My Bride Swapped Herself for a Fool

The groomsmen were stunned. They were here to play pranks on the engaged couple as was custom, but the scene they witnessed made them pause. "You really have some nerve, Carol, making Justin Leeds spend his wedding night with some halfwit!" said one."Today's your big day! Even jokes have their limits, surely?"Carol Barnes arched a brow impassively. "What's it to you? As his fiancée, I don't mind. What's he got to feel bad for?"She walked up to me as she spoke, her tone menacing. "You made Caleb look like a complete idiot in front of everyone, even docking his bonus for half a year. I'm getting even."Either spend a night with the halfwit, or this marriage is off!"Rather than feeling angry, I was reeling from how absurd the situation was.Last month, Caleb Smith, my assistant, accompanied me to an auction. However, he threw all my instructions out the window and started waving the paddle wildly.This resulted in my company acquiring the collection at a price much higher tha

At the sight of her concern for Caleb, contrasting with the indifference she'd shown me, I felt a dull ache pierce through the part of my heart that I thought had already frozen over.The last bit of affection I had for her had finally vanished.I nodded, pulling out my copy of the marriage certificate. "That's up to you, but there's no need to make up for the wedding. I've already married Layla."Carol's face turned ashen when she saw the document in my hands."Are you kidding me, Justin? You actually went ahead and married that halfwit?" she exclaimed.“You must be out of your mind to do something like this. If word gets out, how am I supposed to show up in public?”Up until now, she only cared about appearances. After all, if word got out that the esteemed CEO of Leeds Group had married a halfwit instead of her, the ridicule she'd have to endure was boundless.Caleb sneered drunkenly, his words slurring. "I really have to hand it to you—going to such lengths just to spite

"Here to steal my groom, Carol?" came the voice again.Everyone turned around, only to see Layla standing at the doorway in her wedding gown.Her back was straight, her chin slightly raised, and her gaze razor sharp as she scanned the entire room.She then walked toward me, her gait measured.She exuded an air that made her seem like a completely different person from the foolish, clueless girl she used to be.All eyes were fixed on her, and the entire hall fell silent."What the hell are you on about, you halfwit? Justin was always my fiance. Do you really think he'd ever be with a simpleton like you?"In a fit of rage, Carol raised her hand to slap Layla.Immediately, Layla tightened her grip on Carol's wrist before shoving her back hard.The tremendous force sent Carol stumbling, nearly causing her to fall. Her face was frozen in shock."Layla, how dare you push me?" Carol shrieked.Over the years, Layla had been nothing more than a punching bag for Carol.Whenever she w

Layla remained impassive as she watched Carol beg and plead."Spare her? When she killed my mother all those years ago, did she ever think to show mercy?"Layla took a deep breath, her pent-up hatred finally erupting. "And my bastard of a father. For him to die earlier from illness? He got off too easy!"Just then, a lawyer strode in. He approached Layla and handed her a document respectfully in front of all the cameras."Ms. Higgins, based on the legal procedures and the evidence provided, the inheritance rights to Mr. Aaron Barnes' assets are now yours. How would you like to proceed?"Layla didn't even spare the document a glance. "Dissolve the company and donate all assets to charity. I don't want a penny of that bastard's blood money."After speaking, her gaze turned to Carol again, who sat ashen-faced on the floor.She smirked coldly. "What a shame, Carol. You're no longer the heiress of the Barnes family. Like your mother, you have no rights to anything."Layla didn't

Just then, Layla emerged from the garden, holding an umbrella. "Absolutely not."As soon as Carol saw Layla, her gaze turned manic."You bitch! It's all your fault I'm in this mess. If it weren't for you, Justin wouldn't have treated me like this. You ruined my life!" she yelled.Suddenly, she pulled out a kitchen knife from her pocket and lunged maliciously at Layla.In a flash, I pulled Layla behind me, taking the hit for her. The blade plunged deep into my left shoulder. The searing pain made me gasp sharply as warm blood stained my shirt crimson.Carol watched as the blood began to drip down the handle, her hands shaking violently.She released the blade, her hands frantically coming up to apply pressure on the wound."I-I didn't mean to hurt you, Justin! Why did you take the hit for that bitch?" she wailed.I gritted my teeth, shooting her a sharp glare. "Layla is my wife! It's my duty to protect her, no matter what!"Upon hearing my righteous words, Carol lost all stre