I Was Only His Substitute

Chapter 3

As the final syllable fell, Vincent's hand trembled imperceptibly. That deliberate tone made his heart skip a beat.

"Shut up!" Vincent hissed through clenched teeth, though unconsciously, his grip slackened slightly. Simultaneously, a tremendous shattering sound exploded through the hospital room.

Dora swung the glass vase from the table and smashed it violently against the wall-mounted TV. The screen burst instantly, sending glass shards flying.

Vincent stiffened, finally releasing his grip on Gloria's throat. He turned to Dora in panic. "Dora, what she just said..."

"Oh? What did she say..." Dora interrupted with a cold laugh, "to make you lose your composure like this, even forgetting your own niece?"

Vincent exhaled a barely noticeable sigh of relief. Apparently, she hadn't heard Gloria's words.

"Would like to know, Miss Stevens?" Gloria's voice was hoarser than before, carrying a calmness edged with madness. "I merely..."

"Shut up!" Two voices cut through the air at once.

One belonged to Vincent, steady yet with a trace of concealed panic; the other was Dora's, seething with fury at the affront.

What followed was complete chaos.

Dora destroyed everything breakable in the room, including Gloria's IV bag.

The needle was yanked out brutally. Gloria gasped as blood gushed from the puncture on her hand.

"I was speaking to my uncle. Who gave you permission to interrupt?" Dora landed several stinging slaps across Gloria's face, leaving her ears ringing. "Can't recognize your place, huh? I don't mind putting you in your place!"

Just as another slap was about to land, Vincent caught Dora's wrist this time.

Gloria froze, her eyes welled up instantly, only to have her heart shattered the next instant.

She watched as Vincent gently took Dora's hand, his eyes filled with pity as he gazed at her reddened palm.

Then, he uttered words that sealed Gloria's fate, "Did it hurt? Your palm is all red."

"None of your business!" Dora yanked her hand back and scoffed, "All you care about is that thing anyway."

With a disdainful glance at Gloria, Dora turned and strode out of the hospital room.

"Dora!" Vincent's expression darkened as he moved to follow.

"Vincent." Gloria's call made him pause. But as Dora's footsteps faded into the distance, he ultimately left Gloria behind once again, chasing after Dora.

He didn't even spare another glance at Gloria on the hospital bed.

Gloria watched the door swing open and shut, then shut and open again. She flashed a bitter smile.

Clearly, it was time for her to leave!

But she also knew Vincent wouldn't let her go so easily.

Calmly staring out the window, Gloria dialed a number.

"Mr. Smith, I heard you're competing for Web International's regional exclusivity in Willtown. Interested in a collaboration?"

*****

A week later, Gloria was discharged.

[Dora is at the beauty salon in the north district.]

She read the text on her phone, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

The game was on.

*****

Gloria came to the beauty salon and greeted Dora cheerfully. "Miss Stevens, fancy meeting you here."

Dora frowned in disgust. "What are you doing here?"

"Getting a mole removed." Gloria pointed to her now flawless cheek, smiling. "Do I look as perfect as you now?"

As expected, Dora exploded.

"That's terrible!" Dora shoved Gloria hard.

Caught off guard, Gloria staggered and crashed into the sharp corner of a nearby cabinet. White-hot pain lanced through her side, drawing a pained gasp from her.

Dora observed Gloria's disheveled appearance with satisfaction, her lips curling in contempt.

"Did you truly believe mimicking me by removing that mole would make Uncle Vincent give you a second look? Don't delude yourself! You're nothing but a revolting imitator!"

"But what can I do?" Gloria's lips curved in a mocking smile. "Your uncle just adores imitators."

The words ignited Dora's fury.

"Your face is disgusting!" she shrieked. "Guards! Put that mole back on her face right now!"

Two bodyguards appeared at the bathroom door, glowering at Gloria.

Gloria merely gave an indifferent laugh. "I'll simply remove it again. If this mole game amuses you, Miss Stevens, I'll keep playing until you're satisfied!"

"Ahhh!" Dora let out a furious scream.

"Dora!" Vincent's voice drew nearer, thick with concern.

His gaze swept over both women before locking onto Gloria's bare left cheek, where her mole used to be. His pupils dilated sharply, his breath catching for a split second. Shoving past the seething Dora, he strode straight to Gloria.

"Where is your mole?" The words came out in a shaky whisper.