The Substitute Bride

Melissa didn't respond anymore. She stood up and grabbed her purse, ready to go out with Leila for lunch.

On their way to the restaurant, Melissa's mind was preoccupied with the work. She knew what she was doing right now was right, and it was for the company's own good. After the board meeting, Melissa was determined to teach those who weren't supportive of her and doubted her ability a lesson.

"Aunt Melissa, what do you want to eat?"

Leila asked Melissa while she was driving. She waited for Melissa to respond but to no avail, so she turned her head to look at Melissa.

Leila saw that Melissa was lost in thought. She tapped her arm which brought back her attention. She then continued, "Aunt Melissa, just relax. Stop thinking about work for now."

"Fine, I'll stop thinking about it. What were you saying?" Melissa asked Leila.

"I was asking you what you wanted to eat," Leila said again, shaking her head.

"You decide. Whatever is fine,"

Melissa answered in frustration. Her mind was muddled now. Since she had taken charge, she had been so busy catching up with all the work all the while worrying about Charles.

Charles was missing, and no one knew where he was, much less know whether he was alive or not. As his mother, there wasn't a day that went by that she didn't worry about Charles. Now that she was working again, she had to balance the stress that came with work and the stress of her own son being missing.

Soon, Melissa and Leila arrived at the restaurant. However, Melissa didn't seem to enjoy her meal at all. Leila opened her mouth, wanting to say something to lighten the mood but nothing came out. She lowered her head and ate her meal in silence.

It was the most awkward lunch Melissa and Leila had ever had. Thus, they finished it very quickly.

When they returned to the office, there was a bunch of files waiting for Melissa. She asked Leila to help her because she claimed she wasn't feeling well.

"Aunt Melissa, do you want me to ask the driver to get you home first since you're not feeling well? I can handle this. It's fine. You don't need to worry." Leila knew she couldn't let Melissa find out what she was going to do next. So she didn't want M

o do that? Can you hear yourself, Sandra? I'm the executive director of the Shining Company, and Aunt Melissa has asked me to take over her job. Is that enough for you?" Leila said confidently as she drummed her fingers on her desk.

At that moment, all Sandra could think was how terrible her luck was, and how she couldn't do anything about this. No one respected Leila yet out of all the people working here who didn't respect her, she was somehow chosen by Leila to serve as a warning to the others.

"Leila, I've worked here for years. You can't just fire me like that," Sandra argued, gritting her teeth. She saw how serious Leila was.

What would she do if Leila really did fire her? She couldn't possibly find a new job and start over at her age. She had never considered getting a new job, much less get fired.

"And? That doesn't mean that you can work here forever. This company doesn't need people like you. Since you think so highly of yourself, I'm sure you won't have trouble finding a new job," Leila said, practically spitting.

She didn't hold back with her words and they were razor sharp.

"Now, pack your stuff and get the hell out of here. I don't ever want to see your face again. If I do, I'll tell everyone what you did. Do you really think you can still get a job if I do that?" Leila threatened. She was sure that Sandra didn't stand a chance against her.

"Fine, you win, Leila." Sandra scowled. Her whole body was quivering in anger.