The Substitute Bride

"Holley, my mother shouldn't have acted like that toward you. I understand that you're hurt. At the same time, I understand her too. Your words were offensive. She is not only my mother but also the owner of the company. You contradicted and embarrassed her in front of all those shareholders. No one could take that attitude without getting angry. So please try to understand. I promise I will help you get your job back," George comforted Holley patiently. The disagreement between her and his mother was such a headache for him. They were both at fault; he had to help them understand that and iron out their differences.

Holley nodded her head approvingly and stated, "I see. Yes, you are right. George, when I say I don't need to go back to my old job, I mean it. It's not something I'd just throw out in the heat of the moment. It's what I want now."

"What do you mean? I don't get what you're saying," George inquired, confused. He knew how much Holley's job at BM Corporation mattered for her. Susan was still working in the company, and Holley would use her to get back at Sheryl. She wouldn't just give it all up, but her words weren't making any other sense.

Holley noticed George's shocked expression and explained, "We have been in love for so many years. You know how much you mean to me. All that really matters right now is that you are part of my life. As long as we're together, losing my job doesn't matter anymore." She seemed genuine in her answer.

George continued to stare at her, unable to comprehend her words. Eventually, he asked, hesitating, "Holley, I don't understand what's happening. Are you saying you're not mad anymore? Are you willing to give up your plans?" More questions were inundating his mind but he was trying to take them one at a time.

"No, I'm not mad. I really mean it. It just hit me," Holley began clarifying. With her head hung low and tears in her eyes she continued, "Today is the anniversary of my mother's death." She knew George would realize where she was going with that.

Indeed, he understood then why Holley had been under the weather that day. She had lost her cool because she was missing her mother more than any other day.

He cupped her face, grazing his thumb along her jaw, and apologized, "Sorry, Holley. If I had known today is the anniversary of your mother's death, I would have explained it to my mother before things got out of hand

the matter? You don't like my plan?" Holley joked. His reaction said everything.

However, he still wanted to clarify, "Of course I do! How can I not like it? You don't know what it means to me to hear you say that. I will confirm our wedding date as soon as possible. I can't wait to marry you!"

"Sounds good," she answered plainly. Compared to George, she looked calm, almost indifferent. George ignored that, though.

She thought to herself, 'Ferry is right. My position at BM Corporation is not the most important thing; George is. As long as he loves me, he will help me and my plans will go smoothly.

It doesn't matter that Donna doesn't like me now. I will marry George as soon as possible. After the wedding ceremony, we will have a baby soon. I am confident that Donna won't look down on me after that.'

Holley glanced at George and quickly added, "By the way, George, marriage is holy and important for me. Our parents must attend our wedding. Also, since your mother got embarrassed because of me, I am wondering if you can invite her for dinner. I want to apologize in person and tell her about our wedding plans. What do you think?"

George didn't reply right away. If Holley had offered this before, he would have been all over it. At that moment he had a minor hiccup, which could backfire badly on him. He gulped and considered the issue, 'I have been intimate with Sula and have not figured out how to face her yet.

I wonder if she has said anything about us to our parents. Now that Holley and I are talking about our wedding, she may get mad. We may break up because of her.'