Semua Bab I'm Not A Substitute Wife: Bab 21 - Bab 30

“She’s—? Do you think she’s not my real mother? I thought the same once. But according to my birth records, she is my mother,” Laura said.William remained silent. The data wasn’t enough for him to trust, his mind still clouded with doubts.“When I was little, their treatment of me seemed fair. But as I grew up, they favored Michelle. Everything my sister wanted, they gave her. Unlike me—my wishes were always dismissed. Even my life choices, they strictly controlled. I had no freedom; everything had to follow their demands. And in the end, I became Michelle’s replacement, forced into it by my mother,” Laura explained, her lips curving into a bitter smile as painful memories resurfaced.“If they find out you’ve chosen me, they’ll torture me even more. They’ll torment my mind. It’s as if my suffering is their joy,” she whispered, her voice heavy with sorrow.William’s chest tightened. The woman he had married had endured so much misery. No wonder Laura always fought for what she believed

Elara Anderson, William’s biological mother, had rushed home after learning the latest news about her son.The issue of his entanglement with Michelle and Laura weighed heavily on her. Elara regretted that William’s relationship with Michelle had been exposed to the media, especially when the reality was that William was already married to Laura. She didn’t want her son’s life ruined because of a few reckless people, and the Anderson family’s reputation was also at stake.Elara believed Laura had only ever been a substitute wife for Michelle until William’s true lover returned.But now, William still hadn’t ended his relationship with Laura. If he truly wished to return to Michelle, then Laura’s presence in his life needed to be erased—removed completely. If necessary, Laura should be given proper compensation, sent away abroad, and provided with a decent life. After all, a surrogate marriage was not something respectable in the eyes of the media. It would only bring scandal.William’s

Preparations for the press conference were underway. Dozens of media outlets had gathered to cover the highly anticipated event.William would be appearing alongside Samuel. At first, he wanted Laura to join him, but she refused. Laura wasn’t ready to be thrust into the spotlight, her face broadcast across every news channel. She simply wasn’t used to being the center of attention. William felt a flicker of disappointment, but he couldn’t force her. Recognition would have to wait until Laura herself was prepared.While William was preparing, Laura sat with Elara at the Anderson residence, waiting for the broadcast.“Honestly, it would be better if you went with William,” Elara said gently. “Laura, is something bothering you—other than just the discomfort of being known as my son’s wife?”Laura hesitated, her heart heavy with conflicting thoughts. “I… just feel bad for Michelle. After all, she’s still my older sister. And my mother always wanted Michelle to be with William. But now… Wil

That evening, William had not yet returned home. The handsome CEO was meeting with the police to discuss the fire incident at Mark's house, which had been lent to Laura.Together with Samuel, he had provided a photo of the man who had tried to harm Laura on the roadside not far from the apartment.The police had searched for the man but were unable to find him anywhere, which left William furious. He knew that by catching the man, perhaps all the problems would finally be solved, and Laura would be safe."Find him. I don’t care what it takes—I’ll pay any amount to track down the man who tried to hurt my wife. And more importantly, I want to know who ordered it. If it’s Michelle, don’t spare her. Punish her according to the law!" William demanded, insisting the search continue, and if necessary, be expanded.William was convinced the man had either fled far from the city or was hiding with Michelle’s help. He could only hope the criminal would be caught soon.Meanwhile, at home, Laura w

The next day at the Brown family residence, chaos erupted after Michelle received the news that her work contracts had been unilaterally terminated—not just by small brands, but by major ones as well.The reason was clear: many were offended by Michelle’s behavior toward CEOs of influential companies in the business world. On top of that, they had received direct threats from William Anderson’s right-hand man, demanding that Michelle step away from the modeling industry altogether. If she refused to acknowledge her mistakes, there would be consequences. And everyone knew that going against William Anderson was a losing battle.Shofia was devastated. Her beloved daughter—the one she had always adored and proudly shown off—now had her career destroyed. It broke her heart.But Michelle wasn’t the only one suffering consequences. Beckett, Michelle’s father, could no longer contain his anger. In his rage, he slapped both Michelle and Shofia, who hadn’t even had the chance to defend herself.