THE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE BRIDE

The first thing Elena Carter saw on her wedding day was her fiancé kissing her stepsister. She stopped at the doorway, unable to move. Nathan Williams had one hand around Victoria's waist. Victoria's fingers were tangled in his hair. For a few seconds, the world seemed to disappear. Then Nathan pulled away. “Elena…” Her bouquet slipped from her trembling fingers. The white roses scattered across the floor. “Tell me this isn't what it looks like.” Nathan looked away. Victoria's eyes filled with tears. “Elena, please—” “Don't.” Elena's voice shook. “Don't call my name like you're the one who's hurt.” Nathan took a step toward her. “I was going to tell you.” “When?” He didn't answer. “When were you going to tell me, Nathan? After we got married?” “I don't love you anymore.” The words hit her harder than she expected. Elena stared at him. “Who is she?” Nathan looked at Victoria. “I love her.” Elena laughed bitterly. “My sister?” Victoria lowered her head. “How long?” “Six months,” Victoria whispered. Elena's heart broke. Six months. For six months, she had been planning a wedding while her fiancé and stepsister had been secretly seeing each other. She looked at Nathan. “Did you ever love me?” He hesitated. That hesitation was her answer. Elena wiped the tears from her face. “Congratulations.” She turned toward the door. Then she saw her parents standing outside. They weren't shocked. They already knew. Elena's eyes widened. “You knew?” Her mother rushed toward her. “Elena, please listen.” “You all knew?” Her father grabbed her arm. “Come with us.” She pulled away. “Don't touch me.” He lowered his voice. “This isn't the biggest problem we have.” Elena stared at him. “My fiancé just left me for my sister.” Her father placed a folder on the table in the next room. “You need to see this.” Inside were bank statements, loan documents and legal notices. Elena's face changed. “What is this?” “The Carter Group is in serious financial trouble.” “How serious?” Her father looked at her. “Eighty million dollars.” She stared at him. “What?” “We have seventy-two hours before the banks begin taking control of the company.” Elena felt dizzy. Her family had spent years pretending everything was perfect. Now she discovered they were nearly bankrupt on the same day her wedding had collapsed. “There has to be another way.” “There is.” Her father hesitated. “Adrian Black.” Elena immediately shook her head. “No.” “He can clear our debts.” “Why would he?” Her mother looked at her. “He wants something in return.” Elena already knew the answer. “No.” “A six-month marriage.” Silence. Elena laughed in disbelief. “You want me to marry Adrian Black?” “He will save the company.” “You're asking me to marry a stranger because Nathan ran away with Victoria?” Her father said nothing. Elena's eyes filled with tears. “I'm your daughter, not a business deal.” Her phone suddenly rang. Unknown number. She answered. “Hello?” A deep male voice came through. “Miss Carter.” She recognized it immediately. “Adrian Black.” “Yes.” “How did you get my number?” “I know everything happening inside the Carter family.” Elena's anger rose. “You're enjoying this.” “No.” His voice was cold. “I'm giving you an opportunity.” “I don't need your opportunity.” “You have seventy-two hours before your family loses everything.” She froze. “How do you know?” “I know more than you think.” A pause. “Come to Black Manor.” The call ended. --- Black Manor Rain poured as Elena arrived at Adrian's mansion. She stepped inside wearing the same wedding dress. Adrian stood near the staircase. Tall. Powerful. Dressed completely in black. His eyes moved over her ruined wedding dress before settling on her face. “You came.” “I want to hear your terms.” He placed a contract on the table. “Six months.” Elena looked at the document. “You marry me for six months. I clear your family's debt.” “And afterward?” “You walk away.” “What do you get?” Adrian's expression changed. “My father's truth.” Elena frowned. “Your father?” “He died twelve years ago.” “In the warehouse fire?” “Yes.” Adrian pulled an old photograph from his pocket. Elena looked at it. Her blood ran cold. Her father was standing beside Adrian's father outside a warehouse. But there was another person in the photograph. Victoria. Elena's fingers tightened around the picture. “Why is my sister there?” “That is what I intend to discover.” “You think my family killed your father?” “I think they know who did.” Elena shook her head. “My father wouldn't—” “Then help me prove it.” She looked at the contract. “You want to investigate my family through me.” “Yes.” At least he was honest. Elena picked up the pen. “What are the rules?” “You live here.” “Fine.” “You attend public events with me.” “Fine.” “You don't interfere in my business.” “Fine.” Adrian's eyes narrowed. “And you don't fall in love with me.” Elena almost laughed. “You don't have to worry about that.” She signed. Adrian signed immediately after her. The contract was complete. Then her phone vibrated. A message from Nathan. > Don't marry Adrian. You don't know what he's planning. Before Elena could respond, another message appeared. Unknown Number: > If you become Mrs. Black tonight, Victoria dies. Elena's face went pale. Adrian noticed. “What happened?” She handed him the phone. His expression turned cold. “Security!” Two guards rushed into the room. “Lock every entrance. Nobody leaves.” Suddenly— BANG! A gunshot echoed through the mansion. Elena screamed. The lights went out. Adrian grabbed her and pulled her behind him. “Stay close.” Footsteps thundered through the hallway. Then silence. When the emergency lights came on, one of the guards rushed in. “Sir, nobody is inside.” Adrian's eyes narrowed. Elena noticed an envelope lying on the floor. Her name was written across it. ELENA CARTER. She picked it up. Inside was another photograph. Her father. Adrian's father. And a third man. Elena recognized him immediately. “Marcus Hale.” Adrian's expression changed. “That man died twelve years ago.” Elena turned the photograph over. Five words were written on the back: HE KNOWS WHO KILLED THEM. Before either of them could speak, Adrian's phone vibrated. A photograph appeared on the screen. It showed Elena and Adrian standing inside the mansion. The photograph had been taken seconds ago. Below it was a message: > WELCOME TO YOUR MARRIAGE. Elena's blood ran cold. Someone was watching them. Someone inside the mansion. Adrian grabbed her hand. “From now on, you don't leave my side.” Elena stared at him. “Why?” His eyes remained fixed on the dark hallway. “Because whoever killed my father…” He paused. “…has just made you part of the game.” Outside the mansion, a shadow stood beneath the rain. The man lowered his phone and smiled. “The substitute bride is finally in place.” Then he whispered— “Now the real game begins.”