A Substitute Bride for Mr Billionaire

CHAPTER 2

Demitra's Pov

My father's hand in my arm felt like a vice as we made the slow and agonizing walk down the aisle.

All eyes were focused on me, or rather, Jayne. The woman then thought I was.

I could feel their curiosity, the expectation and envy that came with the fact that I was getting married to the Erin Carter.

Even from a distance, Erin's presence was overwhelming. He was as beautiful, tall and broad as I had been told.

In fact, he seemed to command even the very air around him.

He watched me approach and even though I longed to hide away from his gaze, I knew I couldn't. I had to be a convincing bride.

When we reached the altar, my father let go of my hand and I placed it in Erin's.

The ceremony was a blur and the priest’s words breezed over me.

"Erin, do you take this woman, Jayne, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

I felt Erin's grip tighten around my arm as he said, “I do,”

The officiant turned to me, “And you, Jayne, do you take this man, Erin, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

The weight of it all pressed down on me, making me unable to speak for a few seconds. The guests shifted subtly, I heard murmurs of confusion threading through the air.

Father's eyes bored into me from the front row, bearing a silent command: Speak, Demi, seal it. When I finally did, my voice was almost inaudible.

“I do,”

However, that seemed enough for the priest.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” He said.

While I remained utterly still, Erin leaned in, lifted my veil and pressed his lips against mine.

There was no spark; it was all just a brief part of a play. His mouth tasted like mint and champagne from the pre-ceremony toast.

The church erupted in applause. I caught Father smiling while Mom mopped up her fake tears with a handkerchief.

To them, their debt was paid and their reputation was saved from the brink of ruin.

The business would thrive once again.

For me, all I could see was my life slipping through my fingers.

The reception was a blur of toast and dances. I laughed at Father's speech talking about ‘Jayne’s’ grace and mother's thousand and one kisses.

The ride back to the Carter Estate, my new home, was an hour long. And with each passing minute, I realised how far away I was going to be from everything; from my family, from Theodore and from any hope of rescue if anything ever went wrong.

When the car finally pulled to a stop in front of the imposing gates of the Carter Estate, Erin stepped down and came around to open my door. He helped me out of the car but as we started towards the grand entrance, my foot caught on a loose stone and my ankle twisted awkwardly. I gasped at the pain.

“Are you alright?”

I let out a small high pitched laugh that I hoped sounded like Jayne's, “It's nothing. Just a silly little stumble,”

But before I could take another step, Erin moved. One arm went around my knees and the other behind my back.

Then, he swept me off my feet, carrying me bridal style.

My breath caught in my throat.

“I can walk,” I managed to say. He did not respond. He simply continued to carry me until we got to the Grand Foyer.

There, a woman waited – she was tall and slender, and her hair was pulled back in a bun I didn't doubt was painful.

“Welcome home, Mr and Mrs. Carter.” Her gaze landed on me, “Mrs. Carter, my name is Serene. I'll be your personal servant.”

I nodded, “A pleasure to meet you, Serene,”

“And you too. I'll take you to your room,”

As we made our way upstairs, Erin's cold voice sent a chill down my spine, “Jayne had a slight accident with her ankle. Prepare a cold compress and some pain relief for her. And notify Dr. Albright if the swelling persists.”

Serene’s gaze flicked to my slightly flushed face, “Of course, Mr. Carter. I'll see to that immediately.”

Serene and I walked through a seemingly endless hallway, eventually stopping at a couple of doors. Serene pushed them open, revealing the most beautiful room I had ever seen.

She entered, barely looking at me as she spoke.

“This is the master's bedroom, for you and Mr. Carter,”

I took in the space. It was a massive room decorated in muted and elegant shades of gray and white with splashes of deep blue.

A huge bed stood against the wall and a floor to ceiling window gave a breathtaking view of the estate garden.

It was easily the most beautiful room I had ever seen.

Serene went out into the ensuite and returned after a couple of minutes, “A bath has been run for you. I will assist you with your dress.”

I turned and she carefully unfastened the buttons. When it finally came loose, I felt relieved. She picked up a silk robe from the floor and handed it to me.

“I have selected an outfit for you to wear to dinner,” she said, holding up a simple but elegant black dress. “Dinner is at 8:30. Mr. Carter does not condone tardiness.”

She walked out of the room leaving me with the reality that this was not a play.

This was my life now.