The Billionaire’s Substitute Wife

Chapter3

"I... I really did it," Jenny thought, covering her mouth as she woke up beside William, who was softly snoring.

She sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest, and her gaze landed on the crumpled wedding dress on the floor. Suddenly, memories of the previous night flooded back. "Last night... it was so painful, but..."

Jenny’s cheeks turned as red as a ripe tomato. She quickly covered her face, then attempted to get out of bed, only to collapse as her legs buckled beneath her.

"Ugh, what's wrong with my legs?" she muttered, grabbing onto the edge of the bed for support. When her eyes shifted back to William, a sharp jolt of shock coursed through her.

"Aa—hmp!" Jenny slapped her hand over her mouth, stifling the scream that nearly escaped and risked waking the infamous tyrant beside her. Her wide eyes took in William's completely bare figure, the blanket that should’ve covered him now wrapped around her instead.

Her cheeks flushed again. "Wh–why is that... standing up?" she stammered internally, her gaze darting away from his prominent manhood. Carefully, she stepped closer, her hands trembling as she draped the blanket back over William to cover him.

"Great, now I’m the one who's naked," she groaned, scanning the room for something—anything—decent to wear. Her wedding dress was beyond salvaging, shredded and useless, and her suitcase was nowhere in sight.

"Ugh, what am I supposed to wear now?"

As her eyes swept the room again, she spotted a pale blue dress shirt hanging over the back of a chair. William’s shirt. With little choice, she grabbed it and slipped it on. It was far too big, the hem nearly brushing her knees, but it would have to do.

"I need to find my clothes," she muttered, padding cautiously toward the door.

Once she stepped out, the silence of the grand house enveloped her. It was such a stark contrast to the Johnson household, where the mornings were always chaotic with people bustling about their chores.

"He said there are servants here, didn’t he? Where can I find one?" she wondered, glancing around the vast hallways as she passed large, imposing doors. She descended the grand staircase, the faint sizzle of frying oil catching her attention. Following the sound, she arrived at the kitchen.

"Um, excuse me," Jenny said, poking her head through the doorway.

"Oh my! You startled me!" said an elderly woman who turned to face her. Maria’s eyes fell on Jenny’s disheveled hair and the oversized shirt she wore. Her lips twitched, though she held back a knowing smile. "Heh, I suspected something might have happened," she thought. Bowing politely, she said, "I’m Maria, one of the maids here. How may I assist you, Madam?"

"Oh, Maria. I’m Jenny. Do you know where my suitcase is? It wasn’t in my room," Jenny asked, her tone soft yet urgent.

"Ah, yes. The driver entrusted it to me last night," Maria replied as she drained an oil-slicked fish and turned off the stove. "Please, follow me, Madam."

Jenny trailed behind Maria through another door at the far end of the kitchen. They arrived at a modestly furnished room. Maria opened the door and gestured inside.

"Here it is, Madam. Please, take your time," Maria said with a warm smile.

“Is this your room?” Jenny asked.

“Yes, Madam. Please, feel free to sit wherever you like,” Maria replied, retrieving Jenny’s suitcase. “Here’s your suitcase. I’ll leave you to get dressed comfortably.”

Maria closed the door behind her, and Jenny wasted no time opening her suitcase. She pulled out an outfit that seemed appropriate and changed quickly.

“Come to think of it, Maria’s room is bigger than the head maid’s room at the Johnsons’. William must really be wealthy,” Jenny thought, glancing around the spacious room. She let out a sigh. “I know this isn’t right, but I can’t go back to that house. Sofia said I’d die if I returned there. But after thinking it over, being the mistress of this house is out of the question. Still, if I can work here as a servant, maybe I can stay.”

She clenched her fists, determination filling her chest. “Alright, let’s survive! I can’t afford to die!”

***

“Hmm... Ugh.” William groaned, shielding his eyes from the harsh morning sunlight that pierced through the room. Squinting, he hissed, “Damn it. Who dared to open the curtains?”

He sat up, rubbing his throbbing temples. Suddenly, his eyes widened. “Opened the curtains? What?!”

William’s gaze darted around the room. Everything was neatly arranged—his suit, shirt, socks, shoes, and even his pistol were placed meticulously on the table. His jaw tightened in disbelief and fury. Someone had violated his private space, and he was certain it wasn’t any of the timid staff who remained in his mansion.

“Who had the audacity to enter my room?!” he bellowed, his expression hardening.

Storming into the bathroom, his anger boiled over as he prepared for the day. He vowed to punish whoever had trespassed.

After a quick shower and dressing at lightning speed, William slammed his bedroom door open, grumbling under his breath. “Who was it?” His voice was sharp with rage and irritation.

He knew for certain only three staff members resided in the mansion—a driver, a housekeeper, and a gardener. He wasn’t incapable of hiring more help, but he preferred the quiet.

“Have those cowards grown bold enough to enter my room?”

As he descended the stairs, his eyes caught something unusual near the trash bin—a ribbon. Bending down, he picked it up, his memory flashing to something vividly intimate.

“Jenny?” he murmured. His pulse quickened as realization dawned on him. Covering his face with his hands, he groaned. “Damn it. Where is that woman?”

Panic seeped into his movements as he searched for her. His heart pounded. “I can’t believe that was her first time. I feel guilty now. I thought she was lying, but she wasn’t. I treated her too harshly last night.” His chest tightened with regret. “Where could she have gone?”

His irritation grew as he reached the second floor, but then he stopped abruptly. Downstairs, he saw a woman in tattered clothing vacuuming the living room. His eyes immediately locked onto her.

“That hair… isn’t that Jenny?”

Though her hair was tied back in a simple ponytail, William recognized her instantly. The only woman in the house, apart from the elderly Maria, always wore her hair in a bun. This was unmistakably Jenny.

He stood there, momentarily stunned. A mixture of surprise and curiosity flickered across his face. “Good grief. I thought she’d lock herself in another room and cry over my cruelty last night. But this… this is unexpected.” A small smile played on his lips.

“What an intriguing woman,” he murmured.

He descended the stairs, his voice sharp and dripping with sarcasm, clearly aimed to provoke a reaction. “I was told to marry a woman from a wealthy family, but it seems all I got was a maid.”

To his surprise, Jenny didn’t even glance his way. Her silence left William momentarily stunned. “What, are you ignoring me? You’re not planning to show up at the wedding venue dressed like that, are you?” he asked, a hint of disbelief in his tone.

Jenny, still not looking at him, replied curtly, “So what? My wedding dress was ruined—by you.”

William’s demeanor shifted as he issued a stern warning. “Hey, I told you last night I don’t appreciate that tone of yours.”

Jenny responded coldly, her voice unflinching. “And what do you want me to do? Should I just stay silent instead?”

Crazy. Absolutely insane. Jenny couldn’t comprehend where her sudden boldness was coming from. Yet, somehow, she felt oddly at ease speaking this way to William. Compared to the oppressive atmosphere of the Johnson family, this was... liberating. Perhaps, she thought, if she were to meet her end at the hands of a man as ruthless as William, at least it made sense.

William blinked in astonishment at her sharp retort. Then, unexpectedly, a soft chuckle escaped his lips. “Unbelievable. Last night I caught a glimpse of it, but this isn’t what I expected. She’s like a lion cub trying to bare its claws—clumsy, but amusing,” he mused to himself, a faint smile forming.

Clearing his throat, he called out more seriously, “Ahem! That’s not the point. If we’re going to get married, we’ll need to buy a new wedding dress. And I refuse to let you keep wearing that.”

Jenny stopped in her tracks, surprised by his declaration. “Why?” she asked cautiously, trying to gauge his intentions.

William raised his hands to shoulder level, shrugging slightly. “Because if you’re getting married, you should wear something proper, right? Besides,” his expression turned firm, “I made you a promise last night. If you were a virgin, you’d become my wife and… well, my toy in bed.” His gaze didn’t waver as he added, “That way, you can live in peace. Deal?”

Jenny lowered her gaze, silent for a moment. “But the problem is me. I’m not as beautiful as Miss Sofia, and I’m nothing more than an illegitimate child. Marrying me would tarnish your status. Besides, I heard Miss Sofia was handpicked by your superior. He won’t approve of you marrying someone like me.”

William nodded slightly, unfazed. “Leave that to me. I don’t like spoiled women who whine about everything anyway. And me? I’m a man who keeps his word. So don’t worry—we’re going through with this marriage, even if you’re not Sofia.”

Before he could finish, his eyes caught something on Jenny’s face. Reaching out, he gently cupped her cheek. Jenny flinched, letting out a startled yelp.

“Your forehead... is that a bruise?” William’s voice softened, though his words carried weight. “Is it because you’re illegitimate? Is that why you’re always beaten?”

Torn between fear and embarrassment, Jenny brushed William's hand away and turned her back to him again. "It’s not that. Please, don’t concern yourself with anything else," she said softly.

William looked at her, puzzled. "Are you embarrassed because you’re often beaten?" Jenny stayed silent, gripping the vacuum cleaner tightly. "Even as an illegitimate child, you have a remarkable sense of pride," William remarked as he straightened up. "Fine. From now on, nothing like that will happen in this mansion—as long as you’re obedient and make for an entertaining toy."

Jenny turned around, shocked at his words. For the first time, she got a clear look at William’s face. How could this man, infamous for his bad reputation, offer her peace?

"Let’s have lunch first. We need to hurry; there’s a lot to do today," William said casually.

Jenny was even more amazed. This man, branded as a ruthless CEO, a madman, the god of death, and a human killing machine, seemed more focused on lunch than anything else.

***

"Huh? A motorcycle?" Jenny asked, staring in awe at the large Ural model in front of her. "Not a car? You want to go to the wedding venue on a motorcycle?"

"Why? Don’t like it?" William replied. "Well, too bad. I’m not using a car because I prefer riding a bike." His tone made it clear who was in charge. "Hop on. We need to pick out your dress."

"Alright," Jenny said, taking William’s hand as she climbed onto the bike behind him.

As the engine roared to life and the bike began to move, her heart pounded. William grabbed Jenny’s right hand and placed it firmly on his flat stomach. Then he did the same with her left hand. Jenny froze in shock, her face flushing with embarrassment. The gesture reminded her of the previous night when she had clung tightly to William from the front.

"Is he really the madman everyone says he is? He doesn’t feel like one," she thought, her mind racing.

William broke the silence. "Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m just making sure you don’t fall off and roll away like a ball."

Jenny clenched her teeth internally. "Ugh, I misjudged him," she thought. "You’d be better off just keeping your mouth shut."

After a short ride, they arrived at a boutique. William immediately selected a short, sexy, yet elegant dress designed to ensure Jenny would remain comfortable on the motorcycle. The dress featured intricate details and an open back, exuding a captivating allure.

"I think this suits you," William said, handing her the dress with a self-satisfied smile.

Jenny’s jaw dropped as she stared at it. "This… it’s way too revealing," she stammered, blushing.

"It’s fine. It’ll make things quicker," William said nonchalantly.

Jenny furrowed her brows in confusion. "Quicker for what?"

"To pierce you," he replied bluntly.

Jenny’s eyes widened in horror. She clutched her stomach nervously. "Is he planning to kill me?" she wondered, her anxiety growing.

Approaching William, who was now examining makeup options, she asked with naive sincerity, "You said you’re a man of your word, but why would you want to stab me? I don’t want to die!"

The makeup artist beside her stifled a giggle, while William burst into laughter. "Ha ha ha! Oh, Jenny, you’re hilarious. Ha ha ha!"

After calming down, William leaned in closer. "Listen, you silly cat. I wasn’t talking about stabbing to kill. I meant something else entirely."

Jenny still looked confused until William whispered something into her ear. Her face turned crimson instantly. She wanted to say something but, with the makeup artist present, decided to stay silent.

"You’re insane!"

"No, I’m charming," William replied smugly.

"Ahem! Let’s get you dressed and start on the makeup," the makeup artist interjected, cutting the tension.

Jenny took the dress and retreated to the changing room, while William went elsewhere to put on his suit.

***

A few moments later, William was taken aback when Jenny emerged. His eyes lit up with admiration. "You look stunning, Jenny," he said, walking toward her confidently.

Jenny felt a mix of embarrassment and delight at his compliment. "Thank you," she replied shyly with a small smile.

But instead of heading to the wedding venue, William had a different idea. "Jenny, how about we go to a hotel instead?" he suggested, his tone playful and his smile mischievous.

Jenny froze in shock. "W–What are you saying?"

William stepped closer, wrapping an arm firmly around her waist. "Let’s spend tonight in a hotel—as real newlyweds should," he whispered seductively.

Sure, she didn’t want to go to the wedding venue either. The thought of being ridiculed by everyone there—especially Sofia, who would undoubtedly revel in her misery—was unbearable. Yet, if she didn’t show up, she couldn’t be sure whether this marriage would actually take place.

"We have to go to the wedding venue and hold the ceremony," she said firmly.

William raised an eyebrow at her words. "Do you really want to marry me that badly, or are you just afraid of angering your father?"

"Let’s say it’s both."

"Good grief, you’re something else." William lit his cigar, the smoke swirling into the air and nearly making Jenny cough. "Fine, but yes, we have to go. Otherwise, Aaron won’t let me sleep peacefully with you tonight. Besides, I’m curious to see just how greedy your father really is. The audacity to hand over his illegitimate daughter to me," he said with a venomous tone.

Jenny stayed silent, her thoughts swirling. She could only imagine how furious both William and Aaron would be if they ever discovered the truth: she wasn’t even James Johnson’s illegitimate child. She was just a servant in his household.