The Substitute Bride

"Yes, he is," Leila answered, looking at him with a satisfied smile. Turning her attention to Charlie, she demanded,"Charlie, where are your manners? Come here! There is someone I want you to meet."

Knowing their visitor's identity, Charlie pretended not to hear his arrival. But since Leila called his name, he had no choice but to face this man. Switching off the TV reluctantly, he walked towards Charles slowly. He was not looking forward to meeting the father who had abandoned him.

His back was facing Charlie and he didn't notice him standing behind him. Glaring at Leila, he said impatiently,"I didn't come here to see your son. I came here to look at the evidence you have. Show me now." Charles' voice was laced with distaste.

Smiling smugly, Leila responded calmly,"Just turn around and see for yourself." She nodded her head towards Charlie. Frowning, Charles turned around and found the small boy standing straight in front of him. His gaze narrowed as he studied Charlie.

It was like looking at himself when he was at that age. His heart was beating fast as he wondered why this little boy resembled him so much. No matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn't think of a reason.

"What the hell is going on?" Charles almost shouted at Leila. A dreadful feeling overpowered him as he saw Leila's malicious smile.

"I think you already know the answer. The truth is staring you in the face. Do you still need me to explain to you?" Leila replied, looking at Charles challengingly.

His mind was rejecting the possibility, but the sick feeling in his stomach was telling him something else. Seizing Leila by the throat, he growled at her furiously,"Explain!"

Before deciding to bring Charles to her house, Leila had already made up her mind to make him believe that Charlie was their son.

She knew that she was taking a big risk for lying blatantly but she had no choice. Instead of showing fear at Charles' anger, she just smiled at him and said,"Charles, you'

ided to give birth to our child. After all, he is my child and I can't give him up," Leila said looking at Charles intently.

"I never regretted my decision. Charlie not only looks like you, but he also has your intelligence and personality. He is too matured for his age. Overall, he is an obedient and sweet boy." Looking coyly at Charles, Leila exclaimed,"Whenever I feel troubled and frustrated, I just take a look at Charlie and my troubles disappear. He is my reason for living."

"Is that so?" Charles sneered disbelievingly. "If you are such a great mother, why did you appear again? Why are you telling me this all of a sudden?

Didn't you decide to be a single mother?" Charles asked her in contempt. 'I couldn't care less about Leila, but now I have to face her because of Charlie, ' he thought darkly.

Leila put on a wry smile and replied,"Actually I planned on bringing him up on my own. I thought I was capable of giving him everything he needs. I know that I can give him a good life, but I realized what he needs is a father…

When I met you at the bar, I realized that I still have feelings for you. You're not only the one I love but you're also the father of my child. Every time you call me, I never turned you down even though you can only talk about Autumn. I feel happy as long as I can see you."