The Substitute Bride

"It is not possible." The weird conversation that started between the two strangers was getting to clarity slowly. Autumn could not help asking Burke about Leila as it was a matter that bothered her a lot. Leila's getting out of their lives so easily and getting into a romantic relationship with this person, claiming to carry his child and then this sudden break off — all these incidents happened too soon and one after the other. Now that Autumn met Burke, she wanted to get to the depth of the matter. So she continued,"Last time Leila told me about her pregnancy after long stay with you, which dispelled my doubts and concerns."

Autumn could sense Burke's uneasiness for being challenged by this matter. But she wanted an answer.

"Earlier, Leila had promised to invite me to her wedding. Is there any misunderstanding?" Autumn asked Burke, her eyes set on his face, trying to analyze even the mildest twitch of his facial muscles just to make sure that he was not lying to her.

Burke on the other hand felt trapped. Autumn being Charles' wife stopped him from being absolutely pointblank with her and tell her to stay out his personal life. He had to be polite and hence had to answer her questions. "Mrs. Lu, may I take the liberty to ask when was the last time that you met Leila?" Burke asked, trying to be as polite as possible. He had absolutely no clue about Leila's pregnancy.

Autumn paused to think back the exact time when she met Leila at the hospital. Then she said,"I think it was a month and a half ago. Is there anything wrong with it?"

Burke had no clue about Leila's intentions. Yet, he had to explain the matter to Autumn to the best of his abilities. "Mrs. Lu, actually I have parted ways with Leila. And I find it embarrassing to mention the reason behind our failed relationship. More so, I was not the defaulting party."

Burke paused for a while and continued,"It is impossible for Leila to get pregnant even for one month, let alone three-to-four months, as we have just parted ways half a month ago, when she had no signs of pregnancy."

"How could it be?" Autumn became completely numb when she heard Burke speak these words. 'Who is the one that has lied to me, Leila or him? What does she get

d,"Turn around, and my my! Look at you! You seem a little plumper."

Isla looked happier and more well-rounded than before. Every girl has a marked change in her appearance after getting married. The change from a girl to a wife is so apparent and swift! Isla looked happier than ever.

"Definitely." Isla complained laughing,"Aron made me eat highly nutritious food on a daily basis.

I am not as chiseled as I used to be!" She blushed while she spoke. Autumn was delighted to see Isla in a happy space.

"You are a lucky and pampered wife." Autumn smiled at Isla,"Aron is a very caring husband."

After the initial niceties shared by the two women, Isla motioned to offer something to Autumn. "I have come to give you something."

"What is it?" Autumn was curious to know what Isla has got for her.

Isla put down a big package in front of Autumn and said,"This package contains something really special for you."

"What is there in this pack?" Autumn expressed her curiosity toward Isla. As her pregnancy developed, Autumn had been showered with many gift from friends and family. But coming from Isla, it had to be very special for Autumn.

"These are the stuff that I specially bought for you during my honeymoon." Isla smiled at Autumn as she handed over the box to her. "These make-ups were highly recommended by the salesperson to effectively erase your stretch marks. Hence I picked these for you. You may want to try these and let me know if you want to buy more."