Chapter 1 Substitute Marriage

In Critport, the skies unleashed a torrential downpour.

Ellie Gordon was hurriedly escorted into the main building of Moon Manor by car.

Once admired in Critport as a top socialite, she now found herself a pawn in the Gordon family's scheme, substituting their daughter in an arranged marriage.

Her husband, Kaiden Thorpe, was the family's fourth child. Known for his early brilliance and talent, his detachment had led to his alienation from his family. A car accident had left him with disabled legs.

As night enveloped the manor, Ellie awaited her elusive husband.

Kaiden's absence hinted at his reluctance to meet her, perhaps a refusal to acknowledge her.

His absence, however, was a relief for Ellie, sparing her the dilemma of confronting him.

Exhausted from her ordeals with the Gordons, she shed her wedding dress and climbed into bed, seeking rest.

Time blurred as she drifted in and out of sleep.

Suddenly, the door clicked open, breaking the silence.

A tall figure entered.

Half-asleep, Ellie stirred at the sound.

Before she could gather her thoughts, the figure joined her in bed, gradually drawing closer.

The sudden warmth had awoken her fully.

The stranger swiftly turned, pinning her down.

His grip tightened around her neck.

"Who are you?" he demanded in a low, cold voice, like a beast defending its territory.

Moonlight revealed his face, his eyes colder than his voice.

Ellie, without a word, lashed out with a swift kick aimed at the man's vulnerable spot.

"Fuck!" he cursed, deftly dodging her attack.

Seizing the moment, Ellie broke free and leapt from the bed.

The room became a flurry of motion as they exchanged a series of moves.

Trained in martial arts, Ellie was usually unmatched, but she quickly realized the man's superior skill.

"I am Kaiden Thorpe's wife. If you don't leave, I'll call the guards to throw you out..."

Her threat was cut short as the man seized her throat, pushing her against the wall.

Suddenly, the lights snapped on, illuminating the room.

In the bright light, the man's features were striking—deep-set eyes, a prominent nose, and a stern jawline. He looked at Ellie with a mix of surprise and sarcasm.

"Who are you planning to throw out?"

His gaze shifted from the wedding dress in the corner back to Ellie.

Dressed in modest casual wear instead of a nightdress, Ellie was clearly on her guard.

A flicker of contempt crossed Kaiden's eyes.

Struggling for breath, Ellie managed to gasp, "You're... Kaiden?"

She had never seen Kaiden, who seldom appeared in public, but it made sense that the only man who could enter his private bedroom would be him.

Yet, his legs were perfectly fine, unlike what they said in the rumors.

Kaiden's eyebrows raised slightly, acknowledging her deduction, and he released her.

"Ahem..." Coughing violently, Ellie collapsed to the floor, vowing never to feel that suffocating terror again.

Indeed, Kaiden was as unpredictable and ruthless as rumored!

"So, about calling the bodyguards?" Kaiden asked, lighting a cigarette and gazing down at Ellie.

His eyes lingered on her neck, marked by his grip, its delicate skin standing out in the light.

Ellie felt a flush of shame.

She hadn't realized he was Kaiden when she threatened to call for help.

Kaiden, with a demeanor suggesting he held power over life and death, said coldly, "Choose how you wish to end."

Ellie knew that Kaiden was thinking about silencing her, since she had discovered the truth about his legs.

"Mr. Thorpe, I am legally your wife. You can't treat me like this!" she protested, her heart racing with fear.

"You are nothing but a woman whose background is a mystery. How dare you claim to be my wife, huh?" Kaiden's tone dripped with disdain as he exhaled a ring of smoke.

Ellie clenched her fists, feeling deeply humiliated.

Her origins were indeed unknown; even the names of her biological parents were a mystery.

The high society was now aware that Ellie was merely a substitute in the Gordon family, not their true daughter.

But was it her fault?

Was it ever her choice?

She never wanted this marriage to Kaiden.

Impatient, Kaiden pressed a button near the bed.

Soon, two bodyguards entered the room.

"Throw her out," Kaiden ordered coldly.

"Wait, Kaiden!" Ellie exclaimed in desperation. "I promise, I won't say a word about your legs!"

She had agreed to this marriage as a way to repay the Gordon family for two decades of care. Now, she considered her debt to them settled.

Kaiden, his face a mask of indifference, suddenly spoke with a hint of benevolence. "Ellie, if you manage to survive this night, you can remain as Mrs. Thorpe."

Boom!

Crack!

The night sky rumbled with thunder.

Lightning flashed, its brilliance fading, but the relentless rain persisted.

The forecast had predicted this downpour would last all night.

Today was meant to be her wedding day, standing as Kaiden's bride. However, Ellie found herself confronting the relentless severity of the storm outside...

In that moment, Ellie realized the truth.

Kaiden's intent was not merely to degrade her, he was setting a lethal challenge.

As a bride imposed upon him by his family, her demise would be a convenient solution for him.

"Don't touch me!" declared Ellie, standing with dignity. "I'll leave of my own accord."

Her eyes met those of the approaching bodyguards, warning them, "Remember, I'm the woman legally bound to Mr. Thorpe. It would be unwise to lay hands on your master's wife, wouldn't it?"

Her demeanor appeared compliant, even gentle, but a flicker of triumph shone in her eyes.

She believed her emotions were well-concealed, yet Kaiden saw through her facade.

Amusement stirred within him.

The Ellie he'd heard of, the Gordon family's daughter, was reputedly virtuous, dignified, and gentle – ideal for leading a prominent household.

But the woman before him defied those descriptions, her spirit unbroken even in adversity.