(Aria’s POV)"Daddy, no! I’m way too young for this marriage nonsense!"I slumped onto the velvet sofa in my father’s study, crossing my arms so tightly I could feel my nails digging into my skin. I was a second-year college student, for heaven's sake! My life was supposed to be about exams, late-night coffees with friends, and slowly finding my place in the world—not being auctioned off like a piece of prime real estate to the highest bidder.My father sighed, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of the entire Montefalco empire. He looked at me with those pleading eyes that always made me feel guilty, even when I knew I was right. He looked older today, the shadows under his eyes deeper than they were a week ago."My Princess, this is for your own good," he said softly, his voice trembling with a desperation he couldn't hide. "We need to plan for your future while there's still time. The world is changing, and our position isn't as secure as it once was.""Dad, I'm nineteen! Who g

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Aria’s Pov"Lander Storm.""Lander Storm.""Lander Storm."The name played on a loop in my head like a broken record, haunting every corner of my mind. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring blankly at the wall as my father’s words from the study replayed over and over. Of all the men in this world, why did it have to be him?I could never forget my first year of college. I was a girl with a heart as fragile as glass, and I had a crush—no, it was a painful, desperate obsession—with Lander. I remembered the day I finally gathered enough courage to confess my feelings. I was standing there, trembling, holding a handwritten letter in front of him and his laughing friends. He didn't even bother to read it. He just smirked, looked me up and down, and said loud enough for everyone to hear: "I’m sorry, but I don’t date charity cases. Besides, I already have a girlfriend."That was the most humiliating day of my life. The echoes of my classmates' laughter still stung my ears five years later. F

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(Lander POV)We arrived at Aria's house, and my parents went in immediately. My father, Rafael, greeted Wilson Montefalco. "Good evening, Wilson. This is my wife Sandra, and my son, Lander—who will temporarily take the place of Laurence as Aria's husband."Wilson looked relieved but curious. "Oh, temporary? So have you spoken to Laurence about this?""Yes," my father replied. "He agreed the moment he heard Aria would be the bride. However, he is stuck in London until next year. For the meantime, Lander will stand in for him."(Aria POV)I was in my room, my heart racing. My mother kept knocking. "Aria, come out now! Don’t keep the Storms waiting.""But Mom," I said, looking at the revealing dress. "This is too much. You’re making me look way too feminine.""Nonsense," she replied. "This is to impress the parents. Now, let’s go."When I walked downstairs, the room fell silent. Lander was staring at me, completely speechless, his dark eyes locked on mine."Your daughter is stunning, W

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(Lander POV)"Son, why a church wedding?" my father, Rafael, asked as we drove back. "You have a girlfriend, and I thought she was the one you wanted to take to the altar."I stared out the window, the image of Aria in that dress burning into my mind. "I just changed my mind. I want a real wedding, even if it's not with Irish.""But I thought you hated her?" my mother asked."I changed my mind," I repeated firmly."Son, remember this is just a contract," my father reminded me. "Laurence is the one destined to marry her eventually. Your brother already agreed to take her next year. You are just a placeholder."A placeholder. The word felt like a slap. I remembered how she provoked me at dinner by mentioning Laurence's name. She knows he was the first choice, but she doesn't know the most dangerous part of the deal."Does she know about the transfer?" I asked. "Does she know that next year, she’s supposed to be handed over to Laurence?""No," my father said. "She only knows he was the

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(Lander POV)It was finally break time. My friends and I headed toward the canteen, talking about the game, but my mind was stuck elsewhere. Suddenly, a voice sliced through the air, calling my name. I closed my eyes for a second, feeling the irritation rise."What are you doing here, Irish?" I asked without even looking at her."Babe, come on. Obviously, I’m here to eat with you," she said, trying to slide her hand into mine. My friends started laughing, but I shot them a look that made them freeze."I know you're here to eat, but why follow us? I want some privacy with my friends. And don’t bring Aria into our issues," I told her firmly."Privacy? For what? To plan your little photoshoot and the wedding tomorrow?" she asked, her voice getting higher. "Is that why you’re acting like this? Because of her?""Tsk. Think whatever you want, Irish. I’m done here," I snapped, turning my back on her. I could hear her calling me, but I didn't stop. I headed straight for the canteen. I didn't

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Chapter 6: The Substitute Husband(Lander POV)I walked out of the canteen, fury boiling in my veins like a volcano about to erupt. I could no longer understand myself—why did I feel this tightness in my chest? And why was I acting with her as if I were a real, jealous husband?"Man, stop for a second! Your actions are becoming so obvious they’re starting to raise suspicions!" my friend said, breathless as he tried to keep up with me.I turned to him and snapped with a sharpness that startled him, "Shut up! I’m just frustrated with this whole situation, and I don’t want to hear another word."I stopped abruptly when I caught a glimpse of Aria walking with long, quick strides, trying to escape from the place—and from me. I felt a possessive urge to stop her. I caught up to her in seconds and gripped her arm firmly, forcing her to halt. She turned to me, her eyes shimmering with a mix of surprise, fear, and a hint of defiance."L-Lander? What are you doing? Why are you following me?" sh

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Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Substitute Husband: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 6

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