Novel & Cerita Paper Promise: The Substitute Bride

Blossom POV A hush fell over the group once again. The elders are just as taken aback by Dean's response as I, Alejandro, and Aries are, and like them, they are not quite sure how to react. Clearly, as the court leadership, they had made the authoritative decision. Whatever they say becomes the law of the land. At least it always had. The court is not known for its appreciation of surprises like the one the alpha has just delivered. I had been found sound and worthy as a substitute mate for the alpha. They had made this clear in reading their decision aloud before all those present, including Dean.

William is first to recite and from his pocket, he pulls out the white sheet of paper and taking my left hand into his he reads, “On this day, before God and man, I, William McQueen II vow to take you Karen Butler to be my wife and I promise to love you not just for the times that things are perfect, but also in bad and imperfect times. I vow to cherish and be there for you, I vow to take care of you, I vow to put you first, I vow to be your friend and your husband, I vow to do my best to make you laugh, I vow to always be the shoulder you cry on, I vow to stick with you, love you, hold you through sickness pain, loss, gain, through the good and the bad time until my last breath.” After sayi

He hands me a paper, and I collected it and looked at it. What’s this? I ask myself as I squint my eyes. “SURROGATE WIFE FOR MR. SEBASTIAN BLACK AGREEMENT CONTRACT.” I read the words on the paper and I looked up at Mr. Black who was also staring at me intently. “What’s this?” I ask, frustrated. I just got married to an old man in replace of my real husband. And now, I’m supposed to be a surrogate wife to my own husband? Can this day actually get any better?

"He was just trying to make me feel better. Not all of us are so… casual that we'd marry a complete stranger." That was the trigger. Luca wrapped a protective arm around her, his voice dropping to a soothing murmur before he turned a furious glare on me. "Isabella, that's enough. Apologize to her. Now! And cancel that goddamn wedding booking, or I swear you will never become my wife." A humorless laugh escaped me. I pulled out the crisp, new marriage certificate, snapped a close-up photo, and posted it directly to my social media. [Happily married. All thanks to Mr. Rossi for playing matchmaker. Wedding is the 10th of next month. Everyone's invited to the celebration.]

Zac's eyes flicked around before hypocritically advising, "Lana, Cruz must be joking! He still cares about you. Otherwise, why would he prepare such a grand wedding? Look, he can't just bring any woman to upset you on such a joyous occasion! Lana, quickly explain to Cruz that everything you posted on social media was just to provoke him and for show! Don't let this make you late!" Lana instantly believed Zac, and her arrogant expression returned. She gazed triumphantly at me, acting like she had everything in the bag. "Cruz, you think you can provoke me by bringing any woman here? Not a chance! If you don't agree to my terms, I won't marry you today!"

Not even who I would become. And now… not even my marriage. Everything had always been decided by my mother. All for my sister, so that she could be the best. “Sign here.” I hesitated staring at the piece of paper tbat held the power to change my life. My fingers hovered above the paper. This was it. slowly i lifted the pen— And signed. --- The room was dark when I entered. Moonlight spilled through the window, casting shadows across the bed. I walked slowly and lay down, closing my eyes tightly.

He assured her, "Okay dear, bye and my regards to..." "Mom, I'll send your regards to her. Bye." He cut her off and bade his bye, hanging up the call immediately. "She wants the wedding to be in Palm Springs." "Then, a Palm Springs wedding it'll be, except it won't be between you and Julie." "What do you mean?" Robin asked confusedly, "We're getting a substitute bride for you." He announced and Robin was deadpanned.

My stomach dropped like a bucket falling into an empty well. I snapped my gaze back up at Dominic. He leaned closer again, whispering, “Babe… are you okay?” Babe. Like I was her. Like I was wearing her soul. My voice shook. “Uh… I can’t sign this.” He gripped my hand lightly, eyes still calm, still diplomatic for the cameras. “But you agreed to this.” Agreed. Agreed to being her stand-in bride. Agreed to covering her court mess. Agreed to pretending.

Picking up my phone, I saw several missed calls from my best friend, Ava Kingsley. I haven't even informed Ava yet that I went in replacement of my sister as the bride. Ava would freak out, and I did not know if I should tell her or just lie to her that I traveled out. But I knew that my bakery would suffer the loss, as it needed my magic and how I love to bake to win more clients, as they could not resist my delicious meals. I decided to contact Clara first, as the meals had already been served, and I was quite nervous, coming to the second floor to contact Clara.

He seized my wrist, his face dark, his fingers crushing down hard enough to grind bone. I sucked in a breath and looked at him. "That's what I should be asking you. What right do you—" The words never finished. The massive screen behind us lit up. Kimberly's face had been crudely photoshopped onto a pair of mating dogs. The image was obscene, deliberate, and impossible to mistake. The room exploded. "I knew it. No wife volunteers to be a mistress' bridesmaid. The quiet ones bite the hardest." "Damn. Ruining the bride during her engagement party. That's vicious."