LOGINShare
[Prologue]
Last Updated:
2025-01-15 15:33:00“Abort your pregnancy.”
The voice pierced straight to Victoria's heart. The unexpected yet clear words came from the woman in front of her, Chelsea Lancaster. With trembling hands, Victoria stared at the check lying on the table. The amount written on it was enough to change anyone's life. Enough to buy a mansion, a car, even temporary freedom. But it was not the freedom she wanted. Not the freedom she was looking for.
Seeing that the young woman in front of her seemed interested in the check she gave, Chelsea said again. “Take this check, and leave my son. Live well, away from our family. It's the only way out for you.” She folded her arms across her chest, her smile cold and haughty.
Victoria stared at the check with a turbulent heart. The hand that had been hesitating, now trembled more strongly. What was Chelsea thinking? Did this woman really believe she could just erase her from their lives? Not to mention her eyes that repeatedly looked at the check and the woman sitting in front of her.
“You really think I would do that?” Victoria tried to hold back her shaky voice. “Abort this innocent baby just because you don't want me to be a part of your family's life?”
Chelsea looked at her sharply, as if measuring every word that came out of Victoria's mouth. “I don't want to lower our family into the mud just because of a girl like you. You're not good enough for my son. And you're right, I don't want you in my family.” Chelsea grinned sarcastically. “You don't deserve to be part of the Lancaster family.”
Victoria clasped her hands on the table, trying to contain the anger that was about to explode. “I don't need your acceptance to love Damian. I don't need your money to keep this baby. I just need your trust and our love.”
“Trust?” Chelsea chuckled. "What do you know about trust, Miss? You're just a scholarship student. What family do you come from? Who will support you when my son leaves you? The Lancaster family will never accept you as a daughter-in-law."
“Don't speak as if you know everything about my life,” Victoria retorted in a firm voice. “Damian loves me with all his heart, Mrs. Chelsea. And we will raise this child together. What you are offering is not a solution but an embarrassment."
Chelsea looked at her with piercing eyes and then stared at the check still lying on the table. “Take that and stay away from my son.” She pointed with the tip of her chin. “Or your life will be ruined. I'll make sure everything you've built will come crashing down in an instant. So... don't miss the good opportunity that comes your way today.”
With a now steadier hand, Victoria lifted the check, tearing it in a swift motion. The sound of the tear seemed to open a new chapter in her life. “Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Chelsea. But I choose to keep this baby. I love Damian and we will get through everything together.”
Chelsea was silent for a moment, her eyes narrowed sharply, then laughed. The sound of her laughter was mocking and condescending. “All right. That's your choice. I just want you to know, you'll never know what I can do if you go against my will. I will make your life a nightmare.”
Victoria felt a cold wind blow as the words slipped from Chelsea's lips. However, her heart remained steadfast. “I'm ready to face whatever you do. I'm sure Damian will always be by my side.”
Chelsea stood up with a haughty gesture. “You think Damian will stay with you after all this? Just because you're carrying his child? I hope you're not too late to realize how naive you were.”
Victoria stared at her unflinchingly. “We'll see who's more naive in the end, Mrs. Chelsea.”
After those words, Chelsea turned and left the table with arrogant steps. Victoria sat back down, her eyes fixed on the torn check. Feelings of fear and anxiety tried to creep into her heart, but she brushed them aside. No matter what happened, she would not back down. She and Damian would raise this child together, no matter what they had to face.
However, the next day, Victoria's life changed in an instant. News of Damian's engagement to Jessica Vladimir, Victoria's college friend, appeared on almost every social media and newspaper. Damian, whom she had always loved, disappeared without a trace. There was no news, no explanation. Everything was gone.
On campus, her scholarship was revoked, her internship site issued her a letter of release, and even the house she lived in was seized by the bank.
What happened? Why did the world seem to collapse so quickly?
Victoria didn't know the exact answer. But one thing she was sure of: this wasn't the end. This was just the beginning.
Related chapters
The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [1]
Six years have passed, and Victoria Hayes' life has been filled with challenges she never expected. All the beautiful things that once infiltrated her heart were destroyed. Except for her body and the child in her womb. The only place to go back to is her family home, though... it's not easy to accept Victoria back.But Victoria didn't want to give up. She had to be strong. Her child needed her. No matter what happens, she will challenge the world. Even if not many are in her favor, she'll keep going. And close her heart to anyone who comes close, because the love she once had and gave, made her fall in a puddle of heartache so deep.Until now, Damian Lancaster has never appeared in her life. The image of a beautiful and haughty woman named Chelsea often comes to mind. As if confirming all her words in the past, if Victoria's life is really in trouble if she doesn't comply with all her requests.But ... how could a mother just abort the child she was carrying? Without mercy?“What am
Last Updated : 2025-01-15The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [2]
It was Victoria's only day off. She had deliberately requested a concurrent day off between her work at the clinic and the convenience store, so that she could be with her daughter all day at the hospital. After not seeing Abby for two days, Victoria was determined to make up for it by bringing her daughter's favorite chicken soup that she had prepared since morning.Victoria was busy stirring the pot in the kitchen when a familiar voice interrupted her at the door. “Looks like someone's having fun today,” Lucy Hayes, Victoria's sister, said sarcastically. Lucy stood in the doorway, playing with the ends of her wavy hair as she looked at Victoria with a mocking gaze. Visually, Lucy was beautiful, and it was often a point of comparison for their family.“I'm going to see Abby,” Victoria replied briefly, her focus back on the vegetables she was chopping.“Oh, so the poor sickly child is awake?” commented Lucy in a dismissive tone.Victoria's hands stopped for a moment. She took a deep b
Last Updated : 2025-01-15The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [3]
Victoria sat on the spacious terrace with a view of the garden that looked like a living painting. The delicate aroma of green tea mingled with the afternoon air. In front of her, Grace Ashford, an elegant woman with an unwaveringly confident demeanor, sipped tea from a porcelain cup with elegant movements.“How do you feel about living here, Victoria?” Grace started the conversation. Her eyes were sharp, like a hawk watching its prey.Victoria stared into her teacup, searching for the right words. “I'm... still a bit surprised,” she replied. It was the truth Victoria could tell. In just over a week, her life had changed. She used to sleep in a room that was so cramped that even just putting her clothes and bag on it was difficult to sleep freely. She was given a room that had been used as a warehouse. When Victoria protested that Abby was with her, her parents and sister scolded her. They said Victoria was an ignorant woman.Grace chuckled, but it sounded more like mockery. "Surprise
Last Updated : 2025-01-15The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [4]
That day, Victoria had prepared herself earlier than usual. Today was her schedule to visit Abigail in the hospital. Anna, her daughter's caregiver, had sent her a photo that morning. In the photo, Abigail looked cheerful with her nanny. Anna also shared the good news that Abigail's condition had stabilized over the past few days.A bright smile was etched on Victoria's face. She made Abigail's favorite food as a small token of attention for her daughter. Not only that, but without realizing it, she also made breakfast for Logan-perhaps in gratitude that he hadn't refused her therapy. Even though their marriage was just a formality, Victoria felt she still had to honor Logan as her husband.Victoria knocked gently on Logan's bedroom door. In her hand was a tray with a cup of hot coffee and toast. “Sir,” she called in a soft voice. “Are you awake?”From inside, Logan's voice rang out, stern as ever. “What's wrong?”The cold tone didn't surprise Victoria. She smiled a little, relieved t
Last Updated : 2025-01-15The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [5]
Victoria's conversation with Logan did not go well. The man, as expected, did not believe a word she said.“If you want more money than the compensation I've already given you, just tell me the truth, woman.” Logan gripped Victoria's face quite firmly, making it difficult for her to breathe. The man's blue eyes stared intently, full of anger and contempt. “Don't you dare talk nonsense like this!”After that, Logan pushed Victoria roughly. Although she didn't fall, her body staggered a few steps back.“You have to trust me, Mr. Logan. I wouldn't risk everything with a lie like this,” Victoria said in a pleading tone. She tried to control her breathing, holding back the tears that were about to fall.“Go away!” snapped Logan. “I don't want to hear your bullshit.”There was nothing else Victoria could do but accept reality. With heavy steps, she left the room that felt like a battlefield.Outside, Victoria bumped into Ben. The man's gaze was cold and judgmental, as if he believed Victori
Last Updated : 2025-01-21The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [6]
Grace looked at Victoria with a sharp look that made the atmosphere in the room feel heavier than ever. “You didn't forget your duty, did you?” she asked.Victoria tried to keep a calm expression as she stabbed at a piece of fruit on her plate. She couldn't afford to look nervous or suspicious, especially since she had secretly begun to investigate the effects of the medicine given to Logan.“No, Auntie. I make sure Mr. Logan takes it regularly,” she replied in a flat tone.Grace smiled slightly. “Good.” She leaned back, a little more relaxed than before. Those piercing eyes softened, but Victoria knew full well this woman never really let her guard down.The conversation that followed was mostly about cooperative projects with the Dallas Corp-things that were too complicated and unfamiliar for Victoria. She felt she shouldn't be here, but Logan's cold, piercing blue gaze kept her from leaving the room.“Th
Last Updated : 2025-01-22The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [7]
Logan gave Victoria a sharp look. His eyes had not moved from her since the conversation began. “Why do you need my activity schedule?” he asked coldly as soon as breakfast was over.Victoria refrained from directly replying in an irritated tone. “I need to synchronize the therapy schedule with your activities, Mr. Logan,” she replied calmly. She glanced at the servants who were busy clearing plates and glasses from the dining table. Living in this house made Victoria feel like she was losing control of her life. Everything was too regimented and she wasn't used to that.Logan leaned back in the wheelchair, seemingly unconcerned. "As a therapist, you should just come in, do your job, and leave. That's all.”Victoria tried to remain calm even though Logan's attitude was really testing her patience. “Do you mind if I know?” she asked cautiously.Logan just took a sip of his black coffee without answering. The silence irritated Victoria even more, but she knew there was no point in showin
Last Updated : 2025-01-23The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO [8]
Victoria looked at the schedule Logan had given her. To be honest, she was surprised by how busy he was. Although Logan was almost always in his office, his to-do list made it seem as if he controlled the entire world from his wheelchair.Ben, Logan's assistant, was often the guard who made sure no one came near his employer's work room. In fact, the rumor in the house was that anyone who dared to disturb Logan could expect to have things knocked out of his hands.“Have a seat, miss,” Ben said as he pulled out a chair for Victoria.“Thank you, Ben,” she replied softly. She shifted in her chair and looked at Logan's desk, which was cluttered with files.This room was located in the left wing, quite far from the main building. To get here, Victoria had to pass through a beautiful, well-maintained garden. However, the beauty could not diminish the tension that enveloped her every step towards Logan Ashford's office-a room that was forbidden to approach while its owner was inside.Logan sa
Last Updated : 2025-01-23
Latest chapter
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
