Substitute Bride and Her Husband Who Disappeared

They were like two statues, sitting on the bed in total silence, neither brave enough to break it.

Finally, Nancy let out a sharp breath, piercing the quiet. "You knew everything, right?" She asked. Charlie, his eyes shadowed, replied with an icy undertone. "Did Alexander confuse you with Vivian?" Nancy knew that Charlie would deduce the truth.

His quiet, she noticed, was probably him dealing with the blow this revelation had given him.

Putting her sorrows aside, she reached for Charlie's arm, her voice turning gentle. "Charlie, don't be angry..."

His lips twisted into a bitter smile. "What man wouldn't be angry about this?"

Hurt by his frosty attitude, she jiggled his arm gently, trying to get through to him. "Maybe Vivian didn't want this. Maybe Alexander forced her?"

Charlie said, "Nan..." His eyes were filled with pain. "Do you know why I came here?"

Nancy blinked, thinking about the bracelet she wore. Had Charlie seen something on it?

Charlie laughed, but it was bitter. "Twice... And it was a transaction. What kind of woman did I marry?"

Her heart tightened as her face pale. Charlie'd seen it all.

Knowing she couldn't hide it any longer, Nancy admitted, "Since you know, I won't deny it. This isn't the first time Alexander confused me with Vivian. I learned how to defend myself from Matthew to keep Alexander at bay."

She bit her lip, gripping Charlie's arm even tighter. "This is hard for you but it's the reality. Try to let it go. Besides, Vivian isn't worth you spending a lifetime in jail."

Charlie took a deep breath, and under the bright light, a soft glow eased his frosty look.

Maybe Nancy's words worked, and he suddenly turned and embraced her tightly.

"Nan," he begged, "Can you stay with me tonight?"

Stay? What did he mean? To eat, to keep him company, or to fuck?

While she doubted his request, Nancy knew saying no would only hurt him more. But she wasn't Vivian.

"Charlie, I..."

As if he knew what she was about to say, he quickly added, "Just hugging you."

Nancy let out a sigh of relief, patting his back gently. "Alright. I'll stay. Don't be too upset."

Men, after all, couldContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

hurt and sadness.

come were human too. They d him gently, patientene

Little did Nancy know, as Charlie held her, a smug smile played on his impassive face...