The Subtitute Bride

CHAPTER 6: Don't Get Used To It

Kaela clutched his shirt — his shirt — tighter around her.

Last night she felt like Mrs. Anderson.

This morning, she was reminded she was just a substitute who could be thrown away at any moment.

"I know you didn't," he cut her off. But his eyes were cold again. Distant. "But my grandmother will think you did this for money and fame. And if she gets angry, this contract is over. And you get nothing."

Rhys stared at her. That cold, unreadable stare that made her feel small.

"Take it off," he said.

Kaela's eyes widened. "What?"

"My shirt. Take it off and change. My grandmother is on her way here. You have ten minutes."

Kaela bit her lip hard to stop herself from crying. She would not cry in front of him. Not again.

"Fine," she whispered.

"Last night didn't mean anything," Rhys said behind her, his voice so low she almost didn't hear it. "The storm, the blackout... it was just circumstance. Don't read into it."

She finally turned around, smiling — but her eyes were red.

"Don't worry, Mr. Anderson. I know. I'm just the substitute. I know my place."

Rhys felt something sharp twist in his chest.

Ten minutes later, Kaela came down wearing a simple beige dress. Hair tied, no makeup.

Rhys was already downstairs in his black suit. Cold as always.

Then the front door opened.

"Rhys? My darling grandson?" An elegant old woman entered. "And this must be..."

Before Kaela could speak, Rhys moved fast. His arm snaked around her waist and pulled her close.

"Grandma," Rhys said, his voice suddenly warm. Soft. Nothing like earlier. "This is my wife, Kaela."

Kaela looked up at him, shocked.

Rhys looked down at her and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered on her cheek.

"She's still sleepy," he whispered to his grandma. "She stole my shirt again this morning. I keep telling her to wear her own clothes, but she likes mine better."

Kaela's mouth dropped.

Grandmother Anderson laughed. "Oh, I like her already. Finally, a girl who can handle you, Rhys."

And Kaela realized — for the next hour, she had to pretend that she wasn't hurt. She had to pretend that she was Mrs. Anderson who was deeply loved by her husband.

Even if that husband just reminded her she was just a substitute who could be thrown away at any moment.