The substitute husband who has been insulted

Episode 13

"Really? All this crying over that? Ugh, what a waste of energy," Richard scoffed, tossing the invitation into the trash.

"Shut up! You don't understand anything!" Velyn shouted, spinning around, her gaze piercing through her husband.

Richard just sighed heavily. "Velyn! Velyn. You're too naive for these players!" he mocked, shaking his head with a scoffing smile.

"Silence, Richard! I don't need your opinion!" Velyn yelled, growing angrier.

Still tidying the room, Richard moved closer to Velyn. His broad body leaned down until his face was inches from hers. "I know everything. Just show up to that wedding, and I'll give you a surprise beyond anything you can imagine," he said, his voice icy. His gaze and expression were equally cold, seeping into Velyn's pores.

"I'll decide whether I want to go or not! It's my business! You're just as bad as the rest of them! Disgusting!" she retorted sharply, pushing against Richard's chest before turning away.

"I don't care what you think of me! But this time, you have to come. There's a big surprise waiting that might just blow your mind!" Richard quipped as he left Velyn's room.

Richard retired to the guest room, washed up, and didn't leave all night. He didn't even come out for dinner. And no one cared. Velyn just stared at the closed door of the guest room but had no intention of calling out to her husband.

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The wedding day of Gerald and Sonia arrived, celebrated in the ballroom of a five-star hotel. Richard arrived much earlier than the event's start. He was transformed, dressed completely in a finely tailored suit that hugged his solid frame. His hair immaculately combed, shiny expensive shoes accompanied his every step.

"Richard? Where are you going?" Debora inquired, scrutinizing Richard's look from head to toe. If he wasn't her brother-in-law, she might have been immediately smitten by his appearance. "Where'd you steal those clothes from?" she probed upon noticing the branded attire Richard wore.

Richard only met her inquisition with a hawkish stare before departing without a word.

"Man! If that's what class looks like, count me in!" Debora chuckled mirthfully.

"What's so funny, Ra?" Velyn called out, descending the stairs, still in her homewear.

Debora turned around, "Oh, nothing, Sis. By the way, where's your husband off to looking so dashing?"

One of Velyn's eyebrows arched. She paused on the last step, arms folded. "Really?"

"Yeah, Sis, where have you been? Still asleep? Your husband left without your knowledge. Be careful, or some mistress will snatch him away. Seriously, Richard looked so cool earlier!" Debora bubbled with excitement.

Velyn fell silent for a moment, as she hadn't seen Richard leave their separate bedrooms. "Nonsense!" Velyn snapped, flicking Debora's head before striding off to the kitchen for a drink.

After sipping a canned beverage, Velyn leaned against the kitchen counter, wondering where her husband might have gone. "Could it be that he went to Gerald and Sonia's wedding party?" she speculated.

Truthfully, Velyn didn't feel like attending that event, fearing she wouldn't cope. However, curiosity spurred her to quickly head back to her room, recalling Richard's message the night before to attend and expect a significant surprise.

"If you're lying to me, you're dead!" she muttered to herself, hurrying into the shower.

In just half an hour, Velyn preened herself in front of the mirror, concealing swollen eyes with heavy makeup, looking somewhat glamorous in a maroon dress sharply contrasting her skin tone.

Driving solo to the venue, Velyn took deep breaths, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I'm okay! Yes, I am okay!" she reassured herself.

The car cruised at a moderate pace, now entering the hotel parking area where her ex-lover and best friend were getting married.

Upon reaching the ballroom, Velyn scanned for her husband, but he was nowhere to be found. "Typical Richard, always full of hot air!" she grumbled clenching her fists.

Velyn's eyes welled with tears as she saw Gerald and Sonia exchanging their vows.

Sonia's grip on Gerald's arm tightened, asserting that he was now hers.

Velyn struggled to swallow, the lump in her throat magnified by the pressure weighing on her chest. She hastily wiped away tears, turning to leave.

But her arm was caught by a tall, charismatic man—her husband, Richard—towering before her. Velyn looked up at him, and he nodded, urging her to watch the front.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I may grab your attention for a moment. I am speaking on behalf of a guest who has a special surprise for the newlyweds. Alright, let's not dawdle. Curious, aren't you? Me too. Haha. Let's witness the most beautiful gift for Mr. and Mrs. Gerald!" announced the MC, interrupting the proceedings.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed. Two large screens lit up, indicating a video is about to play. A stunning opening featured well wishes and prayers for the couple, accompanied by romantic music.

Velyn struggled to break free from Richard's grip, but his hold was too strong. Moments later, Sonia's boisterous laugh reverberated, directing Velyn's gaze back to the screens.

A video revealed Sonia's conspiracy, where she trapped Velyn with a bar waiter. Her objective was clear: she loved Gerald and had to have him.

Velyn's breath hastened, heart pounding as she witnessed her trusted friend betray her. Her fists clenched fiercely.

It wasn't just Velyn who was shocked; Gerald's eyes narrowed as he watched the video to the end, throwing Velyn a look of anger. The guests murmured and whispered about Sonia.