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Chapter 7

last update Huling Na-update: 2023-01-03 01:27:00
ZANE

Looking at the woman apologizing sincerely in front of me, I felt close to nothing in my heart. My only concern at the moment was questioning if I had been too rash in making the decision to marry Valeria Hale. True, she might have saved my life a year ago but there are many ways to repay her apart from marriage, no?

While I might have no feelings for her nor plan to do so in the future, I however have no intention of being cheated on as long as she still held the title of my wife. And judging from how she had lost her composure just by how I supposedly reminded of whoever she meant, that person definitely held a special place in her heart.

For some reason, I couldn't help but think back to a line in the document that recorded the information on her investigated by my men.

...has been in the relationship only once.

Therefore, a good guess was that the person she was referring to was most likely that ex-boyfriend of hers.

I was deep in thought when a hesitant 'sir?' entered my ears
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  • Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride   Chapter 8

    VALERIABefore today or rather before meeting the man before me, I had no idea that I even had a special fetish for voices or that it would even affect me that much. The only thing I knew was that after I heard him speak, my insides literally turned into mush and I had to use a hundred percent of my willpower while biting my lips to keep myself from making a funny sound. While I do feel some regret at the fact that he and I had happened to meet at the wrong time, I also felt fortunate at the same time. Fortunate that all I was feeling towards him at the moment was nothing more than pure attraction and not love at first sight.The former I knew would fade over time because although he was my ideal type come true, I hadn't really gotten to know him that well so except for feeling some regret every now and then whenever I remember him, nothing would really change. However, the latter would definitely have been a huge problem.From the time I stepped forward to apologize to the time I fel

    Huling Na-update : 2023-01-04
  • Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride   Chapter 9

    VALERIAThe morning sun shine through the glass windows and curtains to land on me. It was my cue to know that a new day had come.Roused from my sleep, I rolled from one side of the bed to another a few times before sitting up on the bed. I then stretched my body lazily for a few minutes before finally getting off the bed and head to the bathroom.In the bathroom, I stood in front of the mirror looking at the reflection of myself while brushing my teeth and before I knew it my thoughts drifted away.Three days. It has been three days since I arrived in Mr Devil's house yet I haven't got to meet this mysterious husband of mine and at least confirmed what he actually looked like. What I was told was that he was on a business trip with no definite time of return but ironically enough, we are already legally married.All I had to do was hand over some documentation to Mr Devil's exclusive assistant, Assistant Michaels whose first name I had come to know was Zane and the next thing I knew

    Huling Na-update : 2023-01-08
  • Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride   Chapter 10

    ZANE(In my study)Valeria and I sat facing each other. I saw her look around the room and then exclaim. "Woah. Your boss treats his employees a little bit too good, ain't it?""Who would have thought that in addition to having your own room, you would also have your personal study INSIDE your boss's own house! That's too good of a treatment even for an exclusive assistant."Her words made me involuntarily raise my eyebrows as I thought inwardly to myself.'Did she really not suspect my true Identity at all or was she just pretending not to?'Not to mention the fact that the lies I told her about myself were full of obvious loopholes, the truth was that I never really planned to hide my true Identity from her (of course I meant the one on the surface here) since she would sooner or later know of it after we leave Meteor City for the Capital.Yes, you got that right. I am not a native of Meteor City. I only came here about a year ago which also happened to be the time when I got betra

    Huling Na-update : 2023-01-24
  • Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride   Chapter 11

    ZANEOn digesting everything written on the folder, one question had occurred to me.'Was there still a need to continue with this marriage?'Objectively speaking, I had made the decision to marry Valeria because I thought that in the end, we would both just be taking what we both need. However, the current problem was that she apparently never even needed my help in the first place.The obvious choice to make next was no doubt to let her go on her way by divorcing her and at the same time, compensate her with money and real estate just like I planned to do or would have done in the course of the marriage being over after the three years I intended. Yet, for some reason I feel reluctant to do so. I wouldn't be naive to think that it was because I had fallen in love with her because I knew that I definitely hadn't. If there should be reason for that feeling of reluctance, I would probably attribute it to the fact that getting along with her in the past three days had been quite comfor

    Huling Na-update : 2023-02-06
  • Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride   Chapter 12

    ZANEThe moment I heard her first condition, I knew without doubt that I would definitely not be able to fulfill it since I still had to confirm if she could really help with my condition. However, the thing was I couldn't reject her outright after all I was the one who asked to raise conditions.But there was one thing I could use to my advantage... A loophole I had caught in her words."What if you were the one to initiate the intimacy?" I deliberately asked.The minute I finished saying those words, I saw her face stiffen before she then looked at me with an expression of "Are you fr**king kidding me?"At first, I didn't understand what she meant by looking at me with that expression but when she spoke after, I immediately understood even though that left me even more speechless."Me? Take the initiative to initiate the intimacy? Between me and a old man? Are you pulling on my legs right now?"Wait... An old man? She just called me an old man?For the first time since a long time,

    Huling Na-update : 2023-03-06
  • Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride   Chapter 13

    VALERIAEven though I said that, I couldn't help but feel relieved deep inside when I heard his words after all, even with my initial plan itself, I had no intention of being intimate with my 'old' husband. In fact, just the thought of it sent chills straight down my spine and even had goosebumps popping out of every single pore on my body. "If it's like that, then I have no qualms about signing the agreement. However, I hope we can also put those conditions of mine in writing as well." I really had no choice but to agree because I had taken fancy to the generous after-divorce compensation. This was because Treasure Media had been faintly showing a trend of funds shortage and in the coming years, it would become more and more apparent and I urgently needed some funds to remedy that.Honestly speaking, when I had first offered that one precent shares, the intention behind it had not been as simple as I said. I had my own considerations for doing that - I felt that if the owner of Bla

    Huling Na-update : 2023-03-19
  • Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride   Chapter 14

    VALERIA"Ugh!"After trying for the umpteenth time to write the perfect musical score and failing, I let out a grunt of frustration before roughening up the paper in my hand and throwing it to the side to join many of its companions.Sitting on the soft woolen rug, I grabbed a handful of my hair and leaned my head against the bed before staring without focus at the ceiling. This has been my state for the past few days - staying cooped up in the room and continuously trying to put the inspiration I had for my new song into writing. In fact, even my meals had to be personally delivered into the room by a helpless Zane.But quite unfortunately for me, my creative process wasn't going as smoothly as I would like.The familiar sound of a guitar strumming - the default ringtone of my phone brought me out of my depressing thoughts. I gave the phone which was carelessly placed a hand stretch away from me a dismissive glance, not really feeling like picking up the call however, when I caught

    Huling Na-update : 2023-04-08
  • Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride   Chapter 15

    VALERIAIn a private room in the Everlasting Night Bar, a high-end nightclub/bar, I sat on the U-shaped sectioned sofa with my legs crossed together while my chin rested on my hand.Present in the room with me in the room and sitting right next to me was none other than my best friend, Chris Leone. Exuding an air of sophistication and charm, Chris's striking silver hair was well-groomed and styled in a way that accentuates his chiseled jawline and high cheekbones. His warm brown eyes were also bright and inviting, giving the impression of a friendly and approachable personality.The glistening earrings he wore however added a touch of rebelliousness and edginess to his otherwise refined appearance and at the same time, further increased his charm.Truth to be told, Chris was one of the most drop-dead gorgeous men I have ever came across in my life, both in reality and on TV, and as far as I am concerned, if there was one person who could rival him in handsomeness, it could only be Za

    Huling Na-update : 2023-04-12

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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

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