FROM SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO BILLIONAIRE’S OBSESSION

CHAPTER 3

XAYNE’S POV

I watched as the saleswoman's harsh words sparked a commotion, drawing the attention of nearby onlookers.

Dahlia and I were taken aback, but she quickly sprang to my defense.

Her face darkened, and she chastised the saleswoman, "How dare you discuss our personal matters! What nonsense are you talking about?" I was intrigued by Dahlia's sudden ferocity, especially since she was standing up for me, someone she had only known for a day.

Her protectiveness was endearing. Dahlia continued, her voice rising, "So what if we're poor? Are we stealing from you? We may be poor, but we have integrity. We don't look down on others like you do. And even if we're struggling now, it's temporary. We'll prosper in the future, but your heart will remain dark forever."

As she spoke, Dahlia instinctively positioned herself in front of me, shielding me from the saleswoman's venom.

Her passion and conviction were captivating. She confronted the saleswoman, "You treated me well when I rented the dress, but now you're trying to extort me? Don't you have a conscience?

The dress isn't even worth 10,000 yuan. Give me a valid reason, or stop trying to swindle me!"

I was impressed by Dahlia's courage and determination to stand up for us.

I stepped forward, wrapping my arms around Dahlia, who was quivering with indignation. Her passionate defense had left the saleswoman speechless, and now the commotion had caught the attention of another manager.

A bespectacled man emerged, frowning, and asked, "Who's causing trouble?" I handed him my card, my expression unyielding.

"We'll pay what we owe, but..." I trailed off, my gaze coldly fixed on the female employee, who was still sneering at us.

She seemed unconvinced, and I could sense her disdain.

"You think you can act like a rich man when you're penniless?" she taunted. I raised an eyebrow, surveying the shop's interior before responding, "I don't need to pretend to be a rich man, considering the class of your establishment."

My eyes landed on the glass display case at the entrance, showcasing the shop's signature wedding dress. I turned to Dahlia, my voice low.

"What do you think of that one? Is it to your liking?"

I pointed to the signature wedding dress, and Dahlia followed my gaze. Her eyes widened as she took in the classic design, elevated by a stunning diamond embedded in the hem.

I could sense her admiration, but also her confusion. "What do you think?" I asked, my voice low. Dahlia hesitated, unsure of my intentions.

I turned to the saleswoman, my tone casual. "If your service improves, I'll buy it." The saleswoman snorted, "You think you can afford it? That's a designer dress, priced at 58,000 yuan!"

She rolled her eyes, confident we couldn't afford it. But the male manager beside us recognized the black card I had handed him earlier, a symbol of top-tier wealth and after he entered the card number, he confirmed the identity of the card owner and that he was not someone anyone could mess with.

His demeanor changed instantly. "Enough! Fetch the dress immediately, don't offend our guests!"

He glared at the saleswoman, his voice firm. I smiled inwardly, knowing my card had spoken volumes.

The male manager approached us with a flattering smile, apologizing profusely for the saleswoman's behavior.

"I'm so sorry, sir, madam. She's new and not sensible. I'll make sure she apologizes later." Dahlia brushed it off, still visibly upset.

"No need, we don't want an apology from her." The manager nodded and bowed, eager to please.

"I've recalculated the bill, and you don't owe anything extra. I'll get the wedding dress for you now."

As we walked away, Dahlia tugged on my sleeve, whispering urgently, "Hector, let's just forget it. We can't afford that dress!" I found her anxiety amusing and patted her hand reassuringly.

"It's okay," I replied softly, my eyes crinkling at the corners. I knew she had no idea what I was capable of, and I was enjoying the surprise that was about to come.

After the saleswoman and manager brought over the wedding dress, I gave it a brief nod of approval.

"Okay, take my wife's measurements now." The manager's smile grew even wider as he eagerly agreed.

However, the saleswoman still seemed dazed, prompting the manager to scold her, "Hurry up and take her measurements!"

She reluctantly took out a leather ruler, her expression stiff, and began to measure Dahlia.

I watched, unimpressed, and said coldly, "Is this how you take measurements?"

The saleswoman hesitated, but continued with the measurements, seemingly unsure of how to respond to my criticism.

I could sense her discomfort, but I didn't let up, my eyes fixed on her as she worked.

I frowned, my face darkening as I watched the saleswoman take Dahlia's measurements with a lack of care.

"Can you even take measurements accurately like this?" I asked, my tone ruthless. I glared at her coldly, my eyes piercing.

"And what about the hem of the skirt? You need to kneel down and measure it properly!"

The manager, sensing my displeasure, rushed to her side, whispering urgently, "This customer has a black card, don't offend him!"

The saleswoman's expression twisted in humiliation as she reluctantly knelt down, unfolding the leather ruler to take Dahlia's measurements.

I could sense Dahlia's satisfaction as she watched the saleswoman, who had once looked down on us, now kneeling at her feet.

Dahlia's hand tightened around mine, her lips pursed in a mixture of emotions.

After the measurements were complete, the saleswoman stood aside, defeated, her eyes downcast like a humbled quail.

I continued to reject the manager's attempts to appease us, declining the tea and chairs he offered.

The calmer I appeared, the more nervous he became, his eyes darting to my black card as if wondering what level of nobility I possessed.

I could sense his fear, his mind racing with the possibility of me tearing down his shop if I wasn't satisfied.

The manager approached us again, observing our expressions, and I could see the desperation in his eyes.

Dahlia had been giving me "don't buy it" looks, and I raised an eyebrow, glancing meaningfully at the saleswoman beside me.

"Your service is subpar," I said, my voice firm.

"We won't be purchasing this wedding dress."

Dahlia exhaled a sigh of relief, but I could sense her worry about the manager's potential backlash.

However, to my surprise, the manager's smile remained fixed, and he apologized profusely, "It's our mistake. I'm sorry, I'm sorry." His obsequious tone only added to my amusement.

As we left the wedding dress shop, the manager's warm farewell still echoed behind us.

Dahlia stopped on the sidewalk, her lips bitten, and a determined look on her face.

"Hector, I need to talk to you," she said, her voice serious. I stopped and faced her, curious.

"What is it?" I asked. She chose her words carefully, "I think you overreacted earlier.

I know you wanted to help me vent my anger, but 50,000 yuan is a lot for us.

We need to be careful with our finances." She lowered her head, her voice softening.

"I'm glad you didn't buy it, but please, let's not do this again." I frowned, understanding her concern, but also feeling a sting.

"Do you think I'm broke?" I asked, my tone slightly sharp. Her words had touched a nerve, and I wondered if she doubted my financial capabilities.

Dahlia's hesitant gaze met mine, her voice softening as she explained, "I'm not blaming you, I know you wanted to help. But we have priorities at home that need attention. Even if you have money, it's better spent on important things."

For some reason, the word "home" touched a chord within me, and I smiled, my expression easing. "Got it."

Dahlia seemed to think I was upset, quickly adding, "Once I get my dowry, we'll have more financial freedom. We just need to be careful for now."

I wondered what she meant by "dowry," but her evasive behavior piqued my interest.

A playful smile spread across my face as I teased, "You're worried about extravagance? Were you not pampered in your family?"

Dahlia's avoidance of my gaze and rapid heartbeat didn't go unnoticed. She hastily changed the subject, offering to buy me water, “Are you thirsty? Don’t worry let me go buy water” and she hurried away. As I watched her go, my phone buzzed.

The smile on my face faltered as I answered, my voice deepening.

"How's the investigation?" The response sent a chill down my spine: "Someone tampered with your car's brake pads, likely the person you suspect."

My eyes narrowed.

I barked orders into the phone, my voice icy. "Continue the investigation. I want concrete evidence."

“Okay Fourth Master White but when do you plan on coming back from that village and return to the capital?” He asked.

"We'll see." I hung up, rubbing the tension between my brows.

Dahlia approached, her sparkling eyes a contrast to my dark mood. She handed me ice water, her concern palpable.

"What's wrong? You don't look well." I brushed it off, not wanting to involve her in my troubles.

"It's nothing. Let's go back." She trailed behind me, her gaze fixed on the back of my head.

I sensed her unease, aware of the emotional chasm between us. Our marriage was still a fragile, superficial thing, we couldn’t confide and trust each other yet.

As I finished preparing lunch, I called out to Hector, “The food is ready you can come eat now”Just immediately I heard a phone ringing .

At first, I thought it was his, but then I saw my own phone flashing by the bed. I hastily wiped my hands and rushed to answer it, my heart racing as I saw my brother's number.

I glanced at Hector, his expression unreadable, and quickly muted the phone. I didn't want him to suspect anything, so I made a hasty excuse.

"You eat first, I need some fresh air." I walked out quickly, trying to appear nonchalant.

Once I reached the vegetable patch, I checked to make sure Hector was out of earshot before answering the call.

"Hello? What's wrong?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

My brother's panicked voice sent a chill down my spine.

"Dahlia, mom's condition has taken a turn for the worse. She vomited blood this morning. The doctor says we need to operate ASAP or it'll be too late."