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73. The difference

Penulis: C.M. LOUDEN
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-07-22 19:40:43

Enzo’s POV

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“How could you make a move without informing me? You have no idea who you’re dealing with!” My father’s eyebrows met as he looked at me sharply.

I stood in front of him, unwavering.

I dislike seeking my father’s approval. It’s something I really prefer not to do. If I can handle things on my own, I will do so without needing my father’s assistance.

“It’s alright, Dad. Diezel and Morris are helping me, and it’s all under control.”

“Under control? That’s stupid! How many times have I told you that we must not enter the world of the mafia, my son! I don’t bloody care about the others! But your cousins, Morris and Diezel? What do you think will happen if the elders find out about this?”

I felt my jaw tighten, and I looked away. This rule from the elders really bothers me. Dammit. I couldn’t care less about it!

“But she’s the mother of the woman I love, Dad. I’m not a heartless jerk who will do nothing to correct their corrupt minds. I will not turn a blind eye to my wife’s mo
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  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   74. Confront

    Kyla Eva.I Island was not that far. It's a private one owned by Morris, one of Enzo's cousins. It's beautiful here. The sand is white, and the water is crystal clear. Morris Paradise stood in the middle with high securities all over the place. There's no escape here because everything around is surrounded by water.Kylie was tied up when I entered the room. She was asleep but looked well. There are no marks of abuse on her skin—quite the opposite of how I was treated back then.I sighed as I looked at her in silence. Enzo signaled the two guards, who slowly let go of Kylie's tie and untied her.I looked at Kylie once more and realized that I no longer had sisterly feelings for her. After what she did to me and our birth mother, I no longer feel sorry for her.She showed no remorse for her past actions and lacked sympathy for our real mother.How could she do this? I've been wondering what's going on with her. Where is her innocence? Maybe she has lost touch with her inner child, bec

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-07-25
  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   75. Welcome

    Kyla Eva.My mother was in the garden beside the house, smiling sweetly while admiring the beautiful flowers in front of her. Her personal nurse was behind her, holding the wheelchair."Mum!" I hugged and kissed her."Oh? K-Kyla?" Her face lights up when our eyes meet."Yes, it's me. How are you?""I'm good. I'm happy that I see you now. I miss you…""And I miss you too, Mum. I'm glad you came to the Island. Did you follow me all the way here?" My eyes sparkled with excitement, and I momentarily forgot about Kylie.Mum looked at the person behind me. It was Enzo. I composed myself and whirled my body to see him."I told Nay Meline to come here. Rex fetches them at the facility," Enzo explained."I see. . .""It's good for her to see the ocean and—""I don't know about that." I cut Enzo off and looked at him seriously. I don't think it's a good idea for our mother to see Kylie as her condition is not good and she's hysterical at the moment.Enzo nodded in agreement. "It's beautiful h

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-07-27
  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   76. Trouble

    Enzo Denver.My mother kept pacing back and forth, biting her nails. My father looked serious, thinking of something. I gritted my teeth as I couldn't clear my mind. I knew this day would come, but I didn't expect it to be this way.Santiago Delamares raided Morris's warehouse down the west, and a few people were injured. Kingston, the person in charge, was there, protecting the warehouse and fighting against Santiago's people. He was alright but wounded.Half a dozen of Morris's associates were killed by the Delamares clan. However, Morris's men managed to capture a dozen from the Delamares clan. Morris decided to keep them alive, and they are currently being held in the basement cell.Morris lost a few of his men from the attack, and many were wounded. At the moment, Morris warehouse there is non operative. I instructed him to move to the other side where Diezel is."What is the plan?" Mom looked at Father in frustration. I know she did a few subjects to tail the Delamares clan, b

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-07-28
  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   77. Unconditionally

    Kyla Eva."What happened?" I was shocked as I looked at Nay Meline, who was crying.I ran towards her and hugged her tightly. "Where's mom?" I looked behind her to see if mother was with her, but none. Nay Meline was alone but accompanied by Enzo's father's bodyguards."Your mother is fine, Kyla. I moved her to a different facility with much more secure security this time." Enzo answered behind me. I let go of Nay Meline and looked at him with worry.Today was supposed to be a visit to them earlier, but Enzo had an emergency, so we canceled. Instead of me going to where my mother is, Nay Meline came as a surprise, escorted by Enzo's father's security.I was afraid to ask him, lacking the courage to confront my fears. I didn't want to hear any bad news about my mother, Nay Meline, or the others."We're safe, Kyla. Diezel sacrificed himself to protect us, my dear," Nay Meline said, and I looked at Enzo in shock.What's happening? Why am I the last person to know what's going on?"I'm w

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-07-30
  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   78. Embrace

    Enzo Denver."I understand…" After my conversation with my mother, I felt the weight of my destiny settles on my shoulders. Fear no longer held me captive. I knew I had to face it. This was my purpose, and there was no escape. If sacrificing myself was the only way to protect those I love, I was ready to embrace it.I remained passive, waiting for the operation to conclude. My mother was vigilant, monitoring everyone in the line, gathering information from my father. Meanwhile, my grandfather was on the move, ready to eliminate the Delamares clan. All I could do was wait, hoping that no lives would be lost in this high-stakes game.After two days, my grandfather won. This victory is not new anymore. I know my grandfather's capability. There's no way for them to stop him, and those who oppose him will have no chance of winning.Kyla is happy. At last, she will be seeing her mother today.My mother flew to my father's location last night, while Diezel returned under heavy security pro

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-01
  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   79. Duke

    Enzo Denver.One thing that is currently troubling me is the idea of meeting Nonno, my grandfather. I still recall that his realm is off-limits to my mother and me. My mother has chosen a different path in life. She married into the Mondragon family, who are noble but not royalty.My mother's love for my father is a testament to the power of love. She never regretted giving up her noble status, choosing to marry my father and creating a world where her love for him was her everything.Mum possesses a unique discernment. She can easily see through lies and pretense, a skill honed from dealing with the various personalities of high-status individuals during her time under her father's care.Today, only Kyla, my mother, and I are traveling. My grandfather ruled that my father was not allowed to set foot here."We are here!" My mother exclaimed calmly, and my head moved to Kyla beside me. She was resting her head on my shoulder, taking a little nap. Then she shifted, raised her head, and

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-02
  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   80. Position

    Enzo Denver.Grandfather's mighty king chair, with its rich mahogany hue, faced the expansive glass window that overlooked the serene garden.When Mum's voice, filled with anticipation, called out to him, his chair seemed to pivot in slow motion, and his smile, warm and comforting, sent a wave of nostalgia through my entire being."Dad…" Mum hugged him immediately like a child who had missed her father for years. It's been two decades since they last saw each other, and I'm sure Mum misses Grandfather so much."My dear child," he said in his solid baritone voice. He stood up, opened his arms, and embraced mum.As my mother and grandfather hugged, I fought to keep a calm facade. Kyla, sensing my tension, squeezed my hand tightly. She looked at them with joy, unaware of the complexities of our family history."You look well, Dad," Mum complimented him."Is that so?" Grandfather slightly laughed and paused when his eyes darted on us. He then walked closer to me and Kyla."Milord Enzo De

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-04
  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   81. Decision

    Kyla Eva."You can't do this, Kyla! How dare you!?" Mum Corazon exclaimed in disappointment.After a quick vacation in Camberton, I made up my mind to fix everything. Enzo's grandfather helped us in many ways, and the heart-to-heart talk I had with him made me realize my worth.In a significant turn of events, I struck a deal with Enzo's grandfather.Instead of us staying in Camberton, we will return to the place we envision raising our children. In return, Enzo has agreed to shoulder half of his grandfather's responsibilities. This is a sacrifice he is making for us, for the people, and for the future. When the time is right, when his grandfather can no longer fulfill his duties as the Duke of Camberton, Enzo will step up and take charge. As for Kylie, I have made a decision that weighs heavily on my heart. I have chosen to reveal our existence to the media and announce Kylie's retirement from the showbiz and fashion world. It's a responsibility I must bear, a decision made out of

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-05

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  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   146

    Hendrix.I combed my hair using my fingers in exasperation. It's been a week since Louise last spoke to me. She keeps ignoring me as if I don't exist. I can't get too close to her because she doesn't want me around."I acknowledge it's my fault, and I'm doing everything for her to understand the situation, Xav. It's driving me crazy. I can't concentrate and haven't slept at all. I want to talk to her, but she has blocked me."Xavion chuckled a little."This isn’t funny, Xavion," I said through clenched teeth."Give her time, Hendrix. She will calm down and entertain you again. Right now, her focus is on Rosy. Let her be. Consider the pain she's experiencing now. She's also afraid of losing Rosy."I sighed, trying to grasp the air around me.Rosy is not feeling well.After chemotherapy, she developed complications and is currently in the ICU for heart monitoring. I visited her earlier to ensure she was being looked after by the nurses and specialists.I nodded, trying to tease the ten

  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   145

    Louise Rose.I'm so furious right now. I feel so betrayed. Of all the people, why Hendrix? Why. . .I went back to Rosy and attended to all her needs. I never asked her anything about her condition. I had enough of what Dr. Lou said earlier. I just need to give myself some time to settle down so that I can think again."Louise, my dear, please don't be upset with me or Dr. Lou. It's not his fault. He was simply following my instructions... I want this because I don't want you to fret too much… I apologize for keeping this from you." Rosy's voice was faint and tired. I could only embrace her. My heart shatters as I feel lost about what to do next. It's nighttime already. I helped Rosy shower and eat dinner, and now I am tucking her for bedtime. I turned off my phone after I talked to Dr. Lou. I don't want to talk to anyone, especially to Hendrix. I'm not in the mood for any conversation about Rosy's health.I could only smile softly as I stroked her cheek. I know she's tired. Today

  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   144

    Louise Rose.Although I shouldn't visit her today, I plan to surprise Rosy since my calendar is free. I feel truly blessed in many ways despite the conflicts within Hendrix's family.Hendrix's mother hates me, and Stephanie is making all the moves she can to hold Hendrix by the neck.My partner is facing financial losses, and I feel accountable for it. I want to assist him, but I'm unsure of how to proceed. I believe the most significant support I can offer is simply being there for him, regardless of the circumstances.I love him, honestly. Our start wasn't perfect, as it was pretentious, but look at where we are now. It's been the past six months, and we are running seven and still firmly in love with each other.I felt nervous as I entered the care clinic. Nadia, the head nurse, looked surprised when she saw me."I did not expect a visit from you today." Her brows wiggled, and I laughed. "Does your Aunt Rosy know you are coming?""No. She did not. I want to surprise her. I have so

  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   143

    Louise Rose.I cautiously glance to the side while listening to Hendrix speak on the phone with Stephanie.After dinner, we settled back at his place, giving me enough time to relax. I'm all relaxed, alright. I had my shower thirty minutes ago and checked on Rosy at the care clinic. Everything is going well with her, and I'm glad she's okay. I was a little worried when I saw her this morning. She doesn't seem well."I told you I'm not negotiating anything from you anymore, Steph." Hendrix's voice rose in octavo."Dammit! This is why we can't talk in person. This is why I can't see you!' He ran his hand through his hair in frustration and lifted his head."Fucking hell! Don't you dare tell me what to do, Steph! It's not about myself anymore, and not about Louise. Stay her out of this!"My body jerked when I heard the surprising kick he made on the chair inside the room. I fiddle my fingernails on my lips while listening, and my heart is pumping hard inside me.Hendrix is furious. Step

  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   142. Proud

    Louise Rose.I stopped by the flower stall near Hendrix’s office building, and rather than waiting for him, I opted to head to his office instead.The interior of the building is impressive. It features a unique atmosphere, and the entrance boasts a tall ceiling adorned with a large, sparkling chandelier.There was no reception. Instead, there was information displayed on the large screen indicating which floor to visit. On the opposite side of the hallway leading to the lifts, you’ll find a small café alongside a flower stall.I smiled upon seeing it, and the two ladies attending smiled back. They were taking orders from two customers waiting nearby.Hendrix is clever, and I’m very proud of my man.Last night, we didn’t talk about Stephanie and the newly released articles. I felt jealous, but I knew how to manage my jealousy. I trust him and will wait for his explanation.The elevator arrives at the top floor, the fifty-ninth. I exit and am greeted by the company’s prominent logo ad

  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   141. Disaster

    Hendrix."It's good to see you again, Rosy." I gave her a tight hug and kissed her forehead.She gazed at me faintly, smiling. Her hands felt cold, and she was growing thinner each day. I felt anxious. To me, she didn't seem well, yet I recognized her strong fight for Louise.Last night was calm with Louise. We had a good time together. We never talked about the issues and just set them aside. We kissed, cuddled, and made love. It was solemn and peaceful. Although it does not solve the problem, I think it's probably better that way.I have too much on my plate at the moment, and I'm sorting out my business with Stephanie. I'm doing things one at a time, and I know Louise understands that."Hendrix…" Rosy weakly uttered my name, and I sat down beside her."How are you feeling, Rosy?" My jaw tightened. I knew she was not feeling well. I had a quick chat with Dr. Lou before I proceeded to her unit.The treatment was still ongoing. We are on our second radiation session now, and there ar

  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   140. Surrender

    Louise Rose.I sat down, and Dr. Lou looked very serious. I haven't seen Rosy—not yet. The food and treats are still inside the paper bags with me.“Look, Louise. I know it’s been some time, and if you’ve noticed, Rosy’s condition is worsening each day.” He paused and glanced at me with a worried expression."Yes, I noticed that. I've been meaning to talk to you, but I've been held up with many things, including my business. Every time I visit, you're either not here or busy with your patients.""Yes, I'm sorry about that. But this time, I could no longer ignore the symptoms, and—"He paused again when my phone suddenly rang. I hadn't muted it."Oh, sorry." I pulled it out of my side pocket and swiped the screen. It was Rosy."Uhm, it's just Rosy. Just hang on for a second, Dr. Lou." I stood up and whirled halfway."Yes, Rosy. I'm already here at the clinic. I'm talking to Dr. Lou. It won't be long, and I will be there. I'll see you in a minute," I said, ending the call.Dr. Lou clear

  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   139. Worried

    Louise Rose."What the heck? You attended the event the other day with Hendrix, right?" Shella's eyes were like fire when I looked at her."Why? What's wrong?" I still had my hands on the flowers I had arranged in the vase.After the event and spending the night at Hendrix's place, I visited Rosy the next day. She seemed unwell and uncomfortable, which worried me. So, I decided to stay with her until nighttime to help with her needs. She's got a personal maid, but me being there with her is a different story. I just want to be with her. I don't want to think about that sly Stephanie.I have a few messages and miscalls from Hendrix. I will get back to him later. "Look at this. Have you read this?" She showed me the newspaper. The front page featured a picture of Hendrix's company and the events mentioned. On the next page was a collage of pictures with his cousins, parents, and Stephanie."Where are you? Why aren't you here? They didn’t even mention you at all, as if you didn’t exist

  • The Billionaire's Substitute Bride   138.

    Louise Rose.I lost my smile the moment I saw Hendrix. Anger surged within me, and I recalled what Stephanie had said at the party.“Louise, darling...”Hendrix leaned in to kiss me, but I pulled away. Lilia noticed and cleared her throat before walking away. She left us.Hendrix opens my chair so I can sit down. I never look at him as I take my seat. I’m still upset.“I’m not sure what you’d prefer for breakfast, so I asked Lilia to prepare a variety of options.” He cleared his throat as he placed each dish closer to my plate.I will eat as much as possible and then go to the flower shop branches. That’s my plan for today. We sit in silence while eating, creating an awkward atmosphere. I don’t want to discuss anything and can sense his hesitance to speak.“I’m sorry about what happened last night, Louise.”My lips twitch. Why is he apologizing? Is it because he didn’t inform me about Stephanie? Additionally, I don’t even know what role Stephanie plays in his life aside from being

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