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A grumpy husband
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2024-10-29 19:42:56“Gloria will show you to your room. I have to work. See you in the evening.” Sebastian said, and walked away to another part of the house, leaving her standing alone like a lost sheep. Carol sank into one of the comfortable armchairs in the large living room, feeling sorry for herself. It was clear that Sebastian did not want her here. The television in the room was off, and since she did not have anything to do, Carol was about to stand up to pick up the remote from the table and turn it on when a maid, from the looks of her, walked into the room.
“Welcome, mistress.” The woman said, curtseying. “I’ll take you to your room so that you can rest, have a bath, and have a change of clothes.”“That would be nice, thank you. I’m tired and really need to get out of these clothes. By the way, it’s Carol and not Mistress.”Gloria, who looked to be about fifteen years older than Carol looked at her as though she was crazy and led the way up a grand staircase to a big and airy bedroo
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The Substitute Bride Saga The apology
He took one look at her puffy eyes and an expression that she had never thought that she would see on his face crossed it. He looked guilty.“Hey, look. I’m sorry I said all that. I know this is difficult for you, but it is for me as well. I’ll try to keep out of your way and I suggest that you do the same with me so that we do not keep getting on each other’s nerves.”Carol nodded slowly in surprise thinking to herself that wonders shall never cease. She had not known that he was capable of offering an apology, but it was a good thing.“Alright. Later. I’m off to work.”“Okay. See you later. What sort of work do you do anyway?” She asked, knowing that he would not answer, and was not surprised when he walked away as though he did not hear her question. Carol sighed softly. She just hoped that he was not into the same line of business that his uncle was formerly into. The last thing she needed was for someone to come and threaten her or her family because of something he
The Substitute Bride Saga The captive
Jessica Matthews whimpered softly where she was tied like a dangerous wild animal in a cage that could barely contain her. Her joints were stiff and her bones ached from where she had been folded into an impossible position so that she could fit into the cage. Looking at her, one would never believe that she had once been one of the most beautiful women in America. Now, she was all skeleton and bones and her dirty hair hung limply from her skull of a head.“Are you hungry yet?” The man guiding her asked, baring his brown and disgusting teeth at her in a sickening smile.“Yes, please,” Jessica replied humbly and feebly. She could feel the hunger pangs gnawing at her stomach as it had been doing ever since she got here. They had never given her enough food to satisfy her. Instead, they gave her just enough to make her live and suffer. She would have gladly killed herself a long time ago if she could, but she was watched and guided like a hawk and there was hardly a single
The Substitute Bride Saga Carol's escapade
Carol sat on a park bench that was placed under a tree, totally famished and feeling incredibly stupid. After she left the house, she had flagged down the first taxi that she saw and asked the driver to take her to the bank so she could withdraw some money. Once she had done that, she had proceeded to stroll around town leisurely, just getting a feel of the place. From what she had seen so far, it was a nice place, and she would not mind living here one bit. She located a store where she got some clothes for herself at an affordable amount and armed with her purchases, she hailed a taxi, only for her to stare dumbly at the man when he asked her where she was headed.“Huh?” She asked, trying to buy time so that she would not look stupid in front of the man and wracking her brain desperately to see if she knew anything about where the house was. No, she did not know where it was, neither had she had the sense to ask Sebastian or even the gateman this morning about the address of th
The Substitute Bride Saga The argument
“Now, let me make one thing very clear to you. You are now my wife, in as much as you and I resent that fact. Do you know what it means to be a billionaire’s wife? I…”“I can’t say that I do, but from the little I’ve seen, apparently it means having to act like a puppet and do everything you’re told without being allowed to have a mind of your own.” Carol cut in angrily. Who did he think he was to talk to her like that?“Well, if you want to put it that way, I can’t say that I’d stop you. However, the fact remains that were in very dangerous times, and you wandering off on your own just because you feel like it is not in any way a wise move at all.”“Meaning what exactly?”“Meaning that you could easily get kidnapped or something equally bad just because you’ve chosen to be pigheaded and then someone else will have to bear the cost of your stubbornness. Now, don’t go thinking that I’d be willing to fork out a shit ton of money if out of stupidity and a desire to show tha
The Substitute Bride Saga The bargain
Jessica stared at the woman unsurely, but nodded politely, wondering if the name was supposed to mean anything to her. The name did not ring a bell, so she had no idea who the woman was, but she was not about to say that.“Do you know who I am?” The woman, Charlotte as she called herself, asked.“No. No, I don’t ma’am.”“That’s okay. Now, I want you to know that I’ve decided that you’re leaving this place very soon. How do you feel about that?”“I’m very grateful to you, ma’am.”“You’re happy to leave then?” Charlotte asked, causing Jessica to pause. What sort of question was this? Was it a trick question? Since she did not know how to answer, she decided to go with the truth.“Yes, I am, ma’am.” Jessica’s heart was beating a mile a minute, but she hoped that this woman was really telling the truth. She would do literally anything, whatever it took to get out of here and see her dear Sebastian one more time. It was the thought of him that had kept her going all the
The Substitute Bride Saga The revelation
“No, ma’am. I can’t say that I do.” Jessica said, lifting her chin in defiance, but she was unable to control the small tremor that shook her bony frame. How on earth did this woman know about it?“It wouldn’t have to do with the fact that you were shagging a man who was old enough to be your father while dating Sebastian all because you wanted quick cash and the man promised you heaven and earth until James got wind of what you were doing?”At this, Jessica’s eyes filled with tears and she averted her gaze from that of Charlotte.“Are you going to tell him then? Is that how you plan to hurt him?”“No, of course not. I am no tattletale. Sebastian has done no wrong to me so I have no wish to hurt him at all. It is the uncle I’m after. Besides, who am I to judge you? We’ve all done things we’re not proud of at one time or the other. In your case, I know you needed the man to break you into the modeling world and that was why you did what you did. That’s a noble reason if y
The Substitute Bride Saga Victoria's 'reappearance'
The weeks passed in pretty much the same fashion, with Carol’s daily routine being sleeping and eating. However, this time around, Carol saw even less of her supposed husband than she had seen before. Sebastian went out before she woke up and most of the time, came back after she had gone to bed. Even on days when he came back before she went to bed, he greeted her as though they were strangers before disappearing into his study, not to be seen again till the next time she happened to come across him.As for Carol, she spent her days sitting in her room and painting. Painting was one of her greatest passions and now that she had more than enough time on her hands to spare, she sought out a shop where art materials were sold and bought numerous art supplies from the money Sebastian had given her. She still hadn’t bothered herself to read the contract or find out what it was about, as she did not care the least about it. After all, her so-called husband did his best to avoid her in
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The Substitute Bride Saga Happily ever after
The sun was shining brightly this morning, and Carol was in lively spirits. It was her vow renewal day. She and Sebastian had opted to just renew their vows, and this time, make them with more meaning. Her joy knew no bounds, and her face radiated with it, as Mrs. James noted with pleasure. “You look very happy, my dear.” Mrs. James stated, cradling a three-month-old baby James in her arms, her face taking on the radiant look that many-a-grandmother had when they had the pleasure of holding their grandkids. “I can say the same about you, aunty. You’re really glowing.” Carol complimented in turn, taking care not to ruin the work of the lady who was doing her makeup. “I know, right? Baby James here has brought such sparkle into our lives. I’m more than thankful that I live close to you guys. I will be able to see as much of this handsome little face as I want.” Mrs. James said, looking down at the baby she carried in her arms. He stared back at her and babbled some meaningless baby wo
The Substitute Bride Saga Booting out the enemy
The weeks after Sebastian came to plead with Carol to come back into his life were the sweetest ones of Carol’s life. She had thought that Sebastian was attentive and sweet to her before, but now, she knew that that was an understatement. He treated her like a fragile egg that could break at any time, and Carol was happily soaking up all the attention and affection. She still hadn’t gotten used to the way he just seemed to throw money around, but was more than grateful and touched, when he bought two flashy cars and a huge mansion not too far from them for her father, whom she could tell was very lonely.“I know that you’ll love to be close to your grandchild once he’s born." Sebastian had said as though it was nothing, waving away Donald’s thanks when the latter had broken down in tears, telling him that he did not deserve it. Now, Carol could easily hang out with her father anytime she wanted, and she was so happy about it.Sebastian didn’t work as hard as he did before any longer,
The Substitute Bride Saga A happy ending
“Carol.” It was just one word, but that one word was enough to break the stupor she had been in as soon as she saw him.“Sebastian.” She said in turn, standing up to go bring another chair for him to sit down, but in essence, she was trying to buy herself some time to get her breathing under control. He looked so good and smelled so nice that it was all she could do not to throw herself straight into his arms and breathe in his essence as though her very life depended on it. She saw Sebastian’s eyes widen at the small bump under her loose gown, and her hand went to hold it selfconsciously.“It’s growing.” She told him needlessly and then slammed her mouth shut. She sort of felt nervous being in Sebastian’s presence and wished that she had worn a more flattering dress than the one that she had on now, but there was nothing she could do about it now. Sebastian collected the chair from her and brought it over to place it i
The Substitute Bride Saga Meeting at last
It was a warm, sunny, and bright day, but it was also a slow one. Carol sat in the tiny bookshop in which she had gotten a job the very day she got here, waiting for customers to come in and fighting sleep. She was the only one in the shop, as the owner had dashed off to prepare for her birthday party, leaving Carol all alone in the shop.“Don’t worry. You’ll be able to handle it. Price tags are on every book, so you don’t need to worry about not knowing the prices. If you need anything, my number is pasted on the wall over there, so you can call me. Bye now.” The middle-aged woman had said, sailing out the door before Carol could even say anything else, so here she was, bored beyond measure and counting the seconds as the time ticked slowly by. She had managed to sell two books, but it seemed that the shop did not get any customers, because, for the remainder of the time, she just sat there alone, staring into space … and missing Sebastian,
The Substitute Bride Saga The search
Sebastian fought the urge to retch as he observed his surroundings and the woman in front of him. If this was where Carol was staying, then he would drag her home with him today, even if he had to drag her kicking and screaming. He would not have her stay with this woman who did not like her and was clearly very irresponsible.“Hello, Belinda. Sorry to disturb you, but we’re looking for Carol. Is she here?” Mrs. James asked.“How the fuck am I supposed to know where she is, huh? Anyway, what is it to you? Is the contract not supposed to be over? Why are you still looking for her?” Belinda asked suspiciously, and he could see that she was also high on drugs.“Well, um, we had a little altercation, and I haven’t seen her since then, so I was wondering if she was here. Do you perchance, have her number? Her dad is also not answering his calls.”“Look, I don’t have any business
The Substitute Bride Saga Finding Carol
It was raining cats and dogs once again, exactly as it had been raining on that fateful day when Carol had left him till now. Sebastian was sitting in his aunt’s house, sipping a mug of hot coffee and ignoring everything that she was currently saying. He looked like a shadow of himself, which was not a surprise, considering the fact that most times, all he did was drink and have to deal with a nagging Jessica, who was still in his house, even though he had taken her name off the deed to the house. Because of her, he was hardly ever in his house again, but preferred to stay here at his aunt’s for a better part of the time he was not working himself to death … literally. “Are you even listening to anything I’m saying, Sebastian?” Mrs. James asked, shaking him a little to get his attention.“No, aunt. I can’t say that I am. I’m sorry, but I think I zoned out a little there. What were you saying?” He asked finally. Mrs. James shook her head, reminding him of when he was still a recalcitra
The Substitute Bride Saga The threat
“Wh…what does he mean by this?” Donald asked at last, after scanning the text message. “Your guess is as good as mine,” Carol replied, rubbing at her face, hardly able to believe the level to which Sebastian was willing to stoop to be cruel to her. If he thought that she was going to just lay low, act like a sheep and allow him to ride all over her, then he had another thing coming. She just couldn’t get the image of that text out of her head. Good morning, Donald. How are you doing? So, have you heard from your daughter yet? I just wanted to let you know that she’s with something of mine. Something invaluable. I don’t know if she told you about it or not, but she’s pregnant with my child and according to the contract that she signed, if such a thing were to happen, then I’ll have full custody of the child. Tell her to come out of wherever
The Substitute Bride Saga Crippling loneliness
“I don’t think that what you are doing makes any sense at all, Carol,” Donald said worriedly, looking at his daughter, who averted her gaze and tried in vain to stop the tears welling up in her expressive blue eyes.“Why do you say that, dad?” Carol asked him, wiping away her tears.“Well, maybe because you’re pregnant and you choose to slave away at doing a regular job instead of taking proper care of yourself.”“A lot of pregnant women work at regular jobs, dad.”“I know that, but not a lot of them have huge lumps of money lying in their bank accounts untouched while they look malnourished. Why are you punishing yourself this way, my dear? I mean, it’s only been one month since you left Sebastian. In that one month, you’ve become almost as thin as that girl Jessica., whom we do not like at all.”At this, Carol burst out laughing despite herself. Her father was acting like a
The Substitute Bride Saga Nowhere to be found
It was with a growing sense of urgency that Sebastian drove away from the hospital, Jessica's insults and curses trailing after him until he could no longer hear them. It was a sad thing indeed that she was now the way she was, but there was nothing that he could do about it. He had offered to help her, but she kept turning down his help at every turn, so there was nothing he could do for her anymore. He could not do the very thing that she wanted, which was to be with her, as he did not love her anymore. He stopped by a flower shop on his way back to the house to get some flowers for Carol, knowing that women loved things like that. Hopefully, she would forgive him, and even if she did not, he would keep trying until she did. He still did not know how she managed to wind up pregnant, if she was taking her pills like she had claimed, but he knew that sometimes, those things were not foolproof, especially if the lady who was taking them fell sick during the period. He remembered that C
