The Substitute Bride

Charles' hand stopped midair, but after a while, he regained his composure and continued applying the ice. With some difficulty, he managed to ignore Leila. His calm reaction made Leila doubt whether he had heard the noise.

'Or could it be that he doesn't care about me at all?' Leila wondered. This thought put her in a further fury.

In Isla's residence, she was sitting on the couch, lost in thought.

She was so lost in her own world that she didn't take any notice of the kids and Aron.

After putting the kids to sleep, Aron came back to the living room and sat next to Isla. He held her in his arms and asked gently, "What's wrong with you? Are you still thinking of Sheryl?"

"Yes, I was wondering if she met Charles or not. Do you think I should call her?" Isla bit her lip and looked at Aron hesitantly.

Aron saw that Isla had even lost her appetite because of this issue. Now he wanted this situation to be sorted out as soon as possible. Hence, he nodded in approval. "Hmm. I think you should call and ask."

"Okay."

Hearing Aron's answer, Isla got the confidence to call. Without hesitation, she took out her cellphone and dialed Sheryl's number.

In the ship, Twilight, Sheryl was walking, oblivious of what was waiting for her.

She didn't even have the slightest idea about what was about to happen to her. Her life, which was already depressing, was about to get another knock. Right before she was going to enter the main cabin, her cellphone rang again.

She hesitated for a while but smiled on seeing that it was a call from Isla. She picked up the phone in an instant and said angrily, "Isla Zhao, did you prepare this evening dress for me in order to embarrass me?"

"How could it embarrass you? I was hoping that great dress would bring you some luck in finding a gentleman." Hearing Sheryl's happy tone, Isla was relieved. Now she was certain that her friend was having a good time.

Feigning anger, Sheryl said, "Stop joking around. I am aware you did it on purpose."

Although they were talking on the phone, Sheryl knew that Isla would understand she wasn't actually angry.

"Alright, I did it on purpose. Now, what are you going to do to me?"

Isla knew that

felt it was a pity that she hadn't spotted someone she knew. She had seen many people from her country, but none that she could talk to.

While speaking, Sheryl once again thought of her evening dress, and her earlier irritation returned.

Isla felt guilty as Sheryl talked endlessly about her mistake. Even then, she wasn't willing to admit her defeat. "I still think it would be a pity if you didn't show your excellent figure," Isla added with a smile.

"You should be awarded the worst bestie's trophy!" Sheryl knew that Isla was only joking with her, so she retorted with a funny reply.

Since it sounded like Sheryl was in a good mood, Isla prolonged mentioning the reason behind her call. She was afraid that Sheryl would be suspicious if she asked more.

But for a second, Isla was stunned. The person who had sent the pictures clearly stated that everything would come out tonight. 'Did he lie to me?' she thought, in disbelief.

'Didn't Charles and Leila go to the ship, Twilight?' she continued to wonder.

Even after wracking her brain, Isla couldn't figure out the mystery.

"Well, I think we need to stop joking. Now go and get some rest," Sheryl said, once again bringing up her desire to end the call. Afterward, Sheryl prepared to hang up without demur.

Although Isla was unwilling, she had no choice but to end it.

"Okay. You should take care of yourself too. And don't forget to have a good time," Isla reminded before they hung up.