The Substitute Bride

"Her fever is gone." Chris gave a heavy sigh and said, "I noticed that Autumn have been unhappy recently. That's probably because you're not here. And it was worse that she got the fever without you around."

Chris heaved a sigh out of frustration and asked, "Brother, when on earth will you come back?"

"I am coming back today." Charles replied and hung up. Actually he made that decision right at that moment. He realized that all the agreements and all cooperation were of little importance to him compared with Autumn. He loved her and and of all people, he should be the one beside her when she needed him.

He called Leila into his room and instructed her to book the earliest flight back. It beat her why they were suddenly going back in a hurry. But she soon realized maybe his hasty decision had something to do with Autumn. She gathered her courage and suggested, "Mr. Lu, we have an agreement to sign in a few hours. Why don't we …?"

"I have told you to book tickets. Do I have to repeat myself twice?" Charles raised his voice. He did not want to give up the agreement, but his desire to see his wife as soon as possible was much stronger.

"Yes, sir…" Taken aback and embarrassed, Leila nodded awkwardly. She wasn't used to being yelled at by her boss. With Charles watching her, she quickly switched on her smartphone and browsed online for available flights. The next available flight was not until after midnight. "Mr. Lu, the earliest flight available is sometime after midnight. We have plenty of time for the signing of the agreement before going to the airport. No need to rush, " she suggested.

"Fine. Go ahead and arrange today's schedule." Charles replied. He had checked to confirm it online and found that Leila wasn't lying. The next flight was indeed past twelve o'clock that night. He felt hopeless, like a flattened balloon.

Although he was still in Europe, his heart had already flown out to Autumn.

After the agreement was signed, it came as good news that the agreement they thought they didn't get was now theirs. Another victory. Charles was happy about that part and regarded the trip as worthwhile and successful.

When Charles arrived at his partner's office, his partner complimented Leila on her competence and persistence, "Mr. Lu, we didn't choose your company as our partner. But your secretary Miss Zhang approached to us several times and that was why this partnership became a reality. She effectively showed us your advantage over the others. After an internal meeting, we reconsidered your company. So … she deserves credit for trying her best. You should give her a big bonus for this!"

Charles was astounded to know that Leila had made such efforts without his knowl

en he found out that Autumn wasn't there either. He had no choice but to ask Isla for help.

Isla replied with a forced smile, "Mr. Lu, you are ridiculous. She is my boss. Do you think there is any need for her to inform me of her entire schedule? As for you, you are her husband. You should know where she is. Funny, isn't it?"

"I…" Charles was confused about Isla's double edged attitude. She sounded friendly, but there were hostile undertones of it. But he didn't care much about it. He thought, 'Isla is Autumn's good friend. If Autumn was unhappy, it's normal for her to jump to Autumn's defense. I admit, I haven't been a very good husband lately.'

He was eager to know the whereabouts of Autumn. So he explained, almost begging, "I arrived just now. Straight from the airport. My grandpa said that she had come to work. I didn't see her in her office and I can't get through to her phone. Please tell me where she has gone."

Isla didn't reply. "Miss Zhao, I know Autumn is not only your boss, but also your good friend. I am sure you know where she is, " Charles continued asking.

Seeing him somewhat upset, Isla kind of felt bad for him.

On one hand, Autumn went through hell in the last couple of days. As Autumn's friend, she wanted Charles to feel what Autumn had experienced. On the other hand, she knew that Autumn loved Charles. If she found out that her husband had unexpectedly returned, Autumn would be happy again.

Isla was still struggling inside.

Charles began perspiring heavily as he urged her some more, "Miss Zhao, I don't know what has happened during my stay in Europe. We couldn't have a real talk unless I find her. What's more, I heard that she is not feeling well now. I am really worried about her. She shouldn't even have left the house. Please help me find my wife."