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Chapter 12: No Expectations.
Last Updated:
2025-04-23 04:45:34
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The Replacement Bride Chapter 13: The Surprise
Hilary WindsorThe elevator doors opened with a soft chime. I stepped onto the top floor of Landon Global Market, heels clicking lightly against the floor.My blazer was fitted, my silk blouse tucked perfectly into high-waisted pants. I looked powerful.Heads turned. Conversations paused. The moment I walked past the reception desk, the whispers began.“She’s the one… the girl from the wedding.“Didn’t she crash it?”“I heard she betrayed her sister”“She’s working here now?I kept walking. My eyes ahead. Shoulders high.Let them talk. I wasn’t here for them.I followed the map I'd studied last night, all the way to the executive wing. The place smelled of polished wood, money, and control.Regina’s name was on the frosted glass door. I knocked once, then opened it.She was standing behind her desk, reviewing files. She looked up, confused for half a second then her confusion turned to fire.“Can I help you?” she asked, her tone sharp.“Yes.” I stepped inside. “I’m your newest employe
Last Updated : 2025-04-25The Replacement Bride Chapter 14: The Threat
Hilary WindsorBennett stood at the doorway, holding a brown parcel. He handed me the parcel.It had my name on it.Just a plain, ordinary parcel. No return address. No markings. Nothing that screamed danger.But the moment I opened it, my stomach twisted.Inside was a white envelope. I pulled it free, feeling the weight of something folded inside.Bennett stayed silent, eyes locked on me as I unfolded the glossy paper.My breath caught in my throat.It was a picture of me naked.Except... it wasn’t me.The background was wrong. The angle was wrong. Even the body didn’t look like mine. Not really. It was a bad fake, but realistic enough to fool someone at first glance.My hands shook slightly as I spotted the note taped underneath.“Stay away from Bennett. Or the public gets to see this.”I stared at the words for a long moment, my mind blank, the blood roaring in my ears.Anger, hot and immediate, burned through me.I turned to Bennett, hands trembling but voice steady.“This is Emil
Last Updated : 2025-04-28The Replacement Bride Chapter 15: The Lines we Crossed
Bennett LandonI got to the office earlier than usual, but the work in front of me barely registered. My mind had been stuck on that damn parcel since I woke up. The threat. The photo. The look on Hilary’s face when she opened it.The way Hilary had gone pale right before she nearly collapsed in my arms.I’d promised to handle it. So I would.I unlocked my phone and scrolled to the name I hadn’t dialed in months.Nate Calloway. It had been about a month since I last called him. The time I’d been trying to find Hilary that night.I scrolled to his name in my contacts and dialled his number.He answered on the second ring.“Well, well,” Nate drawled. “Bennett Landon calls me frequently? Should I be worried or impressed?”“I don’t call unless I need something.”“Which means you need something. Again.” He sounded like he was grinning. “Let me guess… trouble in paradise? The engagement’s all over the media. I gotta say, your new girl is… something.”“Don’t,” I warned, already annoyed.H
Last Updated : 2025-04-30The Replacement Bride Chapter 16: Who is Watching Me?
Hilary Windsor The penthouse was quiet, the soft ticking of the clock above the fireplace broke the stillness. I sat curled up on the edge of the sofa, a mug of tea cooling in my hand, untouched. The city lights blinked across the glass walls, but I wasn’t paying attention to them.I was waiting for Bennett.My thoughts kept circling back to what Emily said.“Do you really know what happened to your father?”I hadn’t been able to shake those words since they left her mouth.Then the front door creaked open, and I sat up quickly, my spine stiffening as my eyes locked on him.Bennett stepped inside, his tie loosened, his expression weary but soft when he saw me. “You’re back early,” I replied, my voice softer than I intended.He set down his briefcase and walked toward me. “You okay?”I didn’t answer right away. He took that as a cue and sat beside me, close enough for his presence to wrap around me like heat.“I went to see Emily,” I said quietly.His jaw tightened slightly.“I know,
Last Updated : 2025-05-02The Replacement Bride Chapter 1: The Windsor Fashion Show.
Hilary Windsor I stretched out on the couch, my legs dangling over the edge as I lazily flipped through TV channels. The faint crunch of chips filled the room as I chewed mindlessly, not paying attention much until the voice of the news anchor broke through.“This just in,” the anchor began, her smile practically lighting up the screen. “The highly anticipated Windsor fashion show is going on at the moment! Hosted by Emily Windsor herself, the event is set to showcase breathtaking masterpieces that will leave everyone in awe.”The chip in my hand froze mid-air. My sister, Emily Windsor. The name stung, a reminder of everything that seemed to revolve around her. I clicked the TV off with more force than necessary and tossed the remote aside, irritation simmering beneath my skin.I reached for my phone, scrolling through Instagram absentmindedly. When a stream appeared on my screen. My sister Emily’s face was up the screen, surrounded by elegant designs being paraded down the runway. M
Last Updated : 2025-04-03The Replacement Bride Chapter 2: The Betrayal.
Hilary Windsor My heart pounded as I stared at the laptop screen, my hands trembling as I refreshed the page, hoping and praying I was wrong. It was an online store, selling my work. My sketches, my designs. The same pieces I had just watched parade down the runway under Emily’s name.But this time, they had price tags attached.My fingers trembled as I clicked through the listings. Each design was marked “Exclusive Windsor Couture Collection.” My collection. And they were selling, orders pouring in, the numbers rising with each passing second.A sharp, burning sensation settled in my chest. I felt sick.Without thinking, I grabbed my phone and dialed my mother.She answered on the second ring. “Hilary, darling, it’s late. What is it?” Her voice was smooth and unbothered. “My designs. They’re being sold online. Under Windsor Couture.” I whispered, barely getting the words out.A beat of silence. Then a soft, amused chuckle. She's laughing? “Oh, sweetheart. Is that what this is ab
Last Updated : 2025-04-03The Replacement Bride Chapter 3: A Night of Bliss.
Bennett LandonThe meeting room was quiet, the air thick with anticipation. A group of executives sat in front of me, waiting for my decision.I glanced at the proposal in my hands. Profits, expansion plans, projections. On paper, it all looked good. But something was off.“This plan,” I said, tapping the document, “costs too much. Cut unnecessary expenses and focus on what actually brings in money.”The lead executive nodded quickly. “Yes, Mr. Landon. We’ll fix it right away.”I gave a small nod. “Good. Bring me a new version tomorrow.”As the meeting ended, my assistant, Daniel, handed me my schedule. “Dinner with your parents in an hour,” he reminded me.I sighed. “Of course.”*************The restaurant was elegant, the kind of place where deals were made over expensive wine and forced smiles.My mother was already seated, her posture perfect. My father barely looked up, focused on his watch. Always impatient.I slid into the seat across from them. “Mother, Father.” I acknowledge
Last Updated : 2025-04-03The Replacement Bride Chapter 4: The New Me
Hilary Windsor I stirred in my sleep, my head banging as I struggled to wake up. Slowly, I opened my eyes, trying to process where I was. This room was unfamiliar. It was large but simple, with gray walls and sleek furniture. The faint scent of cologne and fresh sheets filled the air.Where am I?Then I saw a man sleeping peacefully next to me. His face was still and calm, jawline softened in his sleep. My eyes widened as I noticed a faint lipstick stain on his white shirt. I gasped.Did I… spend a night with a stranger? “Did we do it?” I whispered, my heart pounding as I glanced down at myself under the duvet. Oh no.I'm naked!What have I done?I feel so tender between my legs…I pressed my hand on my temple, trying to steady my racing thoughts. Then, like a floodgate bursting open, memories of last night came rushing in.The bar. The drinks. The handsome stranger with the piercing blue eyes.My cheeks burned as flashes of last night filled my mind. His lips on mine, his hands
Last Updated : 2025-04-03
Latest chapter
The Replacement Bride Chapter 16: Who is Watching Me?
Hilary Windsor The penthouse was quiet, the soft ticking of the clock above the fireplace broke the stillness. I sat curled up on the edge of the sofa, a mug of tea cooling in my hand, untouched. The city lights blinked across the glass walls, but I wasn’t paying attention to them.I was waiting for Bennett.My thoughts kept circling back to what Emily said.“Do you really know what happened to your father?”I hadn’t been able to shake those words since they left her mouth.Then the front door creaked open, and I sat up quickly, my spine stiffening as my eyes locked on him.Bennett stepped inside, his tie loosened, his expression weary but soft when he saw me. “You’re back early,” I replied, my voice softer than I intended.He set down his briefcase and walked toward me. “You okay?”I didn’t answer right away. He took that as a cue and sat beside me, close enough for his presence to wrap around me like heat.“I went to see Emily,” I said quietly.His jaw tightened slightly.“I know,
The Replacement Bride Chapter 15: The Lines we Crossed
Bennett LandonI got to the office earlier than usual, but the work in front of me barely registered. My mind had been stuck on that damn parcel since I woke up. The threat. The photo. The look on Hilary’s face when she opened it.The way Hilary had gone pale right before she nearly collapsed in my arms.I’d promised to handle it. So I would.I unlocked my phone and scrolled to the name I hadn’t dialed in months.Nate Calloway. It had been about a month since I last called him. The time I’d been trying to find Hilary that night.I scrolled to his name in my contacts and dialled his number.He answered on the second ring.“Well, well,” Nate drawled. “Bennett Landon calls me frequently? Should I be worried or impressed?”“I don’t call unless I need something.”“Which means you need something. Again.” He sounded like he was grinning. “Let me guess… trouble in paradise? The engagement’s all over the media. I gotta say, your new girl is… something.”“Don’t,” I warned, already annoyed.H
The Replacement Bride Chapter 14: The Threat
Hilary WindsorBennett stood at the doorway, holding a brown parcel. He handed me the parcel.It had my name on it.Just a plain, ordinary parcel. No return address. No markings. Nothing that screamed danger.But the moment I opened it, my stomach twisted.Inside was a white envelope. I pulled it free, feeling the weight of something folded inside.Bennett stayed silent, eyes locked on me as I unfolded the glossy paper.My breath caught in my throat.It was a picture of me naked.Except... it wasn’t me.The background was wrong. The angle was wrong. Even the body didn’t look like mine. Not really. It was a bad fake, but realistic enough to fool someone at first glance.My hands shook slightly as I spotted the note taped underneath.“Stay away from Bennett. Or the public gets to see this.”I stared at the words for a long moment, my mind blank, the blood roaring in my ears.Anger, hot and immediate, burned through me.I turned to Bennett, hands trembling but voice steady.“This is Emil
The Replacement Bride Chapter 13: The Surprise
Hilary WindsorThe elevator doors opened with a soft chime. I stepped onto the top floor of Landon Global Market, heels clicking lightly against the floor.My blazer was fitted, my silk blouse tucked perfectly into high-waisted pants. I looked powerful.Heads turned. Conversations paused. The moment I walked past the reception desk, the whispers began.“She’s the one… the girl from the wedding.“Didn’t she crash it?”“I heard she betrayed her sister”“She’s working here now?I kept walking. My eyes ahead. Shoulders high.Let them talk. I wasn’t here for them.I followed the map I'd studied last night, all the way to the executive wing. The place smelled of polished wood, money, and control.Regina’s name was on the frosted glass door. I knocked once, then opened it.She was standing behind her desk, reviewing files. She looked up, confused for half a second then her confusion turned to fire.“Can I help you?” she asked, her tone sharp.“Yes.” I stepped inside. “I’m your newest employe
The Replacement Bride Chapter 12: No Expectations.
Hilary WindsorThe morning sun filtered through the tall windows, casting soft light across the room. I sat up slowly, the sheets still warm around me, and took a moment to remember where I was.The king-sized bed. The tall Windows. The empty space beside me.Bennett was gone. A sigh escaped my lips as I sat up fully, stretching my arms above my head. The soft, familiar scent of fresh cologne and something more subtle, like his natural warmth filled the air.I looked over at the bedside table and saw a neat cup of coffee, still warm, sitting next to a next to a small note.“Out for work. I Will be back soon. Don't miss me too much”A small smile crept on my lips as I read the words. Something about it made me feel at ease… almost comforting.Then I suddenly remembered what he said Last night.“She's beautiful and I have feelings for her”He was talking about me.His words rang in my head, along with the weight of his gaze as he said them. My heart fluttered at the thought.A part of
The Replacement Bride Chapter 11: Settling In.
Bennett LandonAfter dropping Hilary off at Liam’s apartment, I didn’t drive off right away. I sat there for a moment, engine running, watching the building across the street.I didn’t like letting her go in alone not after everything she’d just told me.Her voice still echoed in my mind. Calm, but filled with pain. She’d told me about growing up in a house where love came with conditions. About Vivian’s control. Emily’s betrayal. And how Liam broke her like she didn’t matter.She'd carried all that for years, quietly. Still standing. Still fighting.That kind of strength doesn’t come from luck. It comes from surviving hell.I didn’t want to crowd her. She said she could handle it but my hands tightened on the steering wheel anyway.Then I noticed the ring box sitting in the center console.“Of course,” I muttered, exhaling. She’d left it behind.I reached for the car handle, thinking I’d catch her before she got too far. But just then, I saw her car pull out of the lot and take a sha
The Replacement Bride Chapter 10: It's Official
I didn’t plan to tell him everything. But once I started, I couldn't stop. The words just pourer out. I told Bennett about my childhood. How my real mother died giving birth to me and how my father was the only light in my world until he married Vivian. I told him how I spent my entire life trying to earn scraps of love from my family, only to realize they never intended to give me any. Always being pushed aside, ignored and used. I also told him about the stolen designs. How Emily took credit for work and how Vivian watched it happen. I told him about Liam, how I walked in and saw the people I loved and trusted… destroyed me. And when I finally stopped, I realized I was breathing harder than I should. A tear threatening to blur my vision. I wasn't even crying. Not yet. But I could feel it rising. I had to control it. Bennett didn't speak right away. He didn't interrupt. He just listened. Then he met my eyes and said “I’ll help you,” his voice low and measured. I
The Replacement Bride Chapter 9: The Deal
Hilary WindsorMy body stilled as Bennett’s warm lips brushed mine. His kiss was soft, reassuring. Not rushed or wild like before. I could have pulled away. I should have. But I didn’t.I kissed him back.Right there. In front of everyone. In front of my family. Like the world had stopped spinning and it was just the two of us.It was quiet, steady… comforting. And that scared me more than anything.I didn’t want it to end.He pulled back slowly, his hand still resting at my waist. His eyes searched mine.“Let’s get out of here,” he said softly.The room was dead silent. Gasps and whispers hung thick in the air.Vivian’s face twisted with rage. Emily looked like she might faint.“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Emily’s voice cracked as she stepped forward, her heels clicking against the marble floor. “You’ve been sleeping with my fiancé behind my back?”I turned to her, calm as ever. “Oh, Emily, please. You slept with my husband for months. I had one night with him. And let’s not forget
The Replacement Bride Chapter 8: The Proposal.
Bennett LandonThe sitting room smelled of lavender and fresh flowers, all my mother’s doing, no doubt. She liked appearances. Everything had to look perfect, especially when company came over.The Windsors sat across from us on the cream velvet sofas. Beside her, Emily giggled too loudly at something that wasn’t funny. My parents sat opposite them, smiling politely.And me?I sat with a glass of wine in my hand, silent. Watching.The topic had circled around the wedding for the past half hour.“So,” Vivian said, crossing her legs, “we’re thinking white orchids for the aisle. And Emily’s dress is being designed by a private couturier from Paris.”Emily chimed in excitement in her voice, “Everything is going to be perfect. The press will go crazy.”My mother, Regina, smiled tightly. “Of course. It will reflect well on both families.”“Don’t forget the guest list,” Vivian added. “Royalty, business tycoons, influencers. A very curated crowd.”My father, Benjamin, gave a short nod. “As lo
