His Substitute Bride

North's POV

“Hey Kora, fix table twenty five."

Grabbing my clipboard tightly, I ticked off everything I had done, noting the few duties yet to be performed.

“This is my shot to greatness and I'm not going to take it for granted." I mumbled, putting out the snacks in the display box.

Satisfied with my job, I stepped aside, a bright smile spreading across my lips as my heart bubbled with joy.

A few weeks ago, I got a contract as a chef to cover the wedding ceremony of a conglomerate

whose identity was undisclosed, not like I cared though.

The rare opportunity left me elated and day in and out, I was planning and replanning how to make the event the best in the city.

For three years, I had been struggling to keep up with my catering job. It was a childhood dream that kept burning in my heart and so my determination to make it a reality was firm.

Crossing off the last item on my to-do list, I raised my head, admiring all the work Kora, my best friend and assistant had done.

Bubbling with excitement, I shifted from one foot to the other, playing with my business card I intended to share with the VIP guests that were going to grace the event.

“Just one more event from the elites, I would be set up for life." I mumbled, my eyes almost popping out of its sockets in excitement.

Suddenly, my eyes caught Kora running towards me with her brow knotted. This made me worried as it was unusual.

Kora was a pro when it comes to masking her emotion but it was a different scenario now.

“What is the issue?" I asked the moment she got to my side, peering at her with my hands resting on my waist.

Kora hesitated for a while and this got me all worked up.

“Kora…”

“The bride is nowhere to be found." She said in a breath and immediately, my heart fell into my stomach with a plop.

Pressing my lips into a thin line, I shook my head sideways.

“What do you mean the bride is nowhere to be found?" I questioned, my blood boiling rapidly as a ton of ideas spiraled through my head.

If the bride was nowhere to be found, then the marriage wouldn't be held.

No bride, no wedding.

No wedding, means no chance to meet the VIP guests I was eager to impress.

Oh goodness, this is not good. — I thought, darting my eyes around.

“According to the event planner, the groom is going berserk in the dressing room." Staring at her wrist watch, she added, “He has less than three hours to reach his bride before the wedding will begin in full swing.”

Shifting from one foot to the other, I was biting my nails, my thoughts were everywhere as beads of perspiration slowly began to gather on my forehead.

My plans were crashing at my feet and as it seems, I wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

Soon I was pacing about.

"What's wrong with you?” Kora whispered, staring strangely at me.

Without thinking twice, I pulled her to myself and with a low but firm voice, I said, "The bride’s absence is going to ruin my plan of reaching a large audience.”

Pulling away from me with her eyes widened in shock, Kora didn't say anything.

"Have you lost it?” She huffed when she finally found her tongue. "The wedding of someone is hanging on a thin thread and all you care about is your career.”

"Come on North, you're getting obsessed with your dreams. I understand…”

Halting her, I placed my phone against my ear. I was on a call with Leah Lavato, the lady who had awarded me the contract.

“I'm sure you must have heard about the missing bride." Leah said the moment the lines connected.

“Don't get too worked up about it. Your money will be wired to you in five minutes." She added, sounding professional as ever.

“What about the wedding?" I edged on, my lips pressed tightly against each other.

“The wedding can only be held if the bride shows up, otherwise…” She smacked her lips.

"You shouldn't be worried about the elites, they know how to sort themselves out.” She chuckled slightly.

“They live in a different world from us and only they know how things operate." I visualized her shrugging and this made me sick to the stomach.

My career was at stake here.

“Ms Leah…”

"That's enough now North Kennedy." She spoke with an air of finality and I knew it would be silly to proceed with the conversation.

Taking a deep breath, I shut my eyes tightly as I slowly took the phone off my ear, her words ringing continuously in my head.

“What did she say?" Kora asked, standing next to me with twisted brows.

Pushing my hand into my hair, I tugged on it for a while as I thought about my next phase of action.

Since the groom was in the dressing room, it wouldn't hurt if I engage him in a brief conversation. — I thought, biting my lower lip.

"I need to find the groom.” I ratted out, pulling away from the wall hurriedly only to start storming towards the hallway in the west end of the large hall.

"Are you crazy?” Kora yelled, halting me from taking my next step.

“Whatever it is that's happening is none of your business." She stressed her words but I wasn't having it.

Though I haven't seen the bride yet, I was starting to resent her.

The bride was ruining everything. My opportunity. My business. My dreams.

“Do you have the bride’s contact?” I demanded, my voice sharp. “I need to find out what the hell is going on.”

Kora gawked at me like I had grown two heads. “Are you insane? This isn’t our problem…”

I wasn’t listening.

Right now, I was obsessed with the success of my career and nothing else mattered to me anymore. All I wanted was to get things straight.

Shoving me aside, Kora whispered, “Are you even listening to me?"

“No, I'm not." I mouthed and before she could resume running her mouth, I scooted away.

On arrival, I had barely taken three steps when a strong hand grabbed my wrist and before I could react, I was pulled into a dimly lit room.

My heart thundered in my chest. The air was thick with the scent of cologne. Rich, masculine, and oddly familiar.

A shadow loomed before me, and in the low light, I could barely make out the figure.

Then, a deep voice rumbled, low and commanding.

"It's been a while, North Kennedy."