All Chapters of Beyond A Substitute: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

The night after the proposal, Kingsley sat alone in his study, staring into the fireplace. The flames danced quietly, casting golden light across the room, but his mind was racing too fast to notice. His fingers drummed nervously on the armrest. His heart pounded, not with excitement this time — but with dread. He had to tell them. He had to tell his parents. For a long moment, he sat frozen, trying to gather the right words, the right explanations. And then — with a deep, shaky breath — he stood, smoothing a hand down his shirt and heading toward the grand, double doors at the end of the hall. Behind those doors, he knew, his parents were waiting. The family’s kitchen was nothing like a normal home kitchen. It was enormous — polished marble counters, gleaming brass fixtures, long wooden shelves filled with expensive spices and rare ingredients. Chefs usually worked here during the day, preparing elaborate meals for the family and guests. But tonight, the room was empty

It was late afternoon when the sleek black car pulled up outside the quiet house. Katherine stood at the window, her heart clenching the moment she saw who stepped out. Kingsley’s mother. Tall, graceful, dressed in an elegant cream coat, sunglasses shielding her sharp eyes. Two assistants followed behind, one carrying a delicate handbag, the other holding a tablet. Katherine’s pulse spiked. She hadn’t expected this — not today, not like this. She hurried to smooth her hair, pressing her hands to her chest to steady her racing heart as the doorbell rang. Moments later, she opened the door. “Mrs. Adewale,” Katherine whispered softly. Kingsley’s mother removed her sunglasses slowly, her perfectly arched brows lifting slightly. “Katherine.” Her voice was smooth, polite — but cool. “May I come in?” Katherine stepped aside, her throat dry. “Yes, of course.” Inside, the atmosphere was stiff, uncomfortable. Kingsley’s mother moved gracefully through the living room, he