one person to pass through.After reaching the end, there was a door with a biometric scanner right beside it. I calmly placed m
Huling Na-update : 2024-06-13Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 37
ZANESurprisingly, the faces of the two men showed visible signs of struggle the moment they heard the question but upon thinking of the fact that they were likely ex-military men who had been through rigorous training, it became a matter of course.However, if it was that easy to overcome the effects of the serum, it wouldn’t be as rare and pricey as it currently was. Sure enough, their pitiful struggle only lasted a few seconds following which the drug took control and made them answer mechanically.“We actually have no idea who the other party is since he placed the order through the dark web, but judging from how inexperienced and easily led around he was during our chat, we guessed that he was likely a newbie to the platform.”“At first, we really had no plans to take the order because not to mention that the commission he offered was laughable, the fact that even top-tier mercs steered clear of any mission related to Mr. Harrison had long made us at the bottom rungs wary.”“But
Huling Na-update : 2024-07-10Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 38
VALERIANot knowing when I finally fell asleep, I woke up to find myself in total darkness and immediately panicked.As someone who suffered from fear of the dark, I always made sure to leave the nightlight on regardless of whether I was yet to fall asleep or not.‘So how could it possibly be this dark?!!!’ I thought to myself in agitation as I groped around trying to find the direction where the bedside table was.As I did this, I also wondered if the nightlight might have gone out due to a dead battery but this possibility was instantly ruled out by me. For no other reason that I might forget any other thing, but the one thing I would never do is charging my nightlight — that was just how important it was to me.All of a sudden, I stopped groping all around as I realized something strangeI seemed to be standing?And that was not all, I no longer seemed to be in my bedroom either because if I was, how was it possible that I haven’t bumped into anything except empty air after all th
Huling Na-update : 2024-08-04Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 39
VALERIAUntil a little over a decade ago, the Hales weren't exactly considered a top-tier aristocratic family in Meteor City because then, the prominent and well-known ones were just three — the Baltimores, the Astors and the Roosevelts — in no particular order.In short, we call them “THE BAR.”On the other hand, we could, at best, be considered the unofficial fourth along with the Morgans — Andy's family.Of course, this was just my dad's personal thoughts.Thoughts that I have come to understand were nothing but a product of his inflated pride considering how wide the gap between our families and THE BAR was at the time.That being said, whether it was due to coincidence or not, each of these five families had children in Grade 6 Class A, and just like every other aristocratic school, hierarchy existed among the students.The children of THE BAR, for example, were an exclusive and close-knit clique while the rest of the students had only two options; either become their sidekicks w
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-23Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 40
VALERIAIn the days that followed, Madeline did as she promised and came to me multiple times to ‘continue’ from where we left off our prematurely interrupted conversation.She was a persistent one, honestly.One time, I remember asking why it had to be me or rather, our group of mavericks.Her answer was, “You guys seem really cool to me, and it made me want to get to know you better.”To the adult me, such words would barely have made an impact, but for teenagers obsessed with the word ‘cool,’ it was everything!It doesn’t matter how mature a teenager was, being called or known as one of the cool guys was simply the ultimate compliment.So it was hardly surprising that I quickly threw caution to the wind and allowed her into our small circle of friends. Of course, the annoyance from Jack’s constant threats/demeaning words, in addition to my twin sister, Vanessa’s passive-aggressive ‘persuasion’ couldn’t be omitted as contributing factors.When I came back to my senses later on, I di
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-23Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 41
ZANEValeria was avoiding me.If I had only been suspicious before, now I was certain.Today marks the third day of which I have seen neither hide nor hair of her. Of course, this wasn’t that unusual in her case considering how I have been witness to her staying cooped up in her room for days, neglecting to eat while working on her music.Eventually, I had to step in and personally deliver her meals to her room.However, when I asked Arlo about her yesterday, I was told she usually comes down to eat breakfast after I leave for work.If that doesn’t make it glaringly obvious that she was avoiding me—especially when it had become the norm for us to eat breakfast together—I don’t know what will.But let’s say that the first and second day were nothing but coincidences; today happens to be the third day, so I will verify in person whether it's indeed a coincidence or a deliberate avoidance, like I suspect!With this in mind, I gave my chauffeur a call, instructing him to drive-off and ret
Huling Na-update : 2024-10-08
Pinakabagong kabanata
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 66
VALERIAA YEAR LATERI reclined on a lounge chair by the swimming pool, my body and mind completely at ease.I was on vacation with Zane in another country—an escape he had tricked me into.After graduation, I had taken over Treasure Media, and the relentless workload barely left me time to breathe. Yet, as much as I hated to admit it, he had been right. I needed this.Time really flew by.I gazed up at the clear blue sky, the events of last year playing through my mind. My lips curled slightly as I recalled Vanessa’s spectacular downfall.She had gone live, sobbing and claiming I had stolen her music to gain fame. She even accused me of staying mysterious out of fear—fear that she would expose me. And the netizens, ever eager for drama, took her side.After all, between a music major at one of the country’s top conservatories and a business administration major, the former seemed like the more credible artist.So, I let the rumors spread. Let her think she had won. Let the scandal f
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 65
“Long time no see, dear twin sister.”A woman appeared on the screen.She looked almost identical to my mother, but younger.With a calm, almost amused expression, she adjusted the camera.I glanced at my mother. Her lips trembled, her face ashen as she stared at her twin in horror.I frowned.What the hell had they done to her?My curiosity returned full force, clawing at me. I needed answers.So, I ignored mom's almost desperate pleas for me to stop watching and continued.Then I learned the ugly truth.Charlotte and Catherine Sinclair were twin sisters, born into a family that used their daughters as bargaining chips to secure ties with wealthy and powerful families.But unlike most twins, they weren't close.Charlotte—Ria's mother—was withdrawn and stubborn. On the other hand, Catherine—my mother—was sociable and a sweet talker. Naturally, the parents and relatives favored the latter.While Catherine was pampered and adored, Charlotte was treated as nothing more than a tool—mistr
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 64
DAMIANMONTGOMERY HOLDINGS — CEO’S OFFICE.Reading the report Vivian brought me, I fell into stunned silence.“Ria’s mom is my mom’s twin sister?”I looked up at her, nearly laughing at the absurdity.“My mom has a twin sister? How come I, her own son, have no idea?”I asked as I threw the report another glance.“Only madam knows the answer to that question. But I’m sure she has her reasons,” Vivian answered respectfully.“Of course I know she has her reasons!” I snapped, agitation rising within me. “But it makes no sense that I never heard even a whisper about it until now. They’re identical twins, for goodness sake!”I ran a hand through my hair, my thoughts in a mess, “Because she never spoke of her family, I and my siblings naturally assumed she was an orphan. And now, out of nowhere, I find out that not only does she has a twin—my aunt—but also a cousin who looks almost exactly like her and Eve?”I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions.“Tell me, Vivian, if we hadn’t f
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 63
CHRIS"No."I refused the moment Val told me about the so-called solution Zane had proposed.We were in my office at Treasure Media, seated across from each other—them on the small sofa, me in an armchairTurning to Zane beside her, I gave him a cold stare. "Have you considered the consequences of going public? You know better than anyone how much it would affect her, don’t you?"I didn’t spell it out, but I knew he understood exactly what I meant.Sure, revealing that he—Zane, the young and powerful CEO of Blaze Corporation—was Val’s husband could work PR wonders.But!That was only if he wasn’t also the leader of AMETHYST, a fearsome force active in the underworld.Exposing Val’s connection to him would only make her a target.“I already told her about it,” Zane said, glancing at Val before looking back at me.I frowned, not understanding what he meant.“Told her about what?”“About AMETHYST.”Shocked, my gaze snapped to Val, seeking confirmation.She nodded slightly, “Yes. He told
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapters 62
VALERIA After our moment in the study, Zane insisted I take a nap, claiming I’d had a rough day and needed to recharge. In return, I made him lie down with me. The dark circles under his eyes hadn't escaped my notice—he looked utterly exhausted. Clearly, he had been so busy that he'd forgotten to rest. That would explain why he hadn't made it home yesterday. .... By the time I woke up, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, filling the room with a warm glow. As my eyes fluttered open, Zane’s face was the first thing I saw, just inches away from mine—his sharp features were peaceful and his breathing steady as he slept. For a moment, I just stared. Then, it all came rushing back. He had confessed to me. He said he loved me. A sweet smile crept onto my lips as I propped myself up on one arm, gazing down at him. Without thinking, my fingers reached out, tracing his features—the curve of his brow, the straight slope of his nose, his thin lips. I had just barely brushed his lips
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 61
ZANEWhen I closed my first deal.When I put a bullet into someone’s heart for the first time.I hadn’t felt nervous. But as I squatted in front of Valeria, about to say the words I’d held back for so long, my voice trembled with nerves.I could only hope that she didn't notice.Looking up at her, I took a deep, steadying breath and said solemnly, “I love you.”Not like—love.Because ‘like’ felt like a weak, flimsy word compared to what I felt for her.My vision blurred slightly as my thoughts driftedActually, even I pinpoint when it started, but somewhere along the way, she had become irreplaceable. Maybe it was at Atlas Resort.Maybe it was in the Hale’s living room.Or maybe it started with a glance, a touch, or that kiss we shared.It didn’t matter anymore. All I knew was that I wanted her by my side—forever.I refocused, anticipation bubbling in my heart as I studied her expression.How would she answer? I wondered, only for my heart to plummet in the next moment.She looked…
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 60
VALERIAThe drive back to Harrison's mansion was silent. Upon arriving, I headed straight for the study, with Zane following close behind.Once seated, I wasted no time. “Is what you said true? About Chris’…”I swallowed hard, suppressing the nausea threatening to rise. I didn’t finish my sentence—I couldn’t—but I knew he would understand what I meant.Zane’s gaze remained steady. “I said it back there, Valeria, and I’ll say it again—I never lie.”I wasn’t doubting him. In fact, I believed him, if not I wouldn't have reacted that way. But I still felt the need to hear it again.Now that I had, there was nothing left but a deep, visceral revulsion toward that family. As a matter of fact, I wanted nothing more to do with them.Before, even after demanding the severance letter, I still held onto some attachment. After all, they were my direct blood relatives—people I had spent most of my life with. Cutting them off completely wasn’t easy as it sounded. But now? Just the thought that th
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 59
ANDYToday was truly an ‘exciting’ day. So exciting that I never want to experience it again.First, I was caught in a real-life car chase. Then, I witnessed the live-action version of a shura field, something my Japanese PUBG friends often mentioned in our chats.And now...As if that wasn’t enough, Valeria’s contract husband had just dropped a revelation that sounded nothing short of a bombshell.What?The Hales' first-choice marriage candidate for Val was James Leone? Chris’ father?They had planned to make the son’s best friend his stepmother?It was so ridiculous that my first instinct was to deny it outright.I glanced at Val, whose face was frozen in disbelief, then at Chris, who had lunged forward, grabbing Zane by the collar. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who thought this was insane.“To absolve yourself, you would even lie about something like this? Have you no shame?” Chris gritted out, fury burning in his eyes.My gaze shifted to Zane's face. His expression remained unre
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 58
VALERIAWhy is Zane here?I wondered, feeling as though I were sitting on pins and needles between him and Chris on the sofa.Thinking back to a few minutes earlier—when he pulled me toward him and asked if I was okay in that unbearably soft, affectionate voice—my heart started racing all over again.It had taken considerable willpower to pull away from him in that moment. If I had stayed even a second longer, I was afraid I might have melted into his embrace.Clearly, I was still not immune to his voice.Arriving at this conclusion, my heart twisted in a mix of bitterness and frustration.I had warned myself not to have any illusions and to stick to being his contracted wife. But who knew that all it would take was one smile from him for my defenses to nearly crumble?I am truly hopeless.Lowering my gaze in self-disappointment, I failed to notice the pleading look Andy sent my way.It wasn’t until he cleared his throat that I finally looked up.The atmosphere is freezing. Do somethi
