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The Ceremony (1)
Last Updated:
2025-04-08 05:11:13
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The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Ceremony (2)
ARIAThe walk to the ceremony pavilion is a blur of white roses and curious stares.Five hundred faces turn once I appear linking arms with my father's.I feel their eyes cataloging every detail. The dress, the jewelry, the transformation of Robert Taylor's unremarkable daughter into Xavier Harrington's bride.The pavilion itself is a marvel of design. A crystalline structure is erected specifically for this day, its transparent walls offering views of the estate's manicured grounds while protecting the guests from any hint of natural disorder. White roses climb the supports, their scent almost overwhelming in the enclosed space.And at the end of the aisle, waiting beneath an arch of yet more white roses, stands Xavier Harrington.He is perfection incarnate in his custom tuxedo. His dark hair is immaculately styled and his posture military in its precision.He is everything a bride could want. Handsome, wealthy, powerful.And he isn't looking at me.I process down the aisle on my fat
Last Updated : 2025-04-08The Substitute Bride's Revenge Wedding Night
ARIAThe Harrington penthouse occupies the top three floors of a sleek glass tower in Manhattan, its floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city that never sleeps.At one in the morning, those windows reflect my solitary figure as I stand in the master suite, still wearing my wedding gown, waiting for a husband who isn't here.Xavier has disappeared as soon as we'd arrived, muttering something about "checking messages" before vanishing into what I presume is his office.That has been two hours ago. The suite is silent except for the distant hum of the city below and the occasional ping of my phone as congratulatory messages arrive from people who have no idea what my marriage actually entails.The wedding coordinator had arranged for a maid to help me out of my complicated gown, but I've sent the woman away, preferring to be alone with my thoughts.Now I struggle with the dozens of tiny buttons running down my spine. My arms ache as I twist to reach them, my fingers c
Last Updated : 2025-04-08The Substitute Bride's Revenge Wedding Night (2)
ARIAI stand motionless for several minutes, shock and humiliation warring with a cold, growing anger.This is worse than I had imagined and more degrading than I had prepared myself for. Not just a loveless marriage, but a complete denial of my humanity, my worth, my very existence as anything other than a contract obligation.I move to the door Xavier had indicated when I can trust my legs to support me, opening it to find a beautifully appointed suite that is nonetheless clearly secondary to the master bedroom.It is smaller with fewer windows decorated in muted tones that wouldn't draw attention. A place designed for invisibility, for someone to be tucked away when not needed for public display.I close the door without entering and turn back to the master suite. If Xavier wants me invisible, I will become so. However, not before understanding exactly what I'm dealing with, what weapons might be available in this cold war he has declared.I didn’t take the time to thoroughly read t
Last Updated : 2025-04-10The Substitute Bride's Revenge New Home
Morning light filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the guest suite, lighting up dust particles dancing in the air. Proof that despite how perfect the Harrington penthouse looks, even here, imperfection exists if you look close enough.I stand at the window, watching the city wake up thirty stories below. My reflection's like a ghost on the glass.The woman staring back at me is a stranger. Dark circles under my eyes, my natural curls fighting back after yesterday's straightened wedding style, and my brown skin looking ashen from exhaustion.Xavier took off for Tokyo at exactly 5:30 AM, not bothering to tell me himself only to have Michael knock on my door at 7:00 AM, his face professionally blank as he hands me a thick folder."Your schedule and transportation details for the week, Mrs. Harrington," he says, using my new name like he's been saying it forever. "The car will arrive at 9:00 AM to take you to the estate. Your belongings have already been moved to your assigned q
Last Updated : 2025-04-11The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Harrington Family
Sunday arrives with the weight of inevitability.The family dinner I've been dreading all week looms before me like an execution.For six days, I've followed the punishing schedule set out for me: enduring Trainer Mateo's obvious contempt as he pushes my body to its limits, suffering through Genevieve's increasingly frustrated attempts to alter clothes that refuse to hang properly on my curves, submitting to endless lectures on Harrington family history and protocol.Now, standing in my suite as a stylist applies the finishing touches to my hair, I study my reflection with detachment.The woman in the mirror is a constructed illusion. My natural curls are tamed into what Patricia deemed a "more sophisticated" style, my makeup applied to emphasize my cheekbones and "minimize the fullness" of my lips, my body poured into a navy blue dress that Genevieve finally declared "acceptable if you don't move too suddenly.""Mrs. Harrington will be pleased with the improvement," the stylist murmur
Last Updated : 2025-04-12The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Harrington Family (2)
ARIAXavier, who has been studying the contents of his glass with apparent fascination looks up at this. "Aria's academic credentials were thoroughly checked before the arrangement was finalized, Grandma. She meets all the specified requirements."The delivered assessment as if I'm not standing right here, is more painful than Sophia's open hostility. To Xavier, I'm a checklist of requirements, nothing more."Dinner is ready, Mrs. Harrington," announces a staff member from the doorway, providing a momentary reprieve from the tension.The dining room continues the theme of intimidating opulence. A massive table that could seat twenty but is set for only five, crystal chandeliers casting cold light over Limoges china and sterling silver place settings, fresh flowers arranged in towering displays that ensure conversation requires leaning around them.Eleanor takes her place at the head of the table, with Harold and Xavier flanking her. Sophia moves to sit beside her brother, leaving me th
Last Updated : 2025-04-13The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Matriarch
ARIADays crawl by with agonizing slowness, and I often catch myself wishing time would just move faster. Everything stays quiet after that dinner with Xavier’s family last Sunday—until Tuesday, exactly at 3:00 PM, when a new summons arrives."Mrs. Eleanor Harrington requests your presence for tea in the east garden at 3:30," Mrs. Prescott delivers it with the gravity of a royal decree.Her tone makes it clear this isn't an invitation but a command. "Appropriate attire would be a day dress, nothing too casual."I glance down at the tailored slacks and silk blouse I've been permitted to wear for my morning session with the etiquette coach and nod. "I'll change right away.""Very wise," Mrs. Prescott replies. "Mrs. Harrington appreciates punctuality and proper presentation."As the housekeeper leaves, I move to my closet, surveying the limited selection of Harrington-approved garments.I've learned to read the subtle hierarchies embedded in every interaction, every instruction, every exp
Last Updated : 2025-04-13The Substitute Bride's Revenge Cruel Cousins
The Harrington family compound in Aspen sprawls across thirty acres of prime mountainside real estate, a collection of rustic-luxe buildings that manage to appear both authentically alpine and obscenely expensive.The main house was a 15,000-square-foot structure of reclaimed timber and glass. It commands views of the surrounding peaks that feature prominently in architectural magazines and the I*******m accounts of the various Harrington family members who use the property as backdrop for their curated public personas.I've been dreading the annual family retreat since Michael added it to my schedule three weeks ago. Two weeks at the Aspen compound with the entire extended Harrington clan including Eleanor, Harold , Sophia, and a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles I've yet to meet seems like an exercise in prolonged humiliation."It's tradition," Xavier explained curtly when I asked if my presence was truly necessary. "All Harrington spouses attend. Your absence would be noticed."Tra
Last Updated : 2025-04-15
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The Substitute Bride's Revenge Drugged
ARIAEvening comes too fast.I wear a tiny recording device hidden in a pearl pendant that looks expensive enough to match my outfit but works perfectly to record whatever happens.I’ve instructed Dave to call me every thirty minutes, giving me a reason to check my phone regularly.Most importantly, I make sure to take activated charcoal. It won't completely stop drugs, but it might slow them down enough to keep me functioning.Looking in the mirror, I see a woman ready for battle. My deep red lipstick stands out against my brown skin. My hair is pulled back tight. My eyes, though, show my tension.I take a deep breath, steadying myself for what's coming.I walk into The Luxes Suite's fancy restaurant at 7:55 PM.Crystal chandeliers throw warm light over white tablecloths and shiny silverware with soft jazz playing in the background.The host greets me with practiced smoothness before leading me through the dining room where rich people talk in hushed voices.I scan each table as we p
The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Setup
ARIAXavier approaches me in the parking garage the next morning, his manner surprisingly friendly.I brace myself and square my shoulders."Aria, I think we've let this situation get way too nasty." His voice bounces slightly off the concrete walls.He's dressed perfectly as always in a charcoal suit.I keep my distance, very aware we're in a blind spot between security cameras. The garage's pillars block the view from both directions.Not a coincidence, I'm sure."Really? The bugs in my house and threats suggest otherwise.""Maybe things have gone too far on both sides." His tone is all friendly and body language open. "I propose we talk about divorce terms like adults over dinner. On neutral ground.""Why the sudden change of heart?" I study his face, looking for tells.The tiny twitch at the corner of his mouth. The fake warmth that doesn't reach his eyes all suggest something fishy."The board's concerned. I'm just being practical." He shrugs, too casual to be real. "This battle
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Vivian's Plan
ARIAI head to Xavier’s office the next morning, closing the door behind me.The familiar scent of Vivian’s strong cologne turns my stomach.He sits behind his massive mahogany desk like a physical barrier between us and a symbol of the power he thinks gives him the right to invade my privacy."Surveillance, Xavier? Really? That's your play now?""I don't know what you're talking about." His fingers continue typing on his keyboard, not even bothering to look up at me."The bugs in my suite. The security restrictions. Reassigning Rebecca."Xavier finally leans back in his chair with his expression cold. "Business decisions, all of them. Nothing personal.""We both know that's a lie." My voice remains steady, controlled, though my hands shake with rage.Xavier flash me a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Be careful, Aria. You should consider your safety before continuing this... resistance. Things can happen. Accidents. Misunderstandings." He adjusts his platinum cufflinks with deliber
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Public Image & Ultimatum
ARIAAnother sleepless night spent staring at the ceiling passes before I finally drag myself out of bed, bracing for yet another draining day ahead.Xavier hasn’t returned home since the divorce battle began and honestly, I prefer it that way. In this house, with enemies lurking behind every polished smile, one mistake could cost me everything… even my life.The lights of the convention center ballroom blaze down on me as I prepare to give the keynote at the Annual Financial Innovation Summit.The room buzzes with industry leaders sipping champagne. My keynote. My moment."You ready?" Rebecca asks, offering a glass of water."Born ready." I smooth the lapel of my red suit. I don’t blend in. I stand out. “Mrs. Harrington,” the summit organizer calls me.“I’d prefer to be addressed as Ms. Taylor. Professionally,” I correct her with a calm smile and a subtle separation from Xavier’s shadow as I take the stage.My accolades are listed: my consultancy roots, my innovations, the 30% intern
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Clients Support
ARIAMorning light filters through my office blinds as I methodically skim through evidence of my contributions to Harrington.I pull up emails showing my strategic input on our most successful projects.Financial reports tell their own story. I create a spreadsheet tracking quarterly growth under my financial direction, highlighting the upward trajectory since I took over as CFO.The numbers don't lie—our profitability has increased consistently under my leadership."Rebecca," I call through the intercom. "Could you gather the client testimonials from the Asian projects and the Davidson account? The ones where they specifically mentioned my involvement?"She appears in my doorway minutes later, files in hand. "I added the Archer Group testimonial too. They were explicit about working with us because of your reputation.""Perfect!" I smile gratefully. "And could you pull the documentation on the automated reporting system I implemented last year? The one that reduced our quarterly clo
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Legal Consultation
ARIAKatherine Deck' office takes up the top floor of a discreet building in the financial district.The reception area screams understated elegance. Quality furniture without being flashy, showing professional success without needing to brag about it.The vibe matches what my research revealed about Katherine herself: substance over style, real excellence over appearances.The receptionist takes me straight to Katherine's office despite the late hour.The attorney stands up as I enter. She’s a tall woman in her fifties with dark hair and sharp eyes that miss nothing.Her handshake is firm and direct, her assessment equally so as she gestures toward a seating area more comfortable for a long conversation than her formal desk."Thanks for fitting me in on such short notice," I start, placing my document portfolio on the table between us."High-conflict divorces rarely come with convenient scheduling," Katherine responds. "My assistant mentioned business complications mixed with the divo
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Refusal
ARIAThe 48-hour deadline ticks down to its final hours when I return the divorce papers to Xavier's office. Each page is covered in my red ink markings, rejecting every inadequate term.My note stays simple: "Inadequate and unacceptable!"I also attach all my documentation: financial reports showing company growth directly from my projects, client acquisition records with revenue impact, strategic initiatives I developed with resulting profitability metrics. The evidence creates an undeniable record of value creation far exceeding the settlement he offered.I add a final page quoting specific language from our original contract about dissolution terms—language Xavier's proposal completely ignores.The message is simple: I know exactly what I'm legally entitled to, and I have the documentation to back it up.Xavier responds through his lawyers rather than personally. They send another threatening message giving me 48 more hours to accept the original terms before they "pursue alternati
The Substitute Bride's Revenge Divorce Demand
ARIAThe morning after catching Xavier and Vivian together, I walk into my office to find a sealed envelope sitting dead center on my desk. "Personal and Confidential" it says in bold letters, with the fancy embossed logo of Xavier's personal lawyers, not Harrington's regular attorneys.I shut my door before opening it. Inside are about fifty pages of legal crap, with "Petition for Dissolution of Marriage" right at the top in big, bold letters.Divorce papers. Not exactly shocking after last night, but the timing right after the board meeting where they restructured everything shows this was all planned out.I flip through the document, my finance brain kicking in despite feeling being punched in the gut.The settlement terms jump out immediately. He’s offering a lump sum that's less than 20% of what our original contract guaranteed. The number completely ignores everything I've done for Harrington's growth, all the value I've created, and the specific compensation our prenup spelled
The Substitute Bride's Revenge The Confrontation
ARIAAfter another day of Xavier playing hide-and-seek, I've had enough.The manila envelope feels heavy in my hands. Inside are all the receipts I've been collecting.Hard evidence he can't just brush off with more of his bullshit excuses.My plan seems reasonable - leave this with a note asking for an honest conversation. No drama, no screaming match. Just grown-ups dealing with a problem.Xavier's study door is usually locked, his sacred man cave where even I'm not supposed to go without an invitation now. But today, the heavy oak door swings open when I push it.What I see makes my blood freeze.Xavier's on the leather couch with Vivian practically in his lap.Her blouse is half unbuttoned showing lacy bra underneath. His tie is thrown on the floor, and his hand is wrapped around her waist like he owns her.They break apart when they hear me with shocked expressions.For a second, nobody moves. The envelope dangles from my numb fingers as my brain struggles to process what I'm see
