His substitute bride

Chapter three/Whispers in shadows.

The next day, school seemed to be more weighted than usual. Bella kept head down and pretended not to notice people gawking at her as she walked down the hallway. Her steps sound on the gleaming tiles, but the actual noise was the whispering behind her. Walking through a word storm felt like it was.

'Did she really marry him?’

“ Rumor has it he is twice her age.”

“ They claimed he paid off her family.”

Cold and heavy, every word fell into her heart.

Bella dashed to grab her books when it was time to go, hoping to sneak out before the mocking gaze caught her once more.

She spotted a black car parked close to the school gate as she exited. Her heart too skipped a beat.

Hands in pockets as though he owned the street in his elegant black suit, Edward leaned against the car.

Everybody watched him; some women fainted over his looks, while others rolled their eyes and mumbled about sugar daddies.

Bella paused for a minute then compelled herself to visit him. You neglected to let me know you were going here. She whispered as she neared him.

Edward said, "I finished my work early." He said, "get in," as he opened the car door for her.

She got into the car gently, knowing well that inquisitive eyes were peering from the windows.

The ride started softly. Once or twice she could feel his gaze upon her, but he kept silent then finally he spoke. He enquired quietly;

I had doubts all throughout school. "It makes no difference; they are just being childish," Bella stammered.

"It counts when my name is mentioned.”

Bella opened her mouth to say something but no word came out, she looked out to the window. The city blurred past her, but the knot in her stomach stayed.

When they got home, the mansion felt colder than she could actually remember.

The servants greeted Edward with polite smiles, but Bella caught the curiosity in their eyes, the same look she had seen all day.

Upstairs Edward's phone rang. He stepped out in order to take the call, his voice low. She wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but a faint sound drifted into the room, she couldn't figure out who the voice belongs to, but it was a woman, Edward's tone was calm,few minutes later Edward came inside,

“Get ready, We are going to see my mother tomorrow” Edward said to her, eyes fixed on his phone,

Bella nodded her head without asking any questions.

She has only seen Edward's mother, on the day of their wedding,

She never had the chance to talk to her, because they left for home early.

……

The next morning, Bella was already awake, she was staring blankly at the walls of her room, then there was a sudden knock at the door, interrupting her from her deep thoughts.

Mrs Blackwood, breakfast is ready,

Mr. Blackwood is waiting.

Bella sighed, and slowly got up from her bed, brushed her teeth, tied her hair in a messy burn, then went downstairs.

“Good morning,” Bella said to Edward.

He replied with a nod.

She quietly sat on the chair, facing Edward.

Edward was dressed in a gray suit.his hair neatly styled,he was ready for work.

I'm about to attend an office meeting, I will be back in the afternoon to pick you up, make sure you get dressed before then.

He said calmly.

I would like to get a gift for your mom, is there anything she likes? Bella asked.

That is not a problem, you will get something for her in the mall, while going.

Edward left for work,after breakfast.

Bella had no lectures for the day, so she had to stay back home, till it's time to visit her mother-in-law.

She went back to her room, brought out her bag, she was looking for a perfect dress to wear, this is the first time she will be meeting her officially, so she had to impress her.

……

When Edward was done with his conference meeting,it was almost time, so his driver took him home.

Bella was already dressed, she was patiently waiting for him, and a few minutes later they were already on the road.

The ride to the Blackwood's family house was a bit long to Bella, her palms were already sweating, she was nervous.

They drove in to the penthouse,

Bella was marveled, the house was screaming luxury and elegance. There were beautiful lilies surrounding the compound.

Bella stepped out of the car, Edward was already outside. He offered her his arm like a gentleman, Bella was surprised by his behavior,but she took his hand, knowing fully well that this is just an act.

When they got in, there was a young woman already

sitting in the living room, Bella noticed she wasn't Edwards mom.

But who is she?