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Chapter 8
Last Updated:
2023-01-04 18:08:54
Lazy_AuthoressHello there, my lovely and cute readers. Your Lazy Authoress is back with another romance tale. Do vote for 'Mr Devilish's Substitute Bride' if you liked the story even a little bit. Thank you as always and here's to hoping you have a fun time reading the story!
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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
Last Updated : 2023-01-08Mr. 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
Last Updated : 2023-01-24Mr. 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
Last Updated : 2023-02-06Mr. 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,
Last Updated : 2023-03-06Mr. 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
Last Updated : 2023-03-19Mr. 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
Last Updated : 2023-04-08Mr. 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
Last Updated : 2023-04-12Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 16
"Hey guys!" A cute looking guy in his early twenties whose two tiger teeth showed when smiling said as he stepped into the room.He was Andy Morgan, the band's bassist and also my childhood friend together with Chris.Following right behind was a girl with a sweet and innocent looking appearance on whose face hung a soft smile.She was none other than Jenna Thompson, the band's keyboardWith an obscure expression on my face, I let my eyes linger on the latter. Looking at her harmless appearance, no one could have ever thought that she would actually do such a thing, at least, I had never even dreamt of that possibility. To me, all the three people here weren't just my band mates, there were also my very important friends who I held dear even more than my so-called family. So, the thought... no, it was a fact... the fact that one of them had betrayed me sent me reeling.I had agreed to Chris's suggestion to come here only for one reason - to get an explanation and maybe give this frie
Last Updated : 2023-04-17
Latest chapter
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
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 57
ZANE After leaving the basement, I drove straight to Valeria’s university without stopping. But it was too late—she and her friends had already escaped. I should have felt relieved, yet unease lingered in my heart. I needed to see her with my own eyes to be sure she was truly safe—I didn't dare underestimate the lengths irrational fans, traffic-driven paparazzi, and relentless reporters would go just to get her on camera."Analyzing their possible hideouts, I immediately ruled out Treasure Media—reporters would be swarming the place. The Harrison Mansion was another option, but the chances were slim, but just to be sure, I called Arlo. As expected, she wasn’t home.Fortunately, her social circle was simple, so I had my men look into all properties under her name, as well as those belonging to Chris and Andy. This search yielded results—seven locations. Two properties under each of their names, and one jointly owned by all three.Checking them all myself would be impractical and time
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 56
ZANEPRIVATE CLUB, BASEMENT — 8 AMSeated comfortably in my leather chair, I watched in boredom as my men dragged in three unconscious old men, roughly strapping them to the metal chairs across from me with thick ropes.Once the task was done, they retreated to the side, leaving only the trio in my line of sight.Studying their shut eyes, cold amusement flashed in my eyes as I thought of what I had in store for them.Turning my head to the side, I addressed the man standing beside me—Luca. “When will they wake up?”Glancing at his wristwatch, he replied confidently, “Within the next fifteen seconds.”I nodded, resting my chin on my hand as my thoughts drafted. Alongside Mason, Luca was my most capable and trusted man. He had been stationed in Meteor City to handle business for both Blaze Corporation and Amethyst, but with Mason leaving for The Sanctuary tomorrow, Luca had to return. Brandon, who would be taking over Mason's duties, will serve only as the CEO's assistant—but not i
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 55
CHRIS “She didn’t do anything,” I frowned, my brows knitting together. “It’s just that—” I played the video PR had sent me while the two were having their pillow fight, then handed my phone to Andy. Afterwards, my gaze settled on Val. “Someone posted a recording of your confrontation with Jenna online.” I couldn’t help but notice how calm she was at the news. “You already expected this?” She hummed in agreement. “I saw quite a number of students recording so, I knew it was only a matter of time before it got out.” Meanwhile. Andy, having finished watching the clip, stood up and passed the phone to Val before settling back into his seat. “How’s public opinion?” He turned to me and asked. “I have no idea. But when I received the video, it had only spread on a small scale, so I simply asked PR to monitor and guide the discussion.” “But that's only a short-term solution,” I added. “Too many people are paying attention to you after the news broke—including those jealous of your
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 54
VALERIA “Phew, I’m exhausted,” I groaned, plopping onto the couch. “Same here,” Andy said as he collapsed on the couch opposite mine. “Your fans are really scary, Val.” “Before today, I never imagined that I'd find myself in a real life high-speed car chase. Thank God I had good driving skills or else—” He shuddered exaggeratedly. Settling himself next to him, Chris added, “Even with the convincing act we put on, your fans still managed to recognize us. Should I praise them for being sharp-eyed?” Hearing this, I sat up slightly and shot Andy a pointed look, “I think we all know who's to blame for that.” “I was a fool to believe you—” I turned to glare at Chris. “—when you said that he went for a ‘modest and plainer’ car. Was that silver Bentley—of God-knows=what model—your definition of modest?” “And that’s not even the worst part—he. didn’t even roll up the windows!” “If that wasn’t an announcement that I was near, then tell me what else was?” I took a deep breath, reining in
Mr. Devilish's Substitute Bride Chapter 53
AARON“Sorry, can you repeat that again. I didn’t catch it the first time.”“You want to do what?” I looked at the woman in front of me—someone I called my sister—the way one would look at a lunatic.“I want to replace Valeria as Ria.”“You can make it work, right?”Okay. So my hearing was perfectly fine. I had heard her correctly.The way she put it—so casually, as if it were the most reasonable request—left me utterly befuddled.Is Vanessa… in her right mind?Genuinely puzzled, I blurted out the question before I could stop myself.I expected her to get angry at me, undeniably insulting as my question was, but to my surprise, she didn’t.‘I guess she also knew how crazy she sounded,’ I mused.“You only have to tell me whether you’re willing to help me or not,” she leaned forward, stubborn determination in her eyes.My answer was just as resolute, ”I won’t.”“I don’t know how you got this idea or the delusion that you can make it work, but I have no intention of going along with or p
