The Subtitute Bride

Chapter 2: Mrs. Anderson

The Anderson penthouse was not a home. It was a museum.

Everything was white, black, and glass. Cold. Perfect. Just like its owner.

Kaela stood in the middle of the massive living room, her cheap suitcase looking ridiculous against the marble floor. She was still wearing the simple white dress she had worn for the civil wedding earlier — not a real wedding gown, just something her aunt bought from the mall.

"Your room," Rhys said, loosening his tie. He didn't look at her. He looked annoyed, as if bringing her here was an errand he wanted to finish quickly.

He led her down a hallway and opened a door.

It was beautiful. A huge bedroom with its own bathroom, walk-in closet, and a view of the entire city.

"This is yours. Mine is across the hall. Remember Rule Number Three."

Don't come to my room. Don't expect anything from me.

Kaela nodded. "Loud and clear, Mr. Anderson."

"It's Rhys," he corrected, frowning. "When we are in public, you have to call me Rhys. My wife can't call me Mr. Anderson."

"And in private?"

"In private, you can call me whatever you want. As long as you follow the rules."

He turned to leave, but Kaela stopped him.

"Wait. Where are my things? I mean... clothes? I only have this suitcase."

Rhys finally looked at her. Really looked at her. From her messy ponytail to her worn-out shoes.

He sighed and took out his phone.

"Clara, bring up the racks. Now."

Five minutes later, two women came in pushing three racks of clothes. Dresses, bags, shoes. All designer. All with tags still on.

Kaela's eyes widened. "What is this?"

"Your uniform," Rhys said casually. "As my wife, you need to look the part. You can't wear... that, to our engagement party tomorrow."

"Engagement party? We are already married!"

"It's for the press. My grandmother organized it. Everyone thinks we just got engaged after dating for a year. We will have to act in love. Can you do that?"

Kaela crossed her arms. "I can act. The question is, can you? You look like you don't even know how to smile."

Rhys stepped closer. Again, that cologne. That dangerous closeness.

"You want me to smile, Kaela?"

His voice was low. He was so close she could see the small mole near his jaw.

"Try me."

Kaela's heart was beating so fast it hurt. She should step back. She should be scared of this man.

But she wasn't. She was angry. At him. At her family who sold her. At herself for agreeing.

"I'm tired, Mr.— Rhys. I want to rest."

Something flickered in his eyes. Disappointment? He stepped back immediately.

"Fine. Dinner is at 7. Don't be late. And wear something from the rack."

He walked out and closed the door.

Kaela finally breathed. She sat on the edge of the big, soft bed.

This was her life now. For one year.

She opened the closest box. Inside was a red silk dress. The price tag said $4,500.

For a dress.

She laughed bitterly. She used to save for months just to buy a $20 dress.

Her phone buzzed. A message from her cousin — her sister who ran away.

Is it done? Are you married to him? Thank you, Kaela. You saved me.

Kaela didn't reply. She threw her phone on the bed.

At exactly 7 PM, she went out. She chose the simplest dress — a black one that wasn't too revealing.

Rhys was already at the dining table, working on his laptop. He looked up when she entered.

For a second, he stopped typing.

The black dress hugged her waist. Her hair was down now, slightly wet from a shower. She looked... different. Not like the scared girl from this morning.

"You look... acceptable," he said, but his voice was a little hoarse.

"Wow, what a compliment. You should be a poet," Kaela said sarcastically and sat down.

Dinner was silent. Awkward. Until Rhys's phone rang.

He answered, his face turning cold.

"What do you mean she's here? I told you not to let her in!"

Kaela looked up. "Who?"

Before Rhys could answer, the penthouse elevator opened.

And a beautiful woman in a tight red dress walked in, crying.

"Rhys! How could you marry her? You said you loved me!"

Kaela froze. Her fork dropped.

So. The billionaire had a lover. And she just walked into their wedding night.