Chapter 2-----Who is the Real Substitute?
636 Words
Chapter 2-----Who is the Real Substitute?
At a banquet hosted by a client, I see Joe and Rosy again.
I hold a glass of wine and watch Joe carefully escorting Rosy.
Suddenly, someone stands beside me and says, "Is that your ex-husband?"
When I see his face, I swallow the words "mind your own business" that were on the tip of my tongue.
"Ethan, what are you doing here?" I didn't expect to see Ethan, my unrequited crush from years ago, at the banquet.
Ethan still looks as gentle and refined as ever. "I just came back from abroad and heard about that Joe only married you as a substitute for Rosy."
I didn't expect Ethan to know about my story. I lower my gaze, avoiding his eyes.
But the next second, Ethan drops a bombshell. "What's the point of being someone else's substitute? Why not be my wife instead?"
I choke on the wine I just drank. "Cough, cough, Ethan, what did you say?"
Ethan sees this and gently pats my back, his tone not sounding like a joke. "Yura, I'm serious."
Everything happens so fast that I can't react for a moment.
"But, Ethan, I..."
Ethan and I's actions catch Joe and Rosy's attention.
Before I can finish speaking, Joe walks over.
His eyes are filled with disdain. "You say I'm shameless, but look at you. You're also a b***h. You've already hooked up with another man just a few days after the divorce."
Just as I'm about to speak, Ethan steps in front of me and says calmly, "She didn't seduce me. I'm the one who's been pursuing her."
Ethan's words leave Joe speechless.
Rosy, standing beside him, suddenly speaks up. "Wow, this gentleman actually looks resemble to Joe."
Joe, who was just humiliated, suddenly becomes smug again. "I treated you as a substitute, but I didn't expect you to actually develop feelings for me. You even chose someone who looks like me for your next relationship."
I nod solemnly, scrutinizing both of them carefully.
Ethan doesn't seem bothered at all, letting me stare at him intently.
After a while, he even jokes, "Have you finished looking?"
I only then notice his burning gaze directed at me, and my cheeks flush with heat.
Realizing what's happening, I quickly avert my face and say to Joe with disgust, "Twinsies aren't the drama; the uglier one's the trauma."
Ethan does bear some resemblance to Joe in his facial features, but his features are more defined and profound, making him look more majestic in comparison.
Anyone can tell whose appearance is more superior. Joe is just a low-budget version.
I'm not sure if it's my imagination, but Rosy's complexion seems off ever since Joe walked over.
Joe, feeling embarrassed at being exposed in public, speaks harshly. "You're just resentful because I dumped you and took over the company. I can understand that."
"I didn't expect you to be as ordinary and overconfident as ever after all this time," I say, looking him up and down with disdain. "Are you really that clueless about what's been happening to the company?"
Upon hearing my words, Rosy's complexion changes instantly.
Joe, seeing this, doesn't even bother to refute me. He quickly explains to Rosy, "Rosy, don't listen to this crazy woman. There's nothing wrong with my company."
Rosy, angry, ignores his explanation and storms off.
Joe hurries after her, but not before giving me a venomous look.
"Ethan, thank you for coming to my rescue. I'll forget what you just said." With that, I'm about to leave.
Suddenly, my arm is grabbed by a strong force, and the next second, I fall into his embrace. "What if I meant every word I just said?"
If it weren't for that incident, would we have been together a long time ago?
- Writer
