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Home / Romance / No Longer A Substitute / Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

All Chapters of No Longer A Substitute : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

43 Chapters

1

STELLA POV A grin spread across my face as I chopped some onions; I could not help but smile like a fool.That afternoon, I came back from the hospital with good news! I was pregnant!Although this was not part of the plan and frankly might be against my contract marriage with my husband, Devon, I've heard that the appearance of babies in marriages usually strengthens the bond and I wish the same for us. I believed he might even fall in love with me.My husband, Devon King, would be arriving late from work despite today being our 3 year marriage anniversary, but actually works out great in my favor so I can prepare my surprise for him. I prepared his favorite dishes to celebrate our anniversary and the news of my pregnancy.It had been three years since we were married. Although I was not his initial choice, he treated me far nicer than I expected.He treated me better than any of my family members ever had, he took care of me while I was sick, when tired after work, he allowed me t

2

STELLA POV “Well, I'm sure you'll ask her. That is if you haven't already.” I said, folded my arms and walked into the kitchen, so many emotions were suffocating me all at once, I couldn't have a conversation with him. I went to the kitchen to pay attention to the food I was preparing. I heard Devon scoff behind me as I entered the kitchen and looked up to see Estelle with a smug look on her face, her arms crossed under her chest. “I’m back again, sister. Did you miss me?” I ignored her and started serving the dish. I set only two dishes on the table, for me and my husband. I lit up candles I had arranged around the dining table with rose petals to form a heart to set up a romantic mood.Devon came in and saw my preparations and decorations.I stared at him, waiting to see if he realized what today was.“Stella,” he began. “What is the meaning of this? Why did you set two plates? Estelle is here, is she not? Or is she not going to eat?”I frowned, “do you remember what today is?”

3

STELLA POV The next day, everyone sat in the dining room, while I stayed back in the kitchen with the maids to prepare food for everyone.Devon’s parents had called us to the family estate for a family get together since Estelle was back.They chatted and laughed in the dining hall without me, but I put all my effort into preparing the meal. I wanted everything to be satisfactory so everyone would be happy, and maybe they would finally praise me for once.I put my heart into it, making sure everything was just right, the right amount of seasoning and the right amount of heat, so Devon’s grandmother would not find a single complaint.After the food was ready, the maids served the dishes to everyone, and I went back to sit beside Devon in the dining hall.I looked down and saw Devon’s hand on top of Estelle's.They immediately pulled away once I caught them.My heart sank, and a sharp pain panged my chest, but I decided to let it go and not cause a commotion on this ‘joyous’ occasion.

4

STELLA POV I found myself in a hospital bed when I woke up. I don't know when I passed out after Grandmother struck me. She must have been really angry to have hit me that hard. ‘Does she despise me this much?’ Grandmother was the matriarch of the family, and everyone wanted to be on her good side, including me. I've tried for years to gain her approval, but for some reason, she never seemed to like me. But when my sister came back, they fawned over her, including grandmother. ‘What makes people like my sister more than me? What draws them to her and makes them hate me instead? Why does everyone prefer her over me?’ “So you’re finally awake.” I heard my husband’s voice and immediately looked in his direction. He stood by the door. ‘Was he the one who brought me to the hospital?’ I wondered. ‘Did he turn back and bring me here instead of my sister?’ He walked over to me, “Seriously, Stella? What are you doing here?” he asked. ‘What was I doing here?’ I scoffed. So he wasn’t

5

STELLA POV “You can’t do this to me, Devon!” I cried as several men dragged me down the hallway. “Please, I beg you. Don’t kill our baby...”Devon stood there unmoved with Estelle clinging to his arm.“Don’t kill our child, Devon” I sobbed. “please!”Devon remained resolute.They began shoving me into another room but I held the edge of the door firmly before I was fully inside. I can't protect my baby. That realization hit me hard. Tears streamed down my face as my body shook violently, I had no one backing so while forcing me to abort my child is illegal, as long as Devon King, the CEO of King int. Corp. ordered it, I'm helpless.My vision had gotten blurry now that it's hard to see clearly.“If you want, I’ll sign the divorce papers.” This was the remaining solution I had, while I don't want to break up my family, for my child, I have no other option. “I promise. I won’t take anything, I’ll leave quietly. You can be with Estelle for as long as you want just please… don’t kill my

6

STELLA POV My heart pounded violently in my chest as I knocked on the green metallic door in front of me.The coldness from the metal chilled my knuckles as I bit my lips, waiting for a response. Footsteps rushed toward it before the door swung open and Martha’s—my mother—face appeared.She frowned, “What are you doing here?” she opened the door wider, “Why didn't you tell me you were visiting—”She trailed off as her eyes dropped to the luggage at my side. Her thick brow furrowed, and her bright red lips pressed together. “Can I come in first?” I asked, my voice croaked.She hesitated but stepped aside anyway.“Okay. Start talking,” she said after she shut the door behind me.I took a sharp breath. My hands trembled, so I clasped them together to calm myself.“Can I at least have some water before we start?” I asked. She nodded, “Well, after you drink the water, start talking,” she said, arms crossed as I walked toward the kitchen.My hands shook as I poured myself a glass of wat

7

STELLA POV “What is the meaning of this?” I whispered as I continued reading the unburnt parts of the letter.This must be a joke!I brought out the rest of the documents from the fireplace and brought them to the table. I read them one by one. Tears stung my eyes as I read to the point I couldn't continue because I couldn't see. Cassandra… Ten million dollar inheritance…Surrogate…I don't fully understand what I'm reading! What does it all mean? I rushed toward mother's bedroom. “Mom! What is this?” I yelled as I barged in to confront her.No answer.The room was silent. The smell of rusted wood and sweat filled the nostril. The room was dark.I was inside, “mother!” The shower wasn’t running. She wasn’t in the room.I lifted the curtains and opened the window so air could get in. The stench was becoming unbearable for me. The dust from the curtains penetrated into my nostrils and I sneezed and coughed. I used my hands to clear the air. Doesn't mother clean her house? The hous

8

STELLA POV I was panting as I ran down the street, I gushed past unfamiliar buildings, block after block in a blur, trying to get as far away as possible from Martha’s house… and from Devon.Why did he even come after me?What does he want from me now?Did he find out I didn’t kill the baby?Is he trying to make sure the baby is aborted this time?He has Estelle with him. Why come after me? Why can’t he just leave me alone? If he wants nothing to do with this child, I can raise my baby on my own. I don’t need him.And Mother… I’m sure my mother called him. Did she contact him first or did he?But why would she even talk to him? When did she even leave the house? She must have sneaked out! That realization sent a surge of anger through me. Cars zoomed passed and some cars began turning on their headlights. But I didn't stop running.Why would she contact him behind my back? Didn't she agree to let me stay for two months?! I had almost forgotten about the letter I found. Why does

9

DEVON POV I cleared my table in one sweep. “How could you not have found Stella by now? Are there no CCTV cameras? In this small city, where could she run to?” I slammed the table. “What are you even doing?”We were in my office. I was about to have a meeting soon, and he brought this bad news to me. With her little legs, where could she have gone? “She must have planned an exit,” Jonathan replied. “I’ve searched everywhere possible. Connections and possible friends she could stay with.” “And?” “Nothing. She doesn't have a social life. She did back in college but she haven't met up with anyone for the three years you are married. I've looked through CCTV footage to confirm this. Other than her biological mother, she has no where else to go.” Jonathan reported. “What do you mean she has no friends? How is it possible to cut all ties with acquaintance with all your college friends? Are you sure you've checked with all her college friends?”“There is one left, Dr. Savannah.” He drop

10

DEVON POV Before me is a long polished mahogany conference table. Seating in their high back leather executive chairs at the sides of the table are our twelve shareholders. Manger Noah from the marketing department stood in front of us, by the large display screen as he gave his presentation. Manager Noah pitched using an upcoming super model to advert for our fashion subsidiary. As he talked, I heard muffled coughs and the sounds of our secretaries typing away on their laptops. Also except Jonathan. I looked out the door to see if he's coming. The hallway was silent. From the fall to ceiling windows, I saw no one pass by. I cleared my throat and turned to the meeting, “Why should we use this model instead of our ambassador?” I questioned, cutting him off. He paused and stared at me for a moment, “I'll repeat again sir.” He walked closer to the table, backing the screen. “Sarah is young and upcoming, she'll help the company save money plus her younger fanbase will he

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