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Chapter 6: The Substitute Husband

(Lander POV)

I walked out of the canteen, fury boiling in my veins like a volcano about to erupt. I could no longer understand myself—why did I feel this tightness in my chest? And why was I acting with her as if I were a real, jealous husband?

"Man, stop for a second! Your actions are becoming so obvious they’re starting to raise suspicions!" my friend said, breathless as he tried to keep up with me.

I turned to him and snapped with a sharpness that startled him, "Shut up! I’m just frustrated with this whole situation, and I don’t want to hear another word."

I stopped abruptly when I caught a glimpse of Aria walking with long, quick strides, trying to escape from the place—and from me. I felt a possessive urge to stop her. I caught up to her in seconds and gripped her arm firmly, forcing her to halt. She turned to me, her eyes shimmering with a mix of surprise, fear, and a hint of defiance.

"L-Lander? What are you doing? Why are you following me?" she asked, her voice trembling as she tried to stay composed.

"Where are you going so fast?" I asked coldly, my eyes piercing through hers.

"I'm going home. I have many things to arrange. Let go of my arm, you're hurting me."

I didn't let go. Instead, I pulled her toward the car, saying, "No, you're not going alone. We’re going to the studio right now. The wedding photoshoot can't wait; the ceremony is tomorrow."

She didn't argue much when she saw the determination in my eyes. She sat beside me in silence, and I drove off at high speed, the silence between us so heavy I could hear my own erratic heartbeat.

(Aria POV)

I watched the road, sparks of hidden anger in my eyes. I was thinking about this man sitting next to me—how did he think he owned me? I wanted to provoke him; I wanted to break the cold facade he was maintaining.

"How are things with Irish?" I asked suddenly, my voice dripping with coldness.

He replied without blinking, "Fine. Our relationship is as strong and stable as it has always been."

"That’s truly wonderful... but has your girlfriend been informed that tomorrow we will stand before the church and exchange vows?"

That was when he dropped the bombshell that made the blood freeze in my veins: "Yes, she knows everything. In fact, she’ll be moving into my house with us as soon as the wedding is over."

I turned to him in shock and pure rage. "What?! Are you insane? Why would that woman live with us in one house? Do you want to humiliate me?"

He responded with total indifference, his words stinging like a whip: "Don’t overreact. Remember well that I am just a substitute husband in a temporary contract on paper, not a real marriage built on love. Irish has lived in my house for years; this is a natural situation and it won't change now for your sake."

I looked back out the window, clenching my fists so hard my nails dug into my skin. A temporary contract? Fine, Lander. You think you’re smart? I’ll make this contract a noose around your neck, and I’ll turn your house into a hell that neither you nor your mistress can endure.

"Don't worry," he added, as if tossing away scraps of food. "We’ll have separate rooms. I’ll give you all the privacy you need."

"Fine... as you wish," I muttered through gritted teeth.

(Lander POV)

We arrived at the studio, where my photographer friend was waiting with a mysterious smile. He pulled me aside, glancing at Aria as she wandered coldly through the place, examining the cameras.

"Man, are you sure about this? Are you going to sacrifice Irish’s status and marry an ordinary girl like this just because you're playing the substitute for your brother? She doesn't seem to be on our level at all!" he asked with clear mockery.

I said with annoyance, feeling the urge to silence him, "I told you repeatedly, it’s just a business agreement, and Irish understands the situation perfectly."

My friend shook his head, laughing sarcastically. "Be careful, Lander. Girls who look this calm and simple can be more dangerous and cunning than you imagine. Don’t let her beauty make you forget who Irish is."

I ignored him and said sternly, "Stop the chatter and just do your job."

Aria went with the makeup artists to change, and I went to put on my black formal suit. I waited in the main hall for a long time, my patience wearing thin.

"What’s taking so long?" I asked the photographer sharply. "Are you creating a new woman in there?"

The photographer laughed, "Relax, groom. The bride always needs time to emerge like a queen."

Suddenly, everything in the studio went silent.

The door opened slowly, and I froze in place as if struck by a lightning bolt. Aria walked out in a white wedding dress adorned with delicate details. She wasn't the ordinary girl I had seen moments ago. She was terrifyingly breathtaking; the dress hugged her body in a way that highlighted her enchanting silhouette, and her hair and makeup brought out her regal features.

"Damn! Is that really you?" I asked in total disbelief, my throat feeling dry.

"Yes, Lander. It’s me," she replied, stepping toward me with confident strides and a defiant look in her eyes. "The wife who has to deal with a substitute husband like you."

I looked at her, and at the mysterious glint in her eyes. In that moment, for the first time, I felt fear... I realized that the "temporary contract" I had planned might become the trap I’d spend the rest of my life in, and that I, the substitute husband, was about to be destroyed by the very storm I invited in.