All Chapters of My Stepbrother Substitute Bride: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"This must be a nightmare."The two red lines on the fifth pregnancy test kit stared back at Ivory. Tears blurred her eyes as they made a consistent trip down her chin.Her grip on the kit was tight. She couldn't fathom what was happening to her.Axel only ever had sex with her on the third and fifth of every month, and he never forgot something as important as a condom.How did this happen?A visit to a hospital would do her good right now, but…The sound of their room door opening dragged her out of her reverie. With a swiftness she had never had before, all five pregnancy kits were deep inside her pants pocket.She wipes off her tears softly. There was no way she would let him find out, not with the way he had been acting recently.Her feet carried her into their room where a tired Axel stood, maroon hair tousled. His tie was loosened, and the bridge between his brows was pressed together."Yo…" She cleared her throat. "You are back." Only then did he notice her. Ever the observant

"Oh, who is this cutie?"Shaw was always around Axel. They were friends since high school, and they were in the same family group.Shaw was always fond of Ivory, and he was more of a friend than any girl she had ever met. But now, the amusement in his eyes no longer made her smile.Instead, they chilled her to the bone.For a moment, she wondered who this Shaw in front of her was. Had he always been this cruel? Or did she just never see it?She didn't want to die, and neither was she ready to lose her baby.But she had no other choice, so she nodded. Shaw seemed pleased. He lifted his hand and brushed it against her cheek. The cold touch made her whimper.A doctor walked forward, needle in hand. She tensed, fighting the straps binding her hands and legs. "Please stop them, Shaw, Axel!" She struggled with all her might.Nothing happened.Shaw stood and watched, brows furrowed.The doctor was on her now, ready to administer the drug. The door burst open.A stream of light flooded her ey

"Have you been taking your medicine?"Mother's worried voice startled Ivory. She flinched, only regaining her thoughts when she saw her worried face. "Ivory, are you okay?"She didn't meet her gaze. "I-I am fine, just a little tired from the flight."She didn't look convinced. Mother went to the refrigerator and brought out a glass of water. Ivory reckoned she must have followed her after noticing her shakiness."I am not having another episode," she grumbled as Mother handed her the water."You look worse than that. Did you get hit by a trailer or were you mauled by a dying carcass?" Her brows puckered. "You look very ugly.""Mother!" Ivory chided, quickly bringing out the mirror to check her face. Her heart was beating loudly from anxiety. Did she get uglier?"Relax, I am just saying that your expression looks ugly. My precious is the most beautiful woman in all of America."Despite her reassurance, Ivory still quickly checked herself in the mirror. Her face was entirely different t

“Uhm… I...” she stammered, her voice failing her. Her throat felt tight. “I wasn’t staring,” she added quickly, though the words came out softer than she intended. Axel didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he took a slow step closer. The air shifted. Her heartbeat quickened. “What exactly were you looking at, then?” he asked, his voice low, almost dangerous. She opened her mouth to reply.... But before she could say anything “Mommy!” A small voice broke the tension. Both of them turned instantly. Esme came running into view, her little face dull . “…Daddy!” The word hung in the air like a shockwave. Ivory froze While Axel stiffened For a split second No one moved. Then both adults coughed awkwardly, stepping away from each other. Ivory quickly bent down, pulling Esme into her arms. “No, sweetheart,” she said gently, forcing a smile. “He’s not your dad…” Her voice softened. “He’s going to be your… uncle.” Esme blinked, confused. “But Daddy...” “Daddy

He froze. Is she… my Irony? he whispered under his breath. His jaw tightened.Why is she pretending not to be my wife?Memories flooded his mindThe way she slapped him so hard when he hugged her…The way she pushed him away whenever he tried to get close.His chest tightened.Did I hurt her that much?.He didn’t know. He never knew.But now, He finally understood something.His lover…Had died. And now she was back. But not the same.She came back with a different motive. His eyes darkened.Does she think I would hurt our children?His fists clenched.He wished he could get into her mind Read her thoughts and understand her.Slowly, he stood up and walked toward the bathroom.He pulled the black towel from his body, revealing his strong, sculpted frame.Then stepped into the tub. The water ran over him as he soaked himself completely...Until he had to gasp for air.“You both should take care, okay? I love you…” Irony said softly before ending the call.She turned around Axel