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2025-01-25 10:00:29It took thirty minutes by subway to reach the library downtown. It was conveniently located not far from the hospital where Abigail was being treated, which could be reached by bus. Victoria deliberately arrived early, ensuring she had enough time to find the references she needed.
The library building stands majestically, predominantly white with five floors rising up. Although Victoria had been back in the city for five years, this was the first time she had set foot in the place. Back in the day, when she was still pursuing her doctor's degree, the library was a familiar place for her-an escape as well as a space to realize her dreams.
He stepped in with light steps, greeting the librarian for information. "The shelf alley you're looking for is on the third floor," the clerk explained kindly. Victoria nodded politely, then immediately headed to the floor in question.
Her fingers trailed down the rows of books, reading one by one the titles on their backs. The
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The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [12]
Victoria stood frozen in the doorway of Abigail's hospital room. The sight in front of her made her pause. Logan Ashford, a man who had always been known to be cold and rigid, sat on the edge of Abigail's bed. His face was serious, but there was a sincerity that Victoria strangely never expected. He listened to Abigail's every word without any sign of distraction, even though the child continued to talk nonstop.Abigail's eyes lit up as she showed her the pictures in her new book. Wait, since when did Abigail have a picture book and crayons? Victoria realized there was more than just the usual attention here. On the bedside table, there are fruit parcels, snack bags, milk, and a piece of sweet cake-all little things that Victoria knows will make Abigail happy.Most noticeable, however, is the way Logan stares at each picture with a thoughtful expression. As if he was really trying to understand the story behind the child's scribbles.“Can you tell me about
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [13]
The hospital room was cold, colder than usual. Dazzling white lights glowed on the pale gray walls, creating a silent and depressing atmosphere. The machines in the corner of the room hummed with a monotonous rhythm, reminding us how fragile life is.Victoria stood at Abigail's bedside, clasping her daughter's small, pale fingers. Abigail lay with an IV attached to her arm. Today was an important day, a blood transfusion that would determine her health condition. Victoria promised to be by her side from the beginning.“Mom... it hurts,” Abigail whispered in a weak voice. Her big eyes were glazed over, trying to look strong even though her little body convulsed for a moment as the needle began to work. Victoria couldn't bear to see the pain on her daughter's face, but she had to be strong.Victoria gently stroked Abigail's hair, trying to hold back the tears that were welling up. “Mommy's here, sweetie. It's okay. You're doing great. Abby's a brave girl.”Abigail gave a small nod, thou
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-26The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [14]
“Damn, your sibling is really ruining my mood,” Grace complained irritably. She looked at Victoria who was standing awkwardly nearby, among the boutique's racks full of fancy clothes. “I got a migraine from that conversation.”“I'm sorry,” Victoria said with a bow. She also didn't expect to meet Lucy and have her sister say some offensive things. After Lucy's leaving, it was quiet in the boutique again. Victoria remained there, even though her heart wanted to leave immediately. There was no way she was leaving Grace behind, especially after everything she had done today.“Is there anything else you want?” asked Grace, giving Victoria a quick glance.Victoria shook her head quickly. “What you've chosen is too much, Aunt Grace. In fact, I don't think I deserve any of this.”Grace looked at Victoria with a look that was difficult to translate. There was a mixture of sincerity and something else-some
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-27The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [15]
That morning, Victoria stood in the kitchen, making breakfast for Logan with the head chef. The kitchen was bustling with activity, but Victoria still felt like she was being watched. The feeling didn't completely go away even though Ben had made sure everything was safe.The head chef presented a plate of vegetable omelette with grilled salmon, accompanied by whole wheat bread and fresh orange juice. “This should be healthy enough for Mr. Logan,” he said with a friendly smile.Victoria nodded, took the tray and led it to the dining room. There, Logan was already sitting in his chair, his face as cold as ever. Next to him, Ben stood relaxed, as if always ready to take orders.“Good morning, Mr. Logan,” she greeted softly as she placed the breakfast in front of him. Although there was concern that Logan would refuse, Victoria was determined to make sure Logan's intake supported his recovery.Logan gave his food a quick glance, then
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-28The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [16]
“Mrs. Victoria.”The voice made Victoria turn her head. Ben stood in the distance, far enough away not to arouse suspicion. Just as Victoria was about to get ready for Logan's therapy session, the call stopped her in her tracks.“I have something to talk to you about,” Ben said.Victoria's brow furrowed. “What do you want to talk about?”Ben didn't answer right away. He simply gestured with his head toward a quieter corner. Victoria followed him, although questioningly. Once they were seated, Ben kept his distance, his demeanor cautious, as if he wanted to make sure this conversation didn't last long.“I'm sorry if I interrupted your preparations,” Ben said, his tone low.Victoria just gave a faint smile.“You don't have to worry about doing anything in this house anymore,” Ben continued, this time in a confident tone. “I know you always behave yourself, especially when
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-28The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [17]
Victoria strode into the kitchen with a confident stride, even though her heart was still in Logan's angry outburst in the room this afternoon. She had promised to pay attention to the man's food since therapy began. So tonight, she decided to cook for herself.“What's for dinner tonight, Head Chef?” she asked as she tightened her apron.The Head Chef, a middle-aged man with a friendly face, nodded respectfully before replying, “We have a supply of steak, fresh vegetables, and tuna fillets. You want to use any ingredients, I'll prepare them right away.”Victoria smiled slightly. “Thank you, Head Chef.”“I can't really let you cook, but I'm glad Mr. Logan finished his breakfast and lunch today. I'll help you cook whatever you want, Mrs. Victoria.”“You're overreacting,” Victoria replied as she began selecting ingredients. She chose a quality beef steak, potatoes, fresh mushrooms, and salad
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-29The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [18]
“We're here, Mrs. Victoria,” Hendy said as the car pulled up to the lobby of a café filled with bright pastels. Along the way, Victoria tried to compose herself while answering Abigail's questions about the place they were going.“Thank you,” Victoria replied, preparing to open the door. But Hendy quickly held her back.“Just let me, ma'am,” he said as he got out of the driver's seat and opened the door for her.Victoria was a little taken aback, feeling awkward by such polite treatment. “You needn't bother, Mr. Hendy.”"No bother at all, Mrs. Victoria. And please, just call me Hendy.” He bowed politely, then made sure Abigail got out of the car safely. “Enjoy your time. I'll be back to pick you up once your business is done.”Victoria could only nod, thanking him once more. Hendy drove off, leaving them in front of a lively-looking cafe with alluring decorations. Abigail look
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-30The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [19]
“Good night, darling,” Victoria whispered softly as she kissed Abigail's forehead. The little girl was already asleep, her breathing was regular, and her face looked smiling even in sleep.Abigail's peaceful face warmed Victoria's heart. It was as if all the fatigue and pain of her life disappeared just by seeing her daughter sleeping like this. When was the last time she felt this happy? Victoria never imagined something like this would happen to her poor life. She thought it wouldn't be easy to get out of that house because the only place I could go home to, was that house.But the reality she was living in now, was completely unexpected.“Never mind, why should I remember the past,” Victoria muttered, shaking her head lightly. She stroked Abigail's hair lovingly before closing the bedroom door slowly, making sure no noise would disturb her daughter's sleep.As she stepped onto the stairs, Victoria's intention was simple: to enjoy a warm cup of tea in the evening air. But her steps
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-01
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The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [Ending]
The slowly improving relationship between Victoria, Lucy, and her mother brings a new atmosphere to their lives. Although Victoria remains vigilant, she cannot ignore their efforts to repair the relationship. Abigail seems happy, and that is her top priority.Logan, as always, is her loyal supporter. He understands how difficult it is for Victoria to accept them back, but he also understands that giving them a chance is a necessary step.“What do you think, Victoria?” Logan asked one evening as they enjoyed tea in the garden. ‘Do you feel they have really changed?”Victoria stared at the star-studded night sky, pondering her answer. ’I want to believe it, Logan. They seem sincere. But old wounds don't just heal.”Logan held her hand, providing a calming warmth. “Let's just take it slow. I know you're doing this for Abigail's sake, and I'm proud of you.”A few weeks after their first visit, Lucy and he
The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [67]
It was a sunny day with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of flowers from the back garden. In the living room, Victoria was sitting with Logan, discussing their weekend plans, when the sound of the doorbell suddenly broke the silence.“Who is it so early in the morning?“ muttered Victoria, getting up from the sofa and walking towards the door.When the door opened, a look of surprise immediately appeared on her face. Lucy and her mother, Abigail, were standing there. Their faces looked a little tense, although they tried to look calm.“Victoria,” Lucy said in a low voice. “May we come in?”Victoria was silent. Old memories flowed back into her mind—the wounds they had left on her and Chelsea were still clear. However, before she could answer, Logan was already standing behind her.“Please come in,“ he said firmly, his tone neutral.The atmosphere in the living room was filled with tensio
The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [66]
After a very pleasant honeymoon trip, Victoria and Logan finally returned home. As soon as they entered the living room, Abigail's cheerful voice immediately greeted them.“Mom! Papa Logan!” she exclaimed, running energetically.Victoria immediately stretched out her arms, welcoming her daughter in a tight hug. ”Mom, I miss you so much, sweetheart. How are you?”Abigail smiled broadly. “I'm fine, Mom! Aunt Jesslyn and Uncle Frans are very kind. We baked a lot of cakes!”Logan, who was standing next to her, leaned over and kissed Abigail's forehead lovingly. ”Dad misses you too. You're getting smarter, aren't you?”On the sofa, Jesslyn sat down with a warm smile. Victoria approached her, still holding Abigail's hand.“Jesslyn, thank you for taking care of Abigail while we were away,“ she said sincerely.“No need to thank me, Victoria,” Jesslyn replied gently. &ldqu
The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [65]
The days passed happily. Logan, who had to rely on a cane to walk, was finally able to move normally again. The long recovery paid off, restoring the confident smile that had disappeared from his face.Abigail also showed tremendous progress. Her health was increasingly stable, even good enough to take exams to enter a normal school. This was a big moment for her family, especially for Victoria. She knew how important education was for Abigail's future, and she wanted to make sure her daughter got the best.In the midst of all the busyness, one night, Logan approached Victoria with a confident look on his face. They sat in the living room after Abigail went to sleep, enjoying the warm tea Victoria had just made.“I have a plan,” Logan said suddenly.Victoria looked at him curiously. “What are your plans?”Logan smiled, his eyes shining like a child holding a big surprise. ‘Vacation. Just the two of us.”Victoria was silent for a moment. ’Vac
The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [64]
That morning, Victoria felt a little nervous. Frans had informed her that Jesslyn, his wife, would be visiting. Although she had agreed to accept this situation for Abigail's sake, there was anxiety that she found difficult to dismiss. What if Jesslyn objected? What if this meeting complicated matters?The front door of the house opened as the servant opened it. Frans entered first, followed by an elegant-looking woman. Jesslyn's smile was friendly, but Victoria could sense the tension hidden behind that expression.“Hello, Victoria,” Jesslyn said as she extended her hand.Victoria shook her hand gently. ”Hello, Jesslyn. Thank you for taking the time to come.”Jesslyn sat in the living room, her eyes occasionally glancing around the house. “What a beautiful house,” she commented briefly.“Thank you,” Victoria replied in a neutral tone. She offered tea and cake in an attempt to break the ice.For a moment, there was only silence between them
The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [63]
Victoria sat in the living room with Logan. The cup of tea in her hand had long since cooled, while her thoughts were constantly haunted by the terrible events of some time ago. The smell of smoke and the sound of cracking wood on fire still felt so real every time she closed her eyes.“Grace won't be getting out of prison anytime soon,“ Logan finally spoke up, breaking the silence between them.Victoria looked up, staring at the man in front of her with a questioning expression.“How can you be so sure?” she asked, her voice slightly trembling.Logan sighed before answering, “There is a lot of corroborating evidence. The police have found records of her illegal transactions, evidence that she hired someone to burn down our house, as well as documents showing her motive for destroying Dallas Corp. Believe me, Victoria, Grace won't be free for a long time.”Victoria bit her lip, trying to digest Logan's words. How
The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [62]
Victoria's life is slowly returning to calm, something she hasn't felt in a long time. What previously only felt like a dream is now a reality. Every morning she wakes up grateful that Abigail is getting healthier, and Logan, who is slowly recovering from his leg injury, now hardly needs a cane to walk.The kitchen is now Victoria's favorite place. The smell of cooking fills every corner of the house, bringing a warmer atmosphere. Logan and Abigail often join in, helping or just chatting while waiting for the food to be ready.“Morning, Mom!” Abigail's cheerful voice breaks the morning silence.Victoria turns and sees her daughter running towards her. The little girl's smile is always an encouragement to her.“Morning, sweetheart,“ she replied, brushing Abigail's still slightly tangled hair.Soon, Logan emerged from his small study. He looked fresh in his casual shirt that hung loosely on his frame.“What is tha
The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [61]
After weeks of hospitalization, Abigail was finally allowed to go home. The news felt like a miracle to Victoria. Their journey had not been easy, and she never expected this day to come so soon.“Are we going home, Mama?” Abigail looked at her with sparkling eyes, her fingers tightly gripping her beloved rabbit doll, which was starting to get shabby.Victoria nodded, smiling warmly. “Yes, dear. We're going home. But remember, you have to follow Doctor Chris' advice, okay. Don't get too tired.”Abigail nodded excitedly. ”I promise, Mom!”While Victoria took care of the administrative documents, Logan went home first to make sure the house was ready to welcome Abigail. He was always like that—taking on a role without saying much.When Victoria received a call from Logan, she just found out that the man had prepared a little surprise.“Abigail should feel really welcome at home,” Logan said
The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [60]
That night, the hospital was quiet. Victoria sat on a small sofa in the corner of Abigail's treatment room. The little girl was fast asleep after a light conversation with her mother a few hours earlier. Logan stood by the window, staring blankly out. Occasionally he would shift his gaze to Victoria, then fall silent again.Victoria sighed softly. She could feel the anxiety hanging in the room. Logan rarely looked like this—so deep in thought. It made her feel guilty. The decision to involve Frans in Abigail's rescue was made in a panic, without having time to discuss it with Logan.“Logan,” Victoria finally called out, breaking the silence.The man turned slowly, his expression still flat. “Yes?”Victoria got up from where she was sitting and walked over to him. ‘I know something is bothering you. I can feel it.”Logan shook his head slowly. ’I'm just tired, Victoria. Too much has happened in the las
