All Chapters of ARRANGED TO BE BILLIONAIRE'S SUBSTITUTE BRIDE : Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

AVERYA few days later, things were finally peaceful. No unexpected drama, no arguments, no phone calls bringing bad news. Just James, me, and a nursery we were still trying to get ready before our baby arrived in two weeks and a few days.I stood beside the crib, sorting through a pile of tiny clothes while James checked the drawers for what had to be at least the third time that afternoon.“Babe, unless those clothes are gonna grow legs and walk out of there, I think you can stop checking,” I told him.He looked over his shoulder. “I’m making sure we have everything.”“We do.”“And you’re sure?”I laughed. “James, I’m gonna throw a baby shower for you next if you keep this up.”He shook his head, smiling, and came over to help me fold the last few onesies. We were halfway through a conversation about whether we really needed so many blankets when the baby kicked hard enough to make me stop mid-sentence.“Ow. Okay, that one was personal.”James immediately set the clothes aside and m

JAMES'S POV At three in the morning, I was driving Avery to the hospital while she struggled through another contraction in the passenger seat. One hand gripped the edge of her seat, the other rested against her belly. I kept my eyes on the road, checking on her whenever I could without taking my attention off the traffic.“Baby, you okay?”She let out a strained laugh. “James, I’m in labor. What do you think?”“Right. Stupid question. Sorry.”“Just get me to the hospital, please.”“I’m trying, sweetheart.”I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, wishing every red light would turn green. We knew this day was coming, but watching Avery fight through the pain was a whole different thing. I wanted to help her, take some of the discomfort away, do something besides drive and ask questions she clearly didn’t have the patience to answer.Another contraction hit, and she grabbed the seat harder, closing her eyes as she breathed through it. I reached over briefly and squeezed her hand w

JAMES'S POV A few days later, Avery and I arrived for the interview. The auditorium was ready for the live broadcast, with cameras pointed at the podium and reporters filling the seats.We had spent the past few days reviewing our statement with the legal team, going over the facts we could discuss and agreeing on what needed to stay private. We weren’t going to share details about Sadie’s recovery or say anything that could interfere with the ongoing legal proceedings. We wanted to set the record straight without making things harder for her.Even with all the preparation, I knew this wouldn’t be easy for Avery. I remembered how the press treated her during the early days of our marriage, how they turned her pain into headlines and made her life harder than it already was. Walking into a room full of reporters again couldn’t be easy, especially when we both knew some of them were waiting for a chance to twist our words.I looked at her beside me. She seemed calm, but I knew this

AVERY'S POV I was actually excited about going on a date with James. A real date, just the two of us, It felt strange to be getting dressed for an evening out while Clara stayed home, but I was looking forward to having my husband to myself for a few hours.Before we left, I checked in with the maid who would be watching her. Clara had everything she needed, from her bottles to her bedtime things, but I still went over the details with her. I asked her to call me if Clara got fussy or anything came up, even if it seemed minor.“Of course, Mrs. Blackwood,” she assured me.I nodded, then checked on Clara one last time. She was sleeping peacefully in her crib, completely unaware that her parents were sneaking out for the evening. I kissed her forehead before finally making myself leave the room.James was waiting downstairs when I came out. He looked up as I approached, and a small smile crossed his face.“Ready?” he asked.“Yeah. Just don’t make me regret leaving my daughter at home.

AVERY'S POV I was rocking Clara in the nursery when Frau Martha knocked softly and stepped inside.“Sorry to interrupt, Mrs. Blackwood. One of the guards brought this for you.” She held out a cream envelope. “He said it was delivered to the gate.”I shifted Clara against my shoulder and took it from her. “Did he say who sent it?”“No, ma’am. Just that it was addressed to you.”“Okay. Thank you, Martha.”She gave Clara a fond smile before leaving me to it. I settled into the armchair beside the crib, keeping one hand against Clara’s back as I turned the envelope over.My name was written across the front in familiar handwriting.I knew those letters, the way the G curved at the end and how my name slanted slightly to the right. I had seen that handwriting on birthday cards, school forms, and the occasional note my father left around the house. Gerald. My father.I stared at the envelope, trying to make sense of it.He hasn't contacted me in months. Not a call, not a message. After eve