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Chapter 8
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2024-11-26 04:21:31Related chapters
The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 9
The crisp morning air was strangely still, as if the whole world was holding its breath.At the Caldwell mansion, sunlight spilled through floor to ceiling windows, casting a cool glow over the marble floors.Eleanor Caldwell sat poised on the edge of an ornate armchair, her knuckles white as she held the envelope in her hands.Across the room, her husband Richard paced in front of the towering stone fireplace, his brow furrowed, his eyes locked on the same envelope he held.Meanwhile, miles away in a quiet farmhouse nestled between rolling hills, Mary Miller stood by the kitchen table, her fingers trembling as she stared at the letter in her hands.James sat beside her, his hand resting atop hers.His face was lined with worry and the strain of sleepless nights, yet his gaze was steady, holding onto the hope that the results in Mary’s hands would only confirm what they had always believed.That Sarah was theirs.But neither household was prepared for the truth written in sterile, unf
Last Updated : 2024-11-26The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 10
Eleanor stiffened, but Richard took over, stepping forward and handing a sheaf of documents to James. “These are notarized documents. We’re prepared to offer full financial compensation for Sarah’s education, her living expenses, and more if she comes with us. We intend to give her the life she deserves, and we expect your cooperation.”James looked down at the documents, his face hardening.He could see the unspoken truth in Richard’s words, the desperation lurking beneath their polished veneer.The Caldwells weren’t here because they wanted to right a wrong or embrace the daughter they’d never known, they were here because Victoria, their real daughter, had been a burden too heavy to bear.Whispers of scandal had reached even their quiet village.Victoria’s name had become synonymous with excess, with careless rebellion. It wasn’t Sarah they wanted, it was a replacement.James held the papers at arm’s length, his face tight with anger. “You think you can just walk in here with your
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 11
Upstairs, Sarah’s room looked so much smaller than she remembered, her belongings so few and plain against the faded walls.The sight of her life, stripped to its barest essentials, made her chest ache.A stack of old books on her nightstand, filled with scribbled notes and worn pages, the tiny wooden carving her father had given her when she’d learned to read, a small bundle of dried flowers her mother had tied with ribbon and kept in a mason jar on her dresser.She picked each one up slowly, trying to etch the memory of them into her mind.She carefully packed her clothes into a simple duffel bag, the material rough under her fingers as she folded each shirt and dress.She slipped in her sketchpad, its cover worn from years of use, the pages inside filled with designs and notes, sketches she’d drawn while lying on the grassy hill behind the farmhouse.It felt like she was leaving behind more than just her possessions.With every item she packed, she was leaving behind pieces of her
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 12
Social Media Frenzy: Public Divides Over #SwitchScandalAcross social media platforms, opinions clashed, ranging from sympathy for the quiet girl thrust into high society, to accusations that Sarah was only in it for the Caldwell fortune.The hashtag #SwitchScandal trended overnight, as strangers dissected every detail of her life, her family’s life, and what the news meant for them all.As debates raged online, other headlines emerged, tugging the story in different directions.“Eighteen Years of Lies: Who Really Deserves the Caldwell Name?”“Sarah’s Simple Life: How a Country Girl Became an Heiress”“Victoria Reed’s Society Status Under Threat Amid Heiress Drama”People speculated endlessly on the implications for both young women, the lives they would be forced to navigate, and the challenges that lay ahead.Talk shows filled their airtime with commentary, journalists debated which family deserved Sarah, and tabloids printed half truths, attempting to fuel public curiosity even mor
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 13
Sarah’s mind raced as she tried to find the words that might satisfy him. “I, uh, went to the local school,” she said quietly. “I did well, but it was a small place… not like the schools here, I’m sure.”“Local schools,” Richard echoed, his gaze steady but with an edge of skepticism. “So, no formal training in any… refined skills?”Sarah’s jaw tensed, but she forced herself to keep her voice steady. “No formal training,” she replied, keeping her gaze on her plate. “But I did learn some skills from a neighbor.”“Such as?” Eleanor inquired, her voice light but curious.Sarah took a breath, realizing she’d stepped into a story she couldn’t retract now. “Jewelry design. I met someone in our village when I was younger, and she taught me a bit. I’d make little pieces sometimes.”Eleanor’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Jewelry? That’s rather… unique.”“It was more of a hobby,” Sarah added quickly, feeling Richard’s eyes still on her, weighing her every word.Her mind flashed to Margaret Windsor
Last Updated : 2024-11-28The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 14
The change was subtle at first, averted gazes, half hearted smiles, and murmurs that stopped abruptly when Sarah entered the room.She felt it in the lingering glances of the maids, the wary looks from the staff as they passed her in the halls.The Caldwell mansion, vast and daunting, had begun to feel even colder than the marble floors she walked upon.It didn’t take long for the whispers to drift into the open air.One afternoon, Sarah was browsing a small book collection in the study when Eleanor’s friends, Mrs. Donovan and Lady Ashford, came for tea.They hadn’t expected her to be in the room, and when they noticed her, their conversation faltered. But not for long.“So, she’s the… other one,” Lady Ashford murmured, voice just low enough to seem polite.Mrs. Donovan’s lips curled into a forced smile. “Yes, it must be quite the adjustment for her, I imagine. From barns to ballrooms, one might say.”Lady Ashford chuckled, not even attempting to mask the derision in her tone. “Poor t
Last Updated : 2024-11-29The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 15
Another ball...The ballroom glittered beneath crystal chandeliers, a sea of shimmering gowns and tailored suits as the Caldwell Foundation’s annual charity gala unfolded in full glamour.Sarah felt a wave of nerves as she entered, her long gown, a deep sapphire blue Eleanor had picked for her, sweeping elegantly behind her.She was under strict instructions to look, act, and behave like a Caldwell tonight.Eleanor had even insisted she wear a pair of delicate diamond earrings, as if adorning her would make her more worthy in the eyes of the crowd.From across the room, Sarah spotted Victoria mingling effortlessly, moving from one group to another, a glass of champagne poised in her slender hand.She laughed with ease, leaning in close as she whispered something to a man in a designer tux, casting a quick, deliberate glance at Sarah.Just as she’d done since Sarah arrived, Victoria was making sure everyone knew exactly who was in charge.Sarah took a deep breath, determined to remain
Last Updated : 2024-11-29The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 16
Over the following days, Sarah threw herself into her work, crafting her design with intense focus and determination.Meanwhile, Victoria’s subtle attacks continued, escalating from whispered rumors to small social incidents that embarrassed Sarah in front of the Caldwell’s high society friends.Victoria’s talent for manipulation was flawless, she’d mastered the art of orchestrating “accidents” that left Sarah looking clumsy or unrefined, never enough to draw serious attention but always enough to remind her of her place.At dinner one evening, Eleanor gave a small laugh at one of Victoria’s stories, something light and perfectly appropriate, about an embarrassing mishap at a past gala.But Sarah, sensing the undercurrent, recognized the details, a slight exaggeration of an awkward moment from one of her first social appearances.She forced a smile, even as she felt the sting of humiliation creep up her cheeks.To the family, Victoria was the perfect daughter, endlessly graceful and e
Last Updated : 2024-11-29
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The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 36
Sarah felt a rush of freedom as she walked away from the car and toward the entrance of the mall.Her heels clicked on the polished floor, each step punctuating the growing sense of independence in her chest.No one knew who she was here. No one was watching her every move.She moved quickly, blending into the crowd, her brown hair tucked under a simple cap to keep her more incognito.The usual anonymity of the city felt comforting for once. But her destination wasn’t a boutique or any of the department stores that lined the shopping district.No, she had something far more important to do today. And it was a risk, but it was a necessary one.Sarah had no intention of sticking around here for long.She was already formulating her escape route in her mind as she passed by the perfume counter, the bustling food court, and the high end shops.The idea was simple, slip out of sight, use a side exit, and hail a cab.The less attention, the better.She took a few turns around corners, casua
The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 35
Saturday dawned softly over the Blake estate, golden sunlight streaming through the floor to ceiling windows.Sarah stirred, her thoughts already spinning about the day ahead.Today wasn’t for leisurely shopping or exploring the city, it was for her.Her heart raced as she mentally rehearsed her plan.She had arranged to visit Margaret Windsor’s private studio, where her designs for Paris Fashion Week would finally come to life.The idea of seeing her sketches transformed into reality made her giddy, but the weight of secrecy loomed over her.The lie wasn’t ideal, but it was necessary. Alexander couldn’t know, not yet.As she dressed in casual but stylish attire, she practiced her story one last time.The key was keeping it simple and plausible.Sarah walked into the dining room, where Alexander was already seated, sipping coffee and scrolling through his tablet.He glanced up, his sharp blue eyes softening when he saw her.“Good morning,” he said, setting the tablet aside.“Morning,”
The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 34
That evening, Sarah sat in the spacious lounge of their estate, her sketchbook open on her lap.The pencil in her hand moved aimlessly, creating faint lines that didn’t form anything meaningful.Her mind was far from focused on design tonight.The guilt was beginning to creep in.She glanced over at Alexander, who was seated by the grand fireplace, a glass of whiskey in hand as he reviewed documents from his meeting.His sharp profile was illuminated by the flickering firelight, and he exuded an air of quiet authority.He deserves to know, Sarah thought.Her gaze shifted back to the sketchbook, where she had subconsciously begun to outline a design, a delicate mountain rose pendant with tiny, intricate petals. It was her signature, the hallmark of her secret identity.The Mountain Rose brand had been her escape, her sanctuary. It was the part of her that she’d built entirely on her own, without the influence of the Caldwells or the Blakes. But as the days passed, the secrecy weighed h
The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 33
The jewelry division was a stark contrast to the sleek, modern aesthetic of the rest of the Blake Group.The offices were filled with vibrant sketches, dazzling prototypes, and intricate displays of finished pieces.The air buzzed with creative energy, and Sarah immediately felt a spark of excitement.“Impressive, isn’t it?” Alexander said, watching her reaction.“It’s beautiful,” Sarah admitted, her eyes roaming over the displays.“Good. You’ll be spending more time here,” he said casually.She turned to him, surprised. “What do you mean?”“I mean, you’ll be helping me manage this division,” Alexander replied. “I trust your instincts.”Sarah stared at him, stunned. “You trust me? You barely know me.”“I know enough,” Alexander said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re my wife, and I’d rather rely on you than anyone else.”His words left her speechless.As they toured the department, Alexander explained his vision for elevating the jewelry division.Sarah listened intently,
The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 32
At breakfast, the dining room was unusually quiet.The morning light streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the elaborate spread prepared by the staff.Sarah sat across from Alexander, nervously fidgeting with her fork as the tension in the room became palpable.Alexander’s mother, Beatrice Blake, was seated at the head of the table, her sharp gaze flitting between her son and Sarah like a hawk circling its prey.She sipped her tea delicately, her composure as impeccable as ever, but the disdain in her posture was unmistakable.“Sarah,” Beatrice finally spoke, her tone clipped. “I trust you’ve had sufficient time to learn the responsibilities that come with being Alexander’s wife.”Sarah’s hand froze mid motion.She looked up, meeting Beatrice’s cool, assessing stare. “I’m doing my best,” she replied evenly, though her voice betrayed a hint of nervousness.Evelyn’s lips thinned. “Doing one’s best is admirable, of course. But this family requires excellence, not effo
The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 31
The estate was silent, save for the faint hum of the night wind brushing against the windows.Alexander made his way through the hall, his movements slower than usual.As he approached the master bedroom, he hesitated, his hand resting on the doorknob.Am I doing this for her... or for me?The thought froze him for a moment, but then he pushed the door open quietly.The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the room in a warm, golden light.Sarah was sprawled across the bed, her hair a dark halo against the white pillows.One hand clutched the edge of the blanket, and her face was turned slightly toward his side of the bed, as if she’d unconsciously sought his presence.Alexander wheeled closer, his movements careful to avoid waking her.She looked peaceful in sleep, the faintest curve of a smile on her lips.For a moment, he just watched her, his heart tightening in a way that was both foreign and achingly familiar.What is it about her?He had met countless women in his life, mo
The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 30
The muffled sound of Alexander’s deep voice echoed from the study down the hall.Though his words were indistinct, the tone was sharp, commanding, a man locked in battle with forces trying to strip him of his legacy.Sarah could picture him there, seated at the massive oak desk, surrounded by the trappings of power and wealth, fighting to reclaim the position that was rightfully his.The thought tightened her chest with guilt.How could she keep this secret when he was confiding in her, asking for her partnership, trusting her to stand by his side?She shook her head, pushing the guilt aside.This isn’t betrayal. It’s... self preservation.The room felt colder as Sarah closed her laptop, her hands trembling slightly as she tucked it away.She stood and moved to the window, pulling back the heavy drapes.The garden outside was a silvered patchwork under the moonlight, its elegance marred by a faint chill that matched her mood.Her reflection in the glass caught her attention.She looke
The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 29
Alexander leaned back in his chair, the tension in his shoulders visibly easing as Sarah sat beside him.His piercing gaze settled on the mound of files stacked on the desk.“Sarah,” he said, his voice steady but laced with fatigue, “I need your help.”Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “With what? Sorting papers? Organizing chaos?”He smirked at her attempt at humor. “Rummaging through chaos, actually. I need to figure out what’s salvageable in the jewelry department.”Her expression grew serious. “You trust me with that?”He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “You’ve got an eye for design, Sarah. I’ve seen the way you analyze things, meticulous, thoughtful. Besides, you’re my personal assistant now, aren’t you?”She rolled her eyes playfully but nodded. “All right, where do I start?”He gestured toward a smaller stack of files on the left. “Start there. Look for anything that mentions past collaborations or high value clients. I need to know who we can still rely on.”Sar
The Disabled CEO's Swapped Bride Chapter 28
The drive home was quieter than usual, the hum of the car a soothing backdrop to their conversation.Alexander gazed out of the window for a moment before speaking. “When I was sixteen, my grandfather passed away. He was the original founder of the Blake Group. His death hit my father hard, but it also left a gaping hole in the company’s leadership. My dad, Lawrence, stepped up, but he was more of an enforcer than a visionary. The board respected him, but they didn’t fear him.”Sarah listened intently, her usual playful demeanor replaced with genuine interest.“I was always close to my grandfather,” Alexander continued. “He taught me the ropes early on, how to negotiate, how to recognize talent, how to think ten steps ahead. When he died, I think a part of me felt responsible to carry on his legacy. So, I started working part time at the company during school breaks, absorbing everything I could.”“Were you the prodigy everyone claims you are?” Sarah teased gently.“Maybe,” he admitte
