Substitute Wife

ISABELLA'S POV

I squeezed into Kayla's wedding dress, the tight fabric straining against my larger frame. The veil covered my face, and I felt a mix of emotions as I prepared to take Kayla's place.

Just as I finished getting ready, Kayla and Mike made their escape, leaving me to face the music alone.

Uncle David stormed into the room, looking frazzled. "Where is that stupid girl? I told her to fetch you, and now she's nowhere to be seen."

He spotted me, and his expression softened. "Wow, my princess, you look amazing. Let's go to your husband."

He took my hand, and we descended the stairs together. The piano began playing the wedding march, and the guests stood up as I walked down the aisle with Uncle David and Aunty Mary.

Leonard's face was a picture of anger and frustration, but he said nothing as I took my place beside him. The pastor began the ceremony, and Leonard repeated his vows, his voice cold and detached.

As he slid the wedding ring onto my finger, I felt a surge of shyness. I hadn't done my nails, and I was embarrassed to have him touch my bare hands. But Leonard didn't seem to notice; he simply pulled my hand forward and placed the ring on my finger, his eyes never leaving the pastor's face.

I repeated my vows, my voice shaking slightly as I placed the ring on Leonard's finger. His hands were beautiful, but I didn't have time to admire them.

The pastor pronounced us husband and wife, and Leonard lifted my veil, revealing my face. His eyes widened in shock, and he stumbled backward, his face twisted in anger.

"I won't do it!" he bellowed, storming out of the venue. His family rushed after him, leaving me standing alone.

Uncle David and Mary approached me, their faces pale with shock. "What's going on here?" Mary demanded, her voice trembling.

I tried to explain, but tears choked my words. "Isabella, speak!" Mary shouted, shaking me hard.

Uncle David intervened, his voice smooth as silk. "I apologize, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. As I told you, this girl is mentally unstable. She kidnapped my daughter and took her place."

I cried harder, my body shaking with sobs. Leonard's anger turned on Uncle David, and he looked ready to pounce.

Uncle David slapped me, his face red with rage. "Where is Kayla?" he demanded.

I stammered, my words tumbling out in a rush. "She ran away... she didn't want to marry Leonard because she's pregnant with Mike's child... I took her place, so we wouldn't embarrass our family..."

Uncle David's face turned red with denial. "No, she's lying! Our Kayla is a good girl, she wouldn't do that. Guards, find her!" he barked, and the guards scattered to search for Kayla.

But she was nowhere to be found. The guests began to murmur, asking questions and speculating about the commotion. We ignored them, focused on the unfolding drama.

Leo, eager to escape the embarrassment, turned to his parents. "Dad, Mom, let's just go. This was all just a joke."

But Uncle David tried to stop him. "Wait, please. We'll find Kayla."

Leo's face twisted in disgust. "No, I don't want to marry her anymore."

His father, Mr. Smith, intervened, attempting to reason with Leo. "Mr. King, the wedding will continue with Isabella—"

But Leo cut him off, his words slicing through me like a knife. "Dad, I don't want her. She's fat, ugly, and she doesn't match our status."

Leo's mother nodded in agreement with her son's harsh words. "Then, son, you're no longer a Smith. When you get to my house, pack your bags and leave."

Leo's face fell, and he turned to his father, pleading. "Dad, please... I'll find another girl, just not this one. She's troubled."

Mrs. Smith chimed in, her voice dripping with disdain. "Yes, dear, there are many girls out there for Leo. This girl just doesn't match our family's status."

But Mr. Smith remained firm, his expression unyielding. "I said, we'll take Isabella as his wife, or I'll disown him. Julie, you can join him if you like. I'm not worried about our status; I'm worried about what will happen if people find out the bride ran away."

He turned to Leo, his eyes piercing. "So, son, are you in or not?"

Leo looked helpless, but he nodded. "Yes."

The ceremony continued, with Leo's discontent palpable. He glared at me weirdly, and Uncle David, Lisa, and Mary seemed unhappy too. The tension made me anxious, and I couldn't wait for the day to end.

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