All Chapters of Substitute For The Devil's Bride: One-night Stand: Chapter 21 - Chapter 27

♥♥♥♥“Mr. Hilton, please help me!” Layla cried out in panic, her voice trembling as she struggled awkwardly.“My name is Lucian,” he corrected, amusement flickering briefly across his face as he took in her state, momentarily forgetting how she had unintentionally stood him up for dinner.Her long hair was tangled badly around a decorative statue beside the bathroom door...a tall, carved piece meant purely for aesthetics, now acting as her captor.“Lucian,” she corrected herself hurriedly, her voice breaking, “please, get my hair out of this thing!”“I will,” he said, chuckling under his breath. He was clearly trying...and failing...to suppress his laughter as he watched her struggle to hold her towel tightly against her chest while simultaneously attempting to free her hair.“Come here,” he said, reaching out and gently pulling her closer to him so he could examine the mess properly.“I can’t lose my hair because of the future,” Layla muttered anxiously. “Be careful.”“I’ll think abou

♥♥♥♥The morning sun seeped softly into the bedroom, its pale golden light filtering through the tall windows. A gentle breeze slipped in, nudging the curtains into slow movement as they danced lazily to an unspoken rhythm.Layla was already awake.She was dressed neatly for the trip, yet instead of standing or moving about, she sat quietly on the edge of the bed, her shoulders slightly slumped. Her phone rested in her hand, the screen glowing faintly. There was a sadness clinging to her expression....one that no amount of preparation could erase.After hesitating for a moment, she dialed Amara’s number.She needed to hear about her daughter.Once the trip began, she knew she would be glued to Lucian’s side until it was over, and the thought alone tightened her chest.“Hello,” Amara’s voice came through the phone.“Good morning, bestie,” Layla replied, trying to sound cheerful despite the weight pressing against her heart.There was a brief pause on the other end. “What’s wrong with y

♥♥♥♥Lucian was alerted the moment he heard her scream, and he quickly reached out, preventing her from falling.His arm wrapped tightly around her waist. Layla, who had thought she was going to hit the floor, opened her eyes slowly, trying to confirm how safe she was.“Lucian…” she called his name, embarrassed.“This is the second time this has happened, I think. Mrs. Hilton, be more careful?” Lucian teased, his voice low and amused.“I am sorry,” she said, her cheeks turning red, because she could not ignore the way his fingers were still resting against her waist, warm and firm.“Do you want me to take you to your seat, or do you want to stay like this for now?” Lucian asked, a naughty smile playing on his lips.“I… I…” Layla stuttered when she realized she was still pressed against him. She quickly straightened up and regained her balance.“Thank yo.....” Layla began, but her mouth fell open when she noticed the pastry she had been holding now lying scattered on the floor.“What d

♥♥♥♥“Okay, I will tell you whenever the time comes,” Layla said softly, nodding as though she had just made a quiet promise to herself.She served his food carefully and sat down close to him, their shoulders almost brushing. The warmth from his body made her slightly aware of how close they were.“Good girl,” Lucian said playfully, reaching out to mess with her hair.“Stop it,” Layla mumbled under her breath, though he couldn’t hear her. A shy smile spread across her lips anyway, and her cheeks turned faintly pink.Lucian had no idea the effect his small gestures had on her. To him, it was natural. He simply felt relaxed around her...at ease in a way he rarely experienced. He found her reactions cute, unintentionally charming.“Wow,” he gasped after taking a spoonful of food, his brows lifting in surprise.Layla leaned forward slightly. “How is it?” she asked, her eyes filled with anticipation.“It’s delicious. You’re amazing,” Lucian praised her sincerely, taking another bite witho