The Substitute Bride

"You know, I am perfectly fine with my girlfriend being a model, but my parents don't agree with my point of view. They disapprove of our relationship and I just can't figure out how to change their minds. The only thing I can think of is to come and ask for your advice. I know you'll be able to think of something to get me out of this situation," Cary said with a forced smile on his face. Then he continued, "George, you're one of my good friends and I'm counting on you. You'll help me, right?"

George smiled bitterly and said, "I understand. Even in these modern times, love means nothing when it comes to keeping up with reputation. Parents pay a big role in children's love relationship, especially in families like ours. Without their consent and blessing, it's hard to go through with marriage even if we can afford it. It's such a helpless, frustrating situation."

He was thinking of his own relationship with Holley. Despite the fact that they had been together for many years, his mother still refused to even consider Holley as his future wife, and kept dropping hints for him to find a "proper girlfriend".

Then he focused on his friend sitting in front of him and gave him a warm smile. "Well, you came to the right place! You know I'll do whatever I can do to help with your situation."

Cary grinned back at him with relief. Then George gave Cary a curious look and said, "If I remember correctly, you never showed any interest in girls back when we were in college. All the girls were afraid to even talk to you because you looked so fierce and unfriendly! I wonder what kind of woman managed to win your heart."

"I'm pretty sure you know her already," Cary said, with an odd look on his face. He put down the cup in his hand and leaned on the edge in his seat, as if he wanted to share a big secret with George. Then he announced, "I'm dating Susan."

"What did you say?" George couldn't have been more shocked if Cary had suddenly punched him in the face. His entire body stiffened and his heart immediately started beating fast like he had just finished a race. He asked in disbelief, "You're dating Susan? You're joking, right?"

"Why would I be joking?" Cary scoffed and asked, "Do I look like I'm kidding? I have never been more serious in my life."

"But...I don't understand," George shook his head slightly. He tilted his head to one side with his brows furrowed in confusion. He asked in a baffled tone, "How in the world did you end up with Susan? Is she really your girlfriend?"

"Why not? Is there anything wrong with us being together? Don't tell me you share the same old-fashioned thoughts as my parents," mocked Cary. It was obvious he was annoyed by George's reaction. He scoffed and asked, "Well? Do you disapprove of our relationship, too?"

He paused for a few beats and gave a disparaging smile. "Don't worry. You're not going to lose any money. I won't take advantage of the fact that we're old college buddies. I'll repay you for all of your losses, every single cent. You have my word."

"No, that's not what I'm thinking of. Don't misunderstand me." George looked at Cary guiltily. He was already imagining the headache that was about to come. Not so long ago, he had had a massive fight with Holley when he made the decision to approve Sheryl's resignation without consulting her first. To make things worse, until now Holley still didn't realize that he had done that for her sake, with her best interests in mind. Now he had an almost identical situation on his hands.

He knew that if he agreed to release Susan from the corporation, there would be another huge issue. Their relationship was still slightly chilly from the resulting row from Sheryl's departure and he really didn't want to stir up the mess further. But Cary was a good friend and had never a

ee left him fuming inside.

"Is that so? Alright then," Cary mocked, "it seems I must be mistaken. I'll mind my business from now on."

Then he turned and left without a second look. Shortly after he had left, Holley rushed into George's office and asked abruptly, "I heard Cary was here earlier. What did he want?"

"Yes, he was here. Nothing, really. Just catching up and gossiping about some old college buddies. Boring man talk, you wouldn't be interested," George lied. Why did Holley seem so flustered? Why did she seem so nervous about Cary's appearance? George gazed deep into Holley's eyes, trying to read her thoughts. He couldn't help recalling Cary's accusations and wondered if his friend might have been telling the truth.

Even though he was deeply in love with Holley, he had to admit that sometimes, he didn't agree with her actions. Her way of doing things, especially the way she treated others, could be a little crude and brutal at time. But he had learned to embrace it as a part of her and didn't want to be one of those crazy people who tried to change their partner's personality.

"What is it, honey?" Holley asked nervously, feeling uncomfortable with the way George was staring at her. She could sense that something was not quite right. She sat down next to George, rubbed his shoulders and asked, "Did Cary say something inappropriate? Did he talk about me?"

"No, nothing about you." George shook his head slightly and decided to just get it over with. He turned to Holley and put his hand over hers, saying, "Holley, please be honest with me. Did you have anything to do with Susan's 'accident'? You know she's still being treated at the hospital. It doesn't have anything to do with you, does it? Please tell me it doesn't."

"What are you talking about, George?" Holley was stunned by George's query. She shook his hand off and looked at him with a hurt look on her face. "I know there's been talk about me being involved with Susan's accident. But I didn't bother trying to explain things because I don't care what other people think and I have nothing to prove. But to think that my own boyfriend considers that I may have something to do with it! I never thought you would betray me like this. It's devastating."

"So you're saying the accident doesn't have anything at all to do with you?" George wanted to hear her say the words.

"Of course not!" Holley said firmly. She wore such a hurt and indignant expression that George's heart melted and he wondered how he could accuse her of such a thing.