The Replacement Bride : Contracted to the Cruel CEO のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

ADRIAN'S POV The paramedics had gotten here faster than I expected. Although watching Elaina bleed to death wasn’t part of my plans for the year. "Blood!" a voice called out from downstairs, and I rushed down to see Elaina lying unconscious on the kitchen floor. "I swear, I don't—it just happened," Lisa exclaimed the moment she saw me. Blood pooled around Elaina's body as I rushed toward her to feel a pulse. "She's alive," I said, a wave of relief washing over me. "Somebody call an ambulance!" I screamed. I turned to Lisa, who had her hand covered over her mouth. "Do you think she'll make it?" "You better hope she does," I said. "I don't want murder charges on my neck." Especially not now. Not when I had multiple investor deals I hadn't closed. A few minutes later, the sound of sirens filled the estate, and I watched them carry Elaina's body into the ambulance. "Can I come too?" Lisa asked, and I gave her a scowl. I wanted to be pissed right now, but I couldn't. The last thi

IVY’S POV “Martha,” I said the moment I saw her walk into the room. She wasn’t in her usual maid uniform today. A tear slipped down her face as she wrapped me in a hug.“Ivy. I thought I had lost you.” The tears rolled down faster this time.I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, trying to control my emotions. I couldn’t afford to break down, especially not now that I had finally started making progress on my father’s case.“I’m doing fine, Martha,” I said, cupping her cheeks. “The doctors are letting me go tomorrow. I should be happy about it, but honestly, I don't feel ready to leave.”Martha let out a laugh and settled in beside me. “If it makes you feel better, I delivered your note to your mother.”I clasped my hand over my mouth. I had completely forgotten about the note.“What did she say?” My voice rose with excitement. “I hope no one saw you.”Martha looked over her shoulder and then turned back to me. “No one saw me, but Ivy, there’s something you need to know.”Leaning c

IVY’S POVWhat was I thinking, walking out of the bathroom without my damn towel?I patted my hair dry as I took one last look at the tiny bikini on the bed. It was in my favorite color, blue with a touch of pink at the sides.I lifted the bikini with a finger, my mind racing. How the hell was I going to fit in these?I pushed the thought away and settled on the vanity chair, going through the tons of makeup products that had been packed in my suitcase.There were so many expensive brands here—brands that could have cost my entire year’s salary when I was still working those menial jobs.I patted down my foundation, then applied a bit of mascara, finishing it off with a touch of nude lipstick.“Perfect,” I said, staring at my reflection in the mirror.“Now it’s time to face this,” I muttered under my breath, grabbing the tiny bikini.A few minutes later, Adrian appeared inside the room, holding two cans of beer.“Want a drink? I…” He trailed off, then paused for a second, his eyes movi

ADRIAN’S POVI felt everything leave my body the moment I heard Elaina scream in pain.“Are you hurt?” I asked, running to her side. She grabbed her left toe, tears rolling down her cheek.“Elaina,” I called out again, but she didn’t respond. She just sat there on the ground, sobbing quietly.I pulled a handkerchief from my back pocket and wrapped her bleeding toe lightly. Her foot must have caught on something in the sand, making her trip.Her quiet sobs turned to loud laughter. Elaina grabbed hold of my shirt, pulling me closer, her other hand banging against my chest.“You’re a…” Her speech was slurred, her eyes barely fighting to stay open. “You’re a fucking asshole, you know that, right?”Another laugh escaped her throat, and she went back to crying again.“How much did you have to drink?” I asked her, although it was pointless. Elaina was too tipsy to give me a clear answer.She pulled me even harder this time, her lips smashing against mine. I didn’t hesitate to pull her away,

ADRIAN’S POV “How hard can it be?” Elaina whispered behind me as she tightened the blindfold around my head. “All you have to do is identify me from all the other contestants.”Well, that was the hard part.Elaina and I hadn’t had enough physical contact for me to be able to identify her in a sea of women.My jaw clenched as the hosts blew the whistle signaling the start of the challenge.There were ten women lined up in front of me. I had only one task: to find Elaina by just touching her.I moved to the first woman. She took my hand in hers for a few seconds.“No,” I said, and moved to the next.“Artificial nails?” I thought to myself as my fingers brushed against her nail beds. Elaina never wore artificial nails, so it was definitely not her.I moved on to the next. This time, I paused.Her thumb accidentally brushed against my knuckles, and my chest rose.“Do you know her?” the hosts asked, and I took in a deep breath.My fingers moved to her wrist, feeling the familiar marks aro