THE BILLIONAIRE’S SUBSTITUTE BRIDE

Rain poured heavily outside the Sterling mansion while silence filled the luxurious living room. Madam Veronica Sterling sat calmly like a queen giving orders. Across from her, Sofia held her old handbag tightly, confused and nervous. “She is the only option left,” Veronica said coldly. Sofia blinked. Me? “Yes,you.” “I don’t understand.” “You don’t need to.You only need to marry my son.” The words shocked Sofia completely. Marriage? To a billionaire? Three hours earlier, she had been serving coffee in a roadside café. Now a rich woman was asking her to become a bride. “The wedding is in three days,” Veronica added. Sofia shook her head slowly. “Why me?” “The original bride ran away.” The answer made Sofia speechless. “You want me to replace another woman?” “Yes.” “That’s crazy.” “No,” Veronica replied calmly. “What’s crazy is your mother’s hospital bill.” Sofia froze immediately. Veronica leaned back comfortably. “We already paid for her surgery.” Tears filled Sofia’s eyes. Her mother had been sick for months. Sofia had borrowed money, worked extra shifts, and sold almost everything she owned trying to save her. “You paid for it?” she whispered. “Yes. Because I needed something from you.” Sofia understood instantly. Nothing from rich people was ever free. “How long?” she asked weakly. “Six months. After that, you divorce him and disappear.” Sofia stared at the contract on the table. Fake marriage. Six months. Divorce. Everything felt unreal. “What if your son refuses?” Veronica smiled slightly. “He won’t.” “Why?” “Because he’s blind.” Sofia’s eyes widened. Veronica explained that Adrian Sterling lost his eyesight in an accident two years ago. Since then, he became cold and difficult. The wedding was supposed to help the family company’s image, but the bride disappeared that morning. “So you picked a random poor girl instead?” “You should feel honored.” Sofia almost laughed bitterly. Honored? She was being rented as a replacement wife. But then she remembered her mother lying helpless in the hospital. Poor people rarely had the luxury of pride. Slowly, Sofia picked up the pen and signed the contract. Three days later, the wedding hall sparkled with crystal lights and rich guests. Sofia walked nervously beside Adrian Sterling. Even without sight, Adrian looked dangerously handsome. Tall, calm, and cold. People whispered immediately. “Who is she?” “She looks poor” “She doesn’t belong here.” The insults burned inside Sofia. Suddenly Adrian leaned slightly closer. “Why are your hands shaking?” he asked quietly. “I’m not used to places like this.” “Hm.” “That’s all you’ll say?” “What exactly do you want me to say?” When it was time for the kiss, Sofia froze. “You’re nervous,” Adrian murmured. “Of course I am. “You talk too much. “And you’re rude.” Unexpectedly, a tiny smile appeared on his lips. Then he pulled her closer and kissed her gently. For one dangerous moment… The kiss did not feel fake at all.