All Chapters of His Substitute Bride : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Finn’s POVIt was getting harder to pretend I didn’t care.North had always had that effect on me. Her sharp tongue, impossible eyes, and a mouth that could curse me out in five languages if I pushed the right buttons. But under that fire was someone I used to know. Someone who used to reach for me in the dark and hold on like I was her entire world.But now?Now she barely looked at me without a hint of anger and resentment in her voice. And the worst part was I still wanted her even after everything.If I had one wish that could be granted immediately, it would be turning our fake marriage into a real one. But North had no intention of letting me in. Every time I got close, she shoved me back like the idea of loving me again made her skin crawl.And maybe I deserved it but it still burned.Thanks to her, David Langston had offered me the contract on a platter. I wasn't going to tell her but I was going to repay her for keeping our pictures which came handy at this critical time.

North’s POV Though I was surprised to be receiving a call from Liam this morning, I still decided to receive the call. “Please excuse me." I said to Kora as I stepped out of the office, my phone pressed against my ear."Hey, North." Liam chirped like we were old time friends doing some catching up. “Hey," I replied, unsure of what to say as my eyes darted around the stairs I was leaning against. “I was just checking in. How was the trip?" He asked."It went well.” I replied, leaning against the wall this time as I stared at the vending machine at the end of the corridor. “So what are you doing right now? Are you busy?" He asked, eliciting a sharp nod from me.“Finn helped me secure a contract so I'm drafting out my first plan.” I replied, twirling my hair around my finger, a smile tingling the side of my lips."That’s my girl, I know you are going to give a top notch service." There was a smile in his voice which I didn't miss. "Do you think we can catch up later this week? Mayb

Finn’s POVThe glass was sweating in my hand but the rim was cold against my fingers. I swirled what was left of my whiskey as the ice clinked against the glass like a pendulum bob.On my right was Raiden, my best friend. I had sounded serious while I was telling him what went down between me and North this morning but he found it funny and had been laughing non stop. Right now, the only thought ringing in my head was to push him off the stool. "You seriously said that?" He finally said, a glint of amusement in his eyes. He was holding his side which was probably aching from laughing too much. "You performed your own part of the bargain and you expected a thank you? For doing your job?" he laughed again.Shooting him a glare, I rolled my eyes. "Just spelling out the two words wouldn't hurt her. She should be grateful I played my part." I huffed, sipping from my glass. "Come on, Finn. You signed a contract. She's not going to kiss your boots for it.""I don’t want her to kiss my b

North’s POVThe excitement brewing up in my chest, I haven't experienced it in a long while now. Last night, I completed the paperwork for the purchase of my building and this morning, the contractor I had hired was going to commence work. The moment the taxi pulled up in front of my new building, I paid my fare, jumped out of the vehicle like it was going to be demolished the next minute and ran all the way to the elevator.The smell of sawdust and tile adhesive welcomed me as I made my way to the center of the unfinished prep kitchen with my arms crossed.My kingdom was coming together slowly, it was no longer a day dream but a reality now. Turning around, my gaze fell on the industrial fridge, it wasn’t ready, but it was there waiting to be installed. Kora stood a few feet away, talking with one of the contractors about backsplash tile. Her voice echoed in the open space, confident and efficient as always. She must have felt my gaze on her because she turned around and gave me

Finn’s POVMy heart was pulsating. I felt threatened with Liam’s presence and I didn't mind doing everything to make sure I kept him away from her. “Please tell me anything you need, I will make sure you get it.” I pressed on, staring at her with a hopeless look. When she didn’t speak for a while, I thought I had finally won her over. She just stood there, still as stone and her eyes were distant. For a second, I allowed myself to believe she was softening, that maybe, just maybe, I had managed to get through to her but then she broke the silence.“I don’t need anything,” she said. And with that one sentence, she walked away. Stunned with her straight forward response and disappointed, I watched as she slowly disappeared, a knot forming in my chest. The silence that followed was deafening and it had knocked me off completely. She was long gone but I stood there staring at the hallway like she was going to step out any second. With my mind spiralling and creating all sorts of d