Substitute
Substitute 67

Chapter 67: Nancy, Let Me Take You Home

“No…”

Nancy didn’t stop crying, and was crying even louder.

Living in poverty with her father and brother had always been her life.

Yet, she never saw it as suffering. Her father was like a sturdy and tall tree, sheltering her from wind and rain, becoming her most solid support in her heart.

When her father was stolen away by Vivian and Lily, Nancy wasn’t defeated. Because the burden of taking care of her brother fell onto her shoulders, she constantly told herself to be strong and not give in.

However, all her resilience was shattered by Lily’s words. She finally realized how worthless she was

in her mother’s heart.

Charlie’s words, “Don’t cry, I’m here“, gave her the same stability as she felt with her father. His words comforted her but also made her more afraid.

The warning from Lily was still echoing in her ears, yet she craved more the embrace of this man.

“No…”

She let the tears flow freely, allowing Charlie to hold her, voicing her feeling of injustice.

Rain fell from the sky, dampening their clothes. Charlie’s expensive tailor–made suit was soaked. But seeing the little woman in his arms crying so painfully, he couldn’t bear to disturb her nor did he want to let her go.

It wasn’t until Nancy had cried herself exhausted and her body began to slip from his embrace did he bend down and carry her up in his arms.

After they crossed the street, he opened the passenger door and carefully placed Nancy inside, fastening the seat belt around her.

Seeing Nancy’s hair, wet from the rain and clinging to her face, he reached out and gently brushed the hair away from her face, “Nancy, let me take you home.”

As his fingers brushed her cheek, warm and tender, Nancy jerked her face

Chapter 67: Nancy, Let Me Take You Home

away as if she had been burnt.

Knowing he was standing in the rain, she nodded slightly, “Mm.”

Charlie chuckled, closed the door, and moved to the driver’s seat.

As Nancy saw him come into the driver’s seat, she turned her face towards the car window. The rain that fell on the window matched the turmoil in her heart.

She knew very well that she had married Charlie only as a substitute for Vivian. She was just Vivian’s shadow, her stand–in.

With just one sentence from Vivian, she would have to leave Charlie

immediately.

But… but she found herself gradually losing control over her heart. Each act of kindness from Charlie made her fall for him a little more. This feeling was too terrifying…

After Charlie fastened his seat belt, he turned to look at her. Feeling his gaze, Nancy immediately closed her eyes.

If she didn’t dare to face it… then she would pretend that there was nothing Charlie didn’t say anything, turned his head back and started the car.

Closing her eyes, Nancy only wanted to get rid of her worries for a while. But her eyelids got heavier and heavier. When she couldn’t open them anymore; she fell asleep.

After they reached home, Charlie parked the car and turned to look at Nancy who was still asleep. He smiled softly and gently called her, “Nancy.”

Nancy didn’t respond. Her eyes tightly shut.

Charlie frowned, gently nudged her shoulder, but there was still no response from her.

Charlie had a bad feeling. He raised his hand to feel her cheek. The burning heat made him retract his hand almost instantly. Then he felt her forehead. She was running a high fever!