All Chapters of From Substitute Wife to the CEO’s Obsession: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Adrian accompanied Francesca to rehabilitation therapy that morning. He wasn't obligated to go. Regina had hired a nurse, the driver was available, and the doctor had said there was no need for the whole family to attend. But Francesca had asked him to come, and Adrian hadn't known how to say no. She walked slowly between the parallel bars, focused on each step. The therapist gave her patient instructions while Adrian watched from a nearby chair. "Don't look at me like that," Francesca said without taking her eyes off the floor. Adrian straightened. "Like what?" "Like I'm going to break." He lowered his gaze for a moment. "I don't want you to get hurt." Francesca smiled faintly. "You were always like that." Adrian didn't respond. The words took him back years, to the university hallways, when Francesca used to walk beside him with books in her arms and a confidence that drew attention without effort. She talked about her plans as though anything were possible. H

Regina organized the formal dinner celebrating Francesca's recovery as though it were both a family matter and a matter of reputation. She invited important business partners, doctors affiliated with the hospital's foundation, and some longtime friends of the Montgomerys. According to her, it wasn't a large celebration, but Victoria knew that in that house, nothing was small when Regina was in charge. From early morning, Victoria coordinated with the staff. She checked the table, confirmed the menu, asked them to adjust the number of place settings, and made sure Francesca had a comfortable chair beside Adrian. She did it because it was practical, not because it didn't hurt. In theory, she was supposed to occupy the place of his wife. In practice, that place changed hands depending on what the family needed. When she went down to the dining room, already dressed for dinner, she found Regina checking the guests' place cards. "Victoria, I wanted to speak with you," Adrian

Victoria returned to Richard's office with a complete folder. She had gathered her personal documents, copies of bank statements, certificates, contracts, and some paperwork related to the agreement between the Altomare and Montgomery families. It hadn't been easy. Every page seemed to remind her that her marriage hadn't merely united two people. It had also tied together interests, names, and debts that others had placed on her shoulders. The lawyer reviewed the documents for several minutes. Victoria waited silently across from his desk. "There is one option," Richard said at last. "It isn't the most financially favorable one for you, but it could allow you to leave without seeking compensation." Victoria straightened. "That's what I want." "Let me finish," he said calmly. "If you waive certain rights you've acquired during the marriage, the process could be less contentious. But I need you to understand what that means. You would be walking away from assets, benefits

Adrian began noticing the changes in small details. On Monday morning, he opened his closet and couldn't find the shirt he'd planned to wear to a meeting. It wasn't that he was missing clothes. Everything was clean and neatly arranged, but the outfit Victoria used to lay out for him was no longer there. He stood staring at the shirts for a few seconds. He'd never thought about it before. He would simply walk in, take whatever she'd prepared, and leave. Victoria had always seemed to anticipate his needs. Shirt, tie, cufflinks, even the right pocket square if he had a formal event. That morning, he had to choose for himself. It wasn't a big deal. But for some reason, it bothered him. He went downstairs to the dining room and found the table set only for him. "Has Victoria had breakfast yet?" he asked. Clara approached with a cup of coffee. "Yes, sir. She left early." Adrian frowned. "Where did she go?" "She didn't tell me." The answer was respectful, but it im

The Montgomery Foundation reception was held in the main ballroom of a private hotel. Victoria arrived on Adrian's arm, as expected. She wore a simple, elegant dress, her hair pulled back, and a calm smile she'd learned to maintain even when everything inside her was begging for distance. That night, she was supposed to take her place as his wife. Regina had made that clear from the start. "The partners will be watching," she'd told her. "We need a flawless image." Victoria hadn't asked what flawless meant. She already knew. It meant standing beside Adrian whenever the family needed her while never forgetting that Francesca remained at the emotional center of them all. As they entered the ballroom, several guests approached to greet them. "Mrs. Montgomery, it's wonderful to see you." "The foundation has done remarkable work." "Your support has meant so much to Adrian throughout all of this." Victoria thanked each of them politely. Adrian stood beside her, prop