The Substitute Wife of a Paralyzed CEO

“Abort your pregnancy.”The voice pierced straight to Victoria's heart. The unexpected yet clear words came from the woman in front of her, Chelsea Lancaster. With trembling hands, Victoria stared at the check lying on the table. The amount written on it was enough to change anyone's life. Enough to buy a mansion, a car, even temporary freedom. But it was not the freedom she wanted. Not the freedom she was looking for.Seeing that the young woman in front of her seemed interested in the check she gave, Chelsea said again. “Take this check, and leave my son. Live well, away from our family. It's the only way out for you.” She folded her arms across her chest, her smile cold and haughty.Victoria stared at the check with a turbulent heart. The hand that had been hesitating, now trembled more strongly. What was Chelsea thinking? Did this woman really believe she could just erase her from their lives? Not to mention her eyes that repeatedly looked at the check and the woman sitting in fro

It was Victoria's only day off. She had deliberately requested a concurrent day off between her work at the clinic and the convenience store, so that she could be with her daughter all day at the hospital. After not seeing Abby for two days, Victoria was determined to make up for it by bringing her daughter's favorite chicken soup that she had prepared since morning.Victoria was busy stirring the pot in the kitchen when a familiar voice interrupted her at the door. “Looks like someone's having fun today,” Lucy Hayes, Victoria's sister, said sarcastically. Lucy stood in the doorway, playing with the ends of her wavy hair as she looked at Victoria with a mocking gaze. Visually, Lucy was beautiful, and it was often a point of comparison for their family.“I'm going to see Abby,” Victoria replied briefly, her focus back on the vegetables she was chopping.“Oh, so the poor sickly child is awake?” commented Lucy in a dismissive tone.Victoria's hands stopped for a moment. She took a deep b

That day, Victoria had prepared herself earlier than usual. Today was her schedule to visit Abigail in the hospital. Anna, her daughter's caregiver, had sent her a photo that morning. In the photo, Abigail looked cheerful with her nanny. Anna also shared the good news that Abigail's condition had stabilized over the past few days.A bright smile was etched on Victoria's face. She made Abigail's favorite food as a small token of attention for her daughter. Not only that, but without realizing it, she also made breakfast for Logan-perhaps in gratitude that he hadn't refused her therapy. Even though their marriage was just a formality, Victoria felt she still had to honor Logan as her husband.Victoria knocked gently on Logan's bedroom door. In her hand was a tray with a cup of hot coffee and toast. “Sir,” she called in a soft voice. “Are you awake?”From inside, Logan's voice rang out, stern as ever. “What's wrong?”The cold tone didn't surprise Victoria. She smiled a little, relieved t

Grace looked at Victoria with a sharp look that made the atmosphere in the room feel heavier than ever. “You didn't forget your duty, did you?” she asked.Victoria tried to keep a calm expression as she stabbed at a piece of fruit on her plate. She couldn't afford to look nervous or suspicious, especially since she had secretly begun to investigate the effects of the medicine given to Logan.“No, Auntie. I make sure Mr. Logan takes it regularly,” she replied in a flat tone.Grace smiled slightly. “Good.” She leaned back, a little more relaxed than before. Those piercing eyes softened, but Victoria knew full well this woman never really let her guard down.The conversation that followed was mostly about cooperative projects with the Dallas Corp-things that were too complicated and unfamiliar for Victoria. She felt she shouldn't be here, but Logan's cold, piercing blue gaze kept her from leaving the room.“Th

Victoria looked at the schedule Logan had given her. To be honest, she was surprised by how busy he was. Although Logan was almost always in his office, his to-do list made it seem as if he controlled the entire world from his wheelchair.Ben, Logan's assistant, was often the guard who made sure no one came near his employer's work room. In fact, the rumor in the house was that anyone who dared to disturb Logan could expect to have things knocked out of his hands.“Have a seat, miss,” Ben said as he pulled out a chair for Victoria.“Thank you, Ben,” she replied softly. She shifted in her chair and looked at Logan's desk, which was cluttered with files.This room was located in the left wing, quite far from the main building. To get here, Victoria had to pass through a beautiful, well-maintained garden. However, the beauty could not diminish the tension that enveloped her every step towards Logan Ashford's office-a room that was forbidden to approach while its owner was inside.Logan sa