The substitute husband who has been insulted

Episode 20

Velyn sighed heavily, slamming her phone onto the bed as her calls repeatedly failed to connect. Leaning against the headboard, she hugged her knees, her heart churning with turmoil. A promise so impossible for Richard to give seemed beyond belief.

Her heart was in tumult, and she couldn't find peace until she could reunite with her husband. Velyn hastily packed her belongings, preparing to leave the villa. She had initially waited for Richard there, but it now seemed he would not be showing up.

"Bi, I'm heading back now. Thank you for everything," Velyn said to Bi Conie, who was busy cleaning the kitchen.

"So soon? Aren't you waiting for Richard?" Bi Conie asked as she washed her hands.

"No, Bi. I have to go back, work is piling up. If Richard returns, please ask him to contact me," Velyn managed a smile to cover her anxiety.

Bi Conie dried her hands and hugged her like her own child, "Alright, take care on your way. I'll let him know you were here," she said, easing out of the hug.

"Thanks, Bi. Excuse me," Velyn hurried out as her rideshare taxi had arrived.

Velyn couldn't bear being ignored by her husband. She decided to go to the bank to track down Richard's residence. Two hours later, she reached the bank and asked the driver to wait for a moment.

After a few people ahead in line, it was finally Velyn's turn at the customer service desk. Her heart pounded uncontrollably as she requested the bank to provide the full address that had made the transfer to her account. She explained her reasons in detail and was ultimately handed Richard's address, which she clutched tightly as she left the bank.

Rushing back to the taxi, she caught her breath and dared to read the sheet she'd been holding.

"Huh?" Velyn was shocked when the address was overseas. She remembered the Dirgantara Corp was in the same country. "This can't be the same person, right?" Velyn mumbled, swallowing with difficulty.

"Miss, where to now?" asked the waiting driver.

"Fi... find the nearest airport, please! Any airport!" Velyn stuttered, pulling out her phone to book a flight. She was still hours away from the airport but her curiosity compelled her to fly to Richard's country immediately, to prove that she was mistaken in her assumptions.

===

Meanwhile, across the world.

Richard was engrossed in reviewing material for a meeting throughout his journey. Delon, his loyal companion and driver, was at his side.

"Is this foreign company that you mentioned the Gautama Corporation?" Richard clarified, pushing up his slipping glasses.

"Yes, sir. Is there an issue?" Delon inquired, still focused on the road.

Richard did not reply, instead, a cryptic smile spread across his lips. He clenched his fist, fingers drumming idly. Delon frowned at the lack of response, baffled by the sudden change in his boss's demeanor.

"The long-anticipated has finally arrived. Hahaha!" Richard laughed uproariously, chilling Delon to the bone.

Delon cleared his throat, trying to shake off the unnerving feeling. He tried to dispel the insidious thoughts upon seeing the transformation in his boss.

"It's taking too long, Delon! Hurry up! I can't wait to see her!" exclaimed Richard, thumping on the seat back impatiently.

"Y-yes, Sir. We are almost there," Delon responded, slightly nervous.

They arrived at an upscale restaurant which also offered a private room for their meeting. Having booked in advance, Delon quickly approached the reception.

The server promptly escorted them to the second floor, opening the door to the spacious reserved room. "Please, sir. Would you like to order your meals now?" the attendant asked cordially.

"Certainly!" Richard replied cheerfully. He took the menu, selected some dishes and beverages, as did Delon, though he was somewhat concerned for Richard.

"Very well, sir. Your orders will be ready shortly. Excuse me."

After the server left, soon there was a knock on the door that opened immediately at Richard's invitation.

THUD!

Gerald's eyes widened in a sharp glare as he locked eyes with Richard. The bar employee, who was also his lover's husband, sat poised elegantly on a sofa.

"Hello, Mr. Gerald. Welcome!" Richard stood and slipped his hands into his pockets.

Gerald snapped out of his daze. He stepped back to double-check the room number, comparing it with Delon's message. "Him?" he murmured, still deeply shocked.