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Chapter 43
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2024-10-26 20:26:33
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Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 44
VALERIALost in thought, I was startled back to reality by a light tap on my shoulder. I blinked and turned around, just in time to hear the person call my name.“Hey, Val.”It was one of my former roommates from freshman year. We had been the only ones in the dorm studying the same major, so we naturally became the closest. That hasn’t changed,, at least for me—she was still the closest female friend I had on campus.Seeing her, I couldn’t help but smile, “Sarah.”“Welcome to the final stretch,” I added as an afterthought.“I know, right?! it’s crazy to think we’ll be graduating soon. Time’s gone by so fast,” Sarah said with a nostalgic, yet excited smile on her face as she took the seat next to me on the right.“Crazy indeed—it feels like just yesterday that we were freshmen. It’s honestly such a bittersweet feeling.”Silence ensued between us after this, only to be broken by Sarah’s abrupt question.“You haven’t logged onto the school forum today, have you?”“The school forum?” I d
Last Updated : 2024-12-07Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 45
VALERIA“So is the Jenna you two talking about really that bandmate of yours?” Sarah once again interrupted my thoughts.“Yes, that’s her. She’s no longer a member of the band though. Or rather, our band is now disbanded; we’ll make an official announcement on our page later.”“That explains it then.”It was yet another enigmatic statement, which made me unable to help but wonder when Sarah developed a habit of speaking in circles.“That explains what? Can you explain more clearly?” I asked, my tone laced with no small amount of helplessness.In response, she scooted closer to me and then said in a conspiratorial tone, “Before I say anything, let me make this clear first—I’m definitely not trying to speak badly of her, since this is practically basic knowledge to those in the know.”“Note taken. Go ahead.”“So the thing is...,” she scooted even closer, “Jenna has always been jealous of you.”Noticing the dubious look I threw her, she didn’t panic and continued speaking, “I know you wo
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 46
VALERIA“I’ll take the legal route.”“Dealing with her through the law is indeed a good idea, but don’t you plan on confronting her first?” Andy asked.While tucking a rebellious strand of hair behind my ear, I replied nonchalantly, “I’m taking the legal route precisely because I don’t want to waste my time on pointless things. Besides, would confronting her change anything?”“No, it wouldn’t. it would only make things even more unpleasant than they already are.”“You do have a point,” Andy nodded in agreement as realization dawned on him. “But even if you don’t plan to, after she receives the court summons, she will definitely come find you.”“Then let her come,” Chris, who had been silent all along, interjected.His tone was plain and ordinary, nothing that should cause unease. Yet, for some reason, I found myself grabbing his sleeve with urgency, “Don’t do anything, Chris. Please.”He paused, his dark eyes flicking to mine with a flash of unclear emotion, before a familiar teasing
Last Updated : 2025-01-08Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 47
ZANEHis eyes bloodshot and filled with remorse, Mason laboriously spat out another apology.But the sight wasn’t enough to soothe my anger—nor the overwhelming disappointment.As my trusted right-hand man, he knew better than anyone the things I detested most. Yet, he dared to suggest the one thing that topped the list.Releasing him, I rose from my seat and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. Gazing at the sprawling city below, I asked, “Do you still remember Eric?”I didn't need to look back to see the blood drain from his face. The name and the person had long become an unspoken scar for both of us. One time could never heal.“Of course, you remember. How can you not, when he was the one who took you in?” My tone softened slightly, though a trace of sadness crept into my heart.Eric was my best friend. Back then, godfather took both of us in at around the same time. We trained together, fought together and did everything side by side.He was the closest thing I had to family—so
Last Updated : 2025-01-15Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 48
VALERIAZane didn’t return home last night.This unsolicited tidbit was provided by Arlo while I ate breakfast this morning.Honestly speaking, the thought of asking for Zane's help when I saw Jenna’s post yesterday did cross my mind. After all, nothing could quash the rumors better than a clear picture of my so-called husband. But that thought lasted only a moment..First and foremost, our relationship was meant to be strictly business—a performance for the eyes of those who mattered. What's more, Zane had put up with years of being mischaracterized by the public as an old, dying CEO, which spoke volumes about how much he valued his privacy.With what reason or standing could I possibly ask him to make an exception for me?More importantly, after hearing him reiterate the true nature of our relationship yesterday, I can no longer bring myself to seek his help. The last thing I want is to be labeled or misunderstood as opportunistic.Fortunately, thanks to Sarah, I had other ways to d
Last Updated : 2025-02-13Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 49
VALERIA“What's there to be unsure about? Slander or lies only exist if what's said isn't true. But tell me, Valeria—what part of it isn't?”“The part where you are married? Or the part where your husband is an old man?” Jenna shot back, her smile brimming with confidence.I remained unbothered, crossing my hand over my chest as I spoke, “You sound so confident that I'd find it a shame not to indulge your curiosity.”Jenna's grin widened in triumph.“To start with, you are right about one thing—I’m indeed married.”The crowd erupted in a flurry of gasps and murmurs .‘What the h*ll!’‘She’s really married?! Does that mean…?’‘She got married so early?’‘I guess she did marry for money after all.’‘Ugh, i can’t believe I used to admire a gold-digger like her. What a disappointment.’‘I have a hunch there might be a plot twist ahead, so I'll wait and see how things unfold.'‘Hold on... If she’s married, what about Chris? i thought they were an item?’Their comments came loud and clear,
Last Updated : 2025-02-27Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 50
VALERIAIt was a girl in ponytail.Seeing everyone look in her direction, there was no embarrassment on her face. Instead, to my foreboding, the excitement in her eyes became more intense as she stared at me.The words she spoke next proved that I was right to feel that way.“The paparazzi revealed the true identity of Ria! Hurry and take a look—her identity would knock your socks off!”Upon hearing this, i wasn’t too panicked, after all, there have been so many fake reveals prior to today.‘This time is probably no different,’ I thought to myself.However, when I accidentally locked eyes with the girl and caught the fervor in her fixated gaze, I couldn’t help but take a step back silently. At the same time, the sense of foreboding in my heart grew stronger.Something… does feel different this time.‘To be on the safe side, I’d better make my escape while everyone is still distracted,’ I decided as my gaze swept around the crowd busy with their phones.Without a moment of delay, I ste
Last Updated : 2025-02-28Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 51
DAMIANAs the warm water hit my skin and ran down my body, a subconscious sigh of comfort escaped my lips.After pulling an all-nighter for three days straight and finally closing a headache-inducing business deal in the early hours of the morning, I was beyond exhausted.All I wanted after getting out of the shower was a good sleep before my flight back home.But I had barely taken a step out when I heard a knock followed by my secretary, Vivian’s voice.“Come in," I said lazily after a brief pause, fastening my robe more securely in the process. Vivian might be married, middle-aged, and have been around me for a couple of years, but I still wasn't comfortable showing her too much of my skin.“Is there a problem?” I asked as she entered, for I had made it quite clear that I was not to be disturbed until it was time for my flight.“I apologize for intruding, but there’s a situation online that I think you ought to see.”With half-lidded eyes, I found my way to the sofa and took a seat
Last Updated : 2025-03-04
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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
