The Substitute Bride

Rachel put all efforts to ensure her expressions defy her emotions and thoughts. Internally, she was dying of jealousy, but she could not afford letting her anger reflect on her face let alone her actions. After all, Chris was Edward's biological daughter. If Rachel expressed animosity towards Chris, Edward might blatantly favor and defend Chris. If she lost Edward's trust and lost his favor, she wouldn't be able to get any money from him.

Chris was sitting right next to Edward when she suddenly heaved a heavy sigh. Edward anxiously asked her, "What's the matter? Everything is okay, isn't it? Your sigh has scared me."

"I am particularly worried…" Chris took a big breath before she explained, "I have a stepmother now. If she gives birth to some babies, will you still cherish and love me with the same veracity as now? After all I am only your daughter. Your son might grow to be more important. Besides, I am not living with you. It's only natural for you to ignore me in the future. You will provide for that child, watch him grow and guide him. How could you not love him more?"

Edward's face darkened as he heard Chris' concern, he had not considered this scenario earlier. Rachel laughed and tried to jump in again, "Chris, thank you for your gentle reminder. Edward, why don't we have a child? He will be cute and handsome. He will also have Chris as his elder sister to guide him..."

"Just shut your trap!" Edward snapped at Rachel furiously, as he frowned in contemplation, "I am too old to have a baby. If you want a child, then go and have a baby all by yourself. I do not share dreams of such a future with you!"

Edward's ruthless refusal astounded Rachel. It took her quite a while to gulp her pride and get past the shock. The moment she returned to reality, the words escaped her mouth before she realized what she was saying, "Why are you so angry at me all the time? I was just thinking about it and expressed it aloud."

Edward looked at Rachel with a cold stare to intimidate her and warned, "Don't even think about it anymore..."

Upon seeing Rachel's gloomy expression, Chris felt excited and proud of what she had accomplished. But she was confused by Edward's attitude and reaction. She did not expect him to act so harshly and treat her with such rudeness. 'They are newlyweds. Shouldn't he be happy if Rachel gives birth to a son? Why... is he so unwilling to even consider it let alone talking about it?'

Before Chris could try to figure out the reason for Edward's abnormal hostility, Edward started to console her, "Don't worry. You will be my only child all my life. I can't bear to share the love I have for you with anyone else..."

"Than

to make me think she is adulterous." Charles rejected his suggestions solemnly, "She is my wife. Why would I marry her if I didn't trust her?"

Charles added with a poker face, "Since you clearly have a lot of time on your hands, pay more attention on your relationship with Rachel. Stop meddling in my domestic affairs. I know how to make my relationship work."

"You …" Charles' obstinacy was really ticking Edward off. "You, ungrateful man! I will change my family name if I say anything about your family anymore, " said Edward, shaking with rage.

"That's exactly what I expected!" Charles responded with a sneer.

The moment Charles and Edward entered the house back, Edward yelled at Rachel from the corner, "Let's go right now. We are not welcome here, never were."

"What happened?" Rachel asked him with a frown. She thought, 'I set a trap so that Edward would see Autumn having supper with Roger. After all, Charles would rather trust Edward's words over mine. It seems Charles wasn't convinced even by him. Edward looked furious, so he must be enraged by Charles's reaction.'

"Stop asking questions and just hurry up! We are leaving right this instant, " Edward said and walked towards the door, holding Rachel's hand. When they passed Chris, Edward restrained his anger and said, "Chris, I am leaving. When you are free, do come and visit me."

He swore that he would never set foot into the Dream Garden in future.

In his opinion, Charles misunderstood his intentions, so there was no need to come here out of his way to protect his honor and embarrass himself.

"Father, why don't take some rest and have a chat with me?" Chris tried to stop Edward, but he shook her hand off. Edward said, "No. I am leaving. I will pay you a visit some other time and place."