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CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Penulis: STAR
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-26 23:37:22

HEAVEN.

The morning air felt thick, carrying the weight of last night’s silence. I sat at the dining table, absently stirring my tea, but my mind was elsewhere.

Adrian had slept outside. That fact settled in my chest like a rock. It wasn't just about the nightmare—there was something deeper clawing at him. Something he refused to share.

I had wanted to wake him, to pull him back inside, but I hesitated. Would he have let me? Or would he have just pulled further away?

A part of me feared the answer.

“Heaven?”

I blinked and looked up. One of the maids, Mira, was watching me with cautious eyes.

“Are you okay, ma’am?”

I forced a small smile. “I’m fine.”

She didn’t look convinced, but she nodded and continued setting the table.

Adrian walked in a few moments later, his suit sharp, his presence commanding, but there was something off.

His movements were stiff, and when his eyes met mine, there was a flicker of hesitation. I knew he was pretending to be okay and it only hurt me even deeper.

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  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

    HEAVEN.The day stretched on, but I couldn’t focus on anything.Adrian’s distance weighed on me. I wanted to help, but how do you help someone who refuses to be helped?I was still lost in thought when my phone rang.Unknown Number.I frowned before answering. “Hello?”Silence.And then“You should leave him.”The voice was distorted, mechanical.My heart slammed against my ribs. “Who is this?”“No good can come from being with Adrian. Walk away while you still can.”Cold fear crept up my spine. “Why are you—”Click.The line went dead.I stared at my phone, my pulse hammering.What the hell was that?And why did it feel like a warning?I didn’t tell Adrian about the call.Not yet.I didn’t want to add to whatever he was already dealing with.But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming.And I wasn’t sure any of us were ready for it.DIANA.I had just gotten to Adrian's office when I saw him walking out of the building with Ethan.I have to say I was completely surprised

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-27
  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

    ADRIAN.I lay in bed unmoving. I could hear Heaven breathing beside me, I couldn't afford to face her.I was scared beyond my edges, my nerves were frayed.I realise now that I actually do need help. I can't keep putting this off forever, it's driving me crazy.If I faced Heaven now I'm sure she would find the cracks in my exterior and realise I'm not as stable as my voice had let on earlier.I decided to call Ethan in the morning and talk to him about fixing me for a session with his therapist.For now, I needed to sleep. I had to follow through with my facade with Heaven.We were supposed to talk things out and settle our issues but I couldn't even manage that.I was mentally beating myself about everything.I exhaled quietly, trying not to shift too much in bed. If I did, she’d know I was awake. She’d turn, her dark eyes would meet mine, and I wouldn’t be able to hold my composure. I was already splintering at the edges, barely keeping my head above water.God, I was so tired.Tire

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

    HEAVEN.I've been thinking about Adrian a lot lately. Not that it's wrong to, but then.It's so obvious he needs help but he's not accepting what I have to offer.It saddens me.I absentmindedly picked up the croissant I was eating, and I continued to stuff my face with the buttery goodness.I realized I had been stressed eating or more accurately, overeating lately and I had put on a considerable amount of weight.But that was fine. I'd just burn it in the home gym.I searched my wardrobe for the most comfortable wear I could find fit for the gym and I put them on, tying my hair in a loose nut, I headed downstairs to check out the gym.It's a part of the house I've never had cause to visit given the fact that I'm always in good shape, but recently I had let myself go a lot.I touched my protruding belly after I had finished dressing up. Standing in front of a mirror it looked worse than I felt.In reality, it wasn't that large nor was I too fat, I had been skinny as a child and the

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31
  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

    HEAVEN.I sat there thinking about what Justin had said.What did he mean by saying he would never lie to me?...What was Adrian not telling me.I finished my workouts in a blur, my near perfect day gone to the shadows once again.My mind had immediately gone back to the call I had received a while back and I began to wonder what it was these people knew, that I didn't.By the time I finished, my muscles ached, but the tension in my chest refused to fade. I wiped the sweat from my face with a towel, inhaling deeply in an attempt to steady myself. The gym felt colder now, emptier, as if the weight of my thoughts had pushed all warmth away.I needed answers.The shower was hot, but it didn’t wash away my frustration. My skin prickled as I dressed in a simple black hoodie and jeans, my fingers moving numbly as I grabbed my phone. I hesitated for a second before calling Adrian. No answer. I tried again. Still nothing.A slow, creeping frustration settled in my bones. He was avoiding me. I

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-02
  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

    ADRIAN.I sat in my office after Ethan had left, thinking about everything. The therapy, the nightmares, everything.I hadn't done Heaven right in any of this. It wasn't her fault I was messed up, I decided to finish everything pressing at work and go home early.The rest could wait.I quickly went through the days work, calling in staffs to clear and confirm certain contracts when needed, and to transfer files and messages from one office to another.In record time, I was done.A clerk came in to ask me about lunch preparations and I turned him down. Eating with Heaven was top on my list for today.I packed up my briefcase and left the office. I could've skipped to my car if I wasn't a grown ass man.In the car, I played a happy tune and I sang along all the way home.Once I got home, I headed straight for our room so I could surprise Heaven. I had been thinking about it and I decided to make lunch for the both of us, and maybe a simple side dish.My cooking skills are at least above

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-06
  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

    DIANA.The world tilted under the weight of his words. Heaven?Heaven, if I was being honest, was a nightmare wrapped in silk and secrets. She sounded and acted oh so very innocently but I could see through her entire facade.Heaven was bad news.I couldn't do what Justin wanted me to do, it was too risky.“What if she tells Adrian?” I asked, knowing fully well that my relationship with Adrian was already on shaky grounds and that I couldn't push my luck anymore.“Adrian will never find out,” he said. His confidence is even more upsetting.“And what's your assurance for that?” I asked again.“Heaven would be too busy eating into her doubts to want to talk to Adrian. I already triggered the thoughts when I found her at the gym.” He said.I wondered what it was Justin had said to Heaven.I decided not to think about it like he said, it's just easier that way.“What am I supposed to do?” I asked, and I sat there listening to Justin talk about his huge master plan.The more I listened the

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-07
  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER THIRTY

    ADRIAN.I deliberately delayed for as long as I could, taking time trimming off excesses in my dressing and trying so desperately to appear more casual than corporate.I knew Diana wouldn't like it if I dressed casually for a fancy dinner — I knew all her likes and dislikes.I spent a full twenty minutes adjusting the cuffs of my shirt, debating whether to leave the third button open or not. I went with it—subtle rebellion. A suit, but no tie. Casual, but not careless. Sleek, but a little undone. Exactly how I felt.The silver chain around my neck caught the light as I leaned over to grab my watch. I checked my reflection one last time—more times than I care to admit—and then sprayed on a light mist of cologne. Not too heavy. Just enough for her to recognize it and remember things she probably tries not to.So I opted for a suit but no tie and with the first three buttons undone showing a peak of my chiseled chest, and a neck chain to complete the look. I looked at myself in the full

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-08
  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

    DIANA.I could feel his eyes on me, Adrian couldn't look away.This was how it was supposed to be, me enjoying his undivided attention. Afterall, it was us two before Heaven came into the picture.Heaven — I chastised myself for letting her have room in my thoughts at such auspicious moments. She didn't deserve it. I had allowed her to gain more importance in my head than Adrian himself.And I claimed to love him.Tsk tskI'll have to get rid of her sooner than I thought.I pretended to not know Adrian was drinking in the sight of me—as intended, instead I focused on the menu noticing they didn't have the kind of food I'd have preferred to eat.Sighing, I put the menu down, and made eye contact with Adrian.He was caught unawares and so we didn't say anything to each other for a little while. The silence stretched on. Then he cleared his throat, —”I don't know where to begin Diana.”“I've done you wrong the last couple of days and well now we're here. I'm glad we're having dinner to

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-10

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  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

    ADRIAN.The night had been going well and not well. It was a difficult mixture for us.We've spent our time reminiscing, regretting and now looking at the present and if we have hope for the future.The restaurant Diana had chosen was pricey but worth it. The food had us mesmerised, we couldn't even have the conversation I had rehearsed the entire drive over.I enjoyed the smooth jazz and I basked in the warm glow of the lights and the serene atmosphere. She's always had good taste.After dinner I was surprised about our desert location but as usual I trusted Diana's choices and went with it.The candy shop was a stark contrast to the fancy restaurant but I wasn't complaining at all. I was just enjoying her company.She got the desserts and I took us to the best location to have it.I recall always coming to the water side whenever I felt troubled by my life and everything in it, now once again I was troubled.I was caught between two women, I had already convinced myself that I didn

  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

    DIANA.I could feel his eyes on me, Adrian couldn't look away.This was how it was supposed to be, me enjoying his undivided attention. Afterall, it was us two before Heaven came into the picture.Heaven — I chastised myself for letting her have room in my thoughts at such auspicious moments. She didn't deserve it. I had allowed her to gain more importance in my head than Adrian himself.And I claimed to love him.Tsk tskI'll have to get rid of her sooner than I thought.I pretended to not know Adrian was drinking in the sight of me—as intended, instead I focused on the menu noticing they didn't have the kind of food I'd have preferred to eat.Sighing, I put the menu down, and made eye contact with Adrian.He was caught unawares and so we didn't say anything to each other for a little while. The silence stretched on. Then he cleared his throat, —”I don't know where to begin Diana.”“I've done you wrong the last couple of days and well now we're here. I'm glad we're having dinner to

  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER THIRTY

    ADRIAN.I deliberately delayed for as long as I could, taking time trimming off excesses in my dressing and trying so desperately to appear more casual than corporate.I knew Diana wouldn't like it if I dressed casually for a fancy dinner — I knew all her likes and dislikes.I spent a full twenty minutes adjusting the cuffs of my shirt, debating whether to leave the third button open or not. I went with it—subtle rebellion. A suit, but no tie. Casual, but not careless. Sleek, but a little undone. Exactly how I felt.The silver chain around my neck caught the light as I leaned over to grab my watch. I checked my reflection one last time—more times than I care to admit—and then sprayed on a light mist of cologne. Not too heavy. Just enough for her to recognize it and remember things she probably tries not to.So I opted for a suit but no tie and with the first three buttons undone showing a peak of my chiseled chest, and a neck chain to complete the look. I looked at myself in the full

  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

    DIANA.The world tilted under the weight of his words. Heaven?Heaven, if I was being honest, was a nightmare wrapped in silk and secrets. She sounded and acted oh so very innocently but I could see through her entire facade.Heaven was bad news.I couldn't do what Justin wanted me to do, it was too risky.“What if she tells Adrian?” I asked, knowing fully well that my relationship with Adrian was already on shaky grounds and that I couldn't push my luck anymore.“Adrian will never find out,” he said. His confidence is even more upsetting.“And what's your assurance for that?” I asked again.“Heaven would be too busy eating into her doubts to want to talk to Adrian. I already triggered the thoughts when I found her at the gym.” He said.I wondered what it was Justin had said to Heaven.I decided not to think about it like he said, it's just easier that way.“What am I supposed to do?” I asked, and I sat there listening to Justin talk about his huge master plan.The more I listened the

  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

    ADRIAN.I sat in my office after Ethan had left, thinking about everything. The therapy, the nightmares, everything.I hadn't done Heaven right in any of this. It wasn't her fault I was messed up, I decided to finish everything pressing at work and go home early.The rest could wait.I quickly went through the days work, calling in staffs to clear and confirm certain contracts when needed, and to transfer files and messages from one office to another.In record time, I was done.A clerk came in to ask me about lunch preparations and I turned him down. Eating with Heaven was top on my list for today.I packed up my briefcase and left the office. I could've skipped to my car if I wasn't a grown ass man.In the car, I played a happy tune and I sang along all the way home.Once I got home, I headed straight for our room so I could surprise Heaven. I had been thinking about it and I decided to make lunch for the both of us, and maybe a simple side dish.My cooking skills are at least above

  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

    HEAVEN.I sat there thinking about what Justin had said.What did he mean by saying he would never lie to me?...What was Adrian not telling me.I finished my workouts in a blur, my near perfect day gone to the shadows once again.My mind had immediately gone back to the call I had received a while back and I began to wonder what it was these people knew, that I didn't.By the time I finished, my muscles ached, but the tension in my chest refused to fade. I wiped the sweat from my face with a towel, inhaling deeply in an attempt to steady myself. The gym felt colder now, emptier, as if the weight of my thoughts had pushed all warmth away.I needed answers.The shower was hot, but it didn’t wash away my frustration. My skin prickled as I dressed in a simple black hoodie and jeans, my fingers moving numbly as I grabbed my phone. I hesitated for a second before calling Adrian. No answer. I tried again. Still nothing.A slow, creeping frustration settled in my bones. He was avoiding me. I

  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

    HEAVEN.I've been thinking about Adrian a lot lately. Not that it's wrong to, but then.It's so obvious he needs help but he's not accepting what I have to offer.It saddens me.I absentmindedly picked up the croissant I was eating, and I continued to stuff my face with the buttery goodness.I realized I had been stressed eating or more accurately, overeating lately and I had put on a considerable amount of weight.But that was fine. I'd just burn it in the home gym.I searched my wardrobe for the most comfortable wear I could find fit for the gym and I put them on, tying my hair in a loose nut, I headed downstairs to check out the gym.It's a part of the house I've never had cause to visit given the fact that I'm always in good shape, but recently I had let myself go a lot.I touched my protruding belly after I had finished dressing up. Standing in front of a mirror it looked worse than I felt.In reality, it wasn't that large nor was I too fat, I had been skinny as a child and the

  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

    ADRIAN.I lay in bed unmoving. I could hear Heaven breathing beside me, I couldn't afford to face her.I was scared beyond my edges, my nerves were frayed.I realise now that I actually do need help. I can't keep putting this off forever, it's driving me crazy.If I faced Heaven now I'm sure she would find the cracks in my exterior and realise I'm not as stable as my voice had let on earlier.I decided to call Ethan in the morning and talk to him about fixing me for a session with his therapist.For now, I needed to sleep. I had to follow through with my facade with Heaven.We were supposed to talk things out and settle our issues but I couldn't even manage that.I was mentally beating myself about everything.I exhaled quietly, trying not to shift too much in bed. If I did, she’d know I was awake. She’d turn, her dark eyes would meet mine, and I wouldn’t be able to hold my composure. I was already splintering at the edges, barely keeping my head above water.God, I was so tired.Tire

  • SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE   CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

    HEAVEN.The day stretched on, but I couldn’t focus on anything.Adrian’s distance weighed on me. I wanted to help, but how do you help someone who refuses to be helped?I was still lost in thought when my phone rang.Unknown Number.I frowned before answering. “Hello?”Silence.And then“You should leave him.”The voice was distorted, mechanical.My heart slammed against my ribs. “Who is this?”“No good can come from being with Adrian. Walk away while you still can.”Cold fear crept up my spine. “Why are you—”Click.The line went dead.I stared at my phone, my pulse hammering.What the hell was that?And why did it feel like a warning?I didn’t tell Adrian about the call.Not yet.I didn’t want to add to whatever he was already dealing with.But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming.And I wasn’t sure any of us were ready for it.DIANA.I had just gotten to Adrian's office when I saw him walking out of the building with Ethan.I have to say I was completely surprised

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