All Chapters of From substitute bride to CEO : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The conversation with Zoe refused to leave Chloe's mind.Even after Zoe had gone, those last few words continued to echo inside her head."Amelia visited Lucien's office."Chloe sat quietly by the window in the living room, absentmindedly turning the pages of her sketchbook without seeing a single drawing.Why would Amelia be visiting Lucien? What reason could she possibly have?The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she became. She wanted to believe there was a simple explanation. Maybe it was business. Maybe it was just coincidence. But deep down...She couldn't ignore the feeling growing inside her.She closed the sketchbook and stood up. "I'll go see for myself."The words slipped out before she even realized she had spoken them.Almost immediately, another thought crossed her mind.But how do I explain why I'm there?She couldn't simply appear at Lucien's office without a reason. She thought quietly for a few moments before a small smile appeared on her face. "I'll bring

The morning was unusually quiet.Chloe had just finished taking a shower and was dressed when a gentle knock came from her bedroom door."Come in."The butler stepped inside with his usual respectful expression. "Mrs. Grey."She looked up from the clothes she started arranging "Yes?""The chairman has requested to see you."Chloe blinked. "The chairman?""The boss's father."Her fingers slowly tightened around the cloth she was holding. "Mr. Alexander Grey?""Yes, ma'am. He would like you to come to the Grey mansion this afternoon."The room suddenly felt much quieter.Chloe stared at the butler for a few seconds before nodding. "I understand. I'll get ready."The butler gave a polite bow before leaving the room.As soon as the door closed, Chloe lowered her eyes to the remaining scattered clothes she was arranging in front of her. She could no longer focus.Why would Lucien's father suddenly want to see her?Since the wedding, he had barely spoken to her. He had never called her. Nev

There was a major Grey Group gala happening the next day at the Grey Company's headquarters, and Chloe was expected to be there as Lucien's wife.Standing in front of her wardrobe, she slowly pushed the hangers aside one after another, her eyes moving across every dress she owned. One after another, she pulled them out, only to sigh and place them back. None of them felt right. They were simple dresses, the kind she had worn long before she ever stepped into the Grey mansion. Looking at them now, she suddenly remembered the charity event. The stares. The whispers. The subtle judgment hidden behind polite smiles.She hadn't cared much that day. People could think whatever they wanted. But this gala was different. It was hosted by the Grey family itself, and everyone important in the business world would be there. For once, she wanted to make an effort. Not because she wanted to impress strangers, but because she didn't want to embarrass herself either.Her gaze drifted toward the drawe

The next morning, Chloe woke up with the memory of a single word lingering in her mind.“Chloe..."She sat up slowly, resting against the headboard.It was strange. She had replayed that moment more times than she cared to admit. Lucien had called her by her name. Not "Mrs. Grey." Not in the distant, formal way he usually spoke to her. Just..."Chloe."A small smile almost appeared on her lips before she quickly shook her head. "What are you even thinking?"She laughed quietly at herself. He probably hadn't even realized he had said it. After all, he hadn't continued speaking afterward. He had simply gone back to staring out of the window like nothing had happened. There was no reason for her to keep thinking about it.She climbed out of bed and walked over to her desk. Her sketchbook was exactly where she had left it the night before.The smile she had tried to hide returned.Meeting Xander had given her something she hadn't felt in a long time. Hope. She gently flipped through the p

Chloe had noticed that Lucien had been really busy these past few days. Whenever she saw him, he looked exhausted. He left early, came back late, Although they barely spoke, she could tell work had been weighing heavily on him.She wanted to do something. Not because he had asked. Just... because she wanted to.After finishing her own work that afternoon, she walked into his study. The room wasn't dirty, but it was noticeably untidy. Files were stacked carelessly across the desk, a few documents had slipped onto the floor, and several books had been left open."Maybe he hasn't had the time to arrange everything," she murmured to herself, letting out a quiet sigh.Without thinking much of it, she rolled up the sleeves of her cardigan and got to work. She gathered the scattered papers, arranged the files neatly, dusted a few shelves, and organized everything carefully, making sure nothing looked out of place.As she reached for another pile of folders, something caught her attention. Th