The Substitute Bride

He got more frustrated when he heard Leila's question. "They are all dead now," he said as he shook his head. "How am I supposed to find out who's behind all this?"

Leila turned towards him. "Charles, you really have to be more careful from now on. We don't even know who they were. The people who hired those killers could always try to hurt you again after this failed attempt."

She let out a sigh and a small smile. Charles seemed to like it.

"I will," he reassured her. "And thanks for taking care of my mother while I was away. I know it's a lot of work." After what happened in Malaysia, Charles knew he had to be a lot nicer to Leila. He wanted her to let her guard down. He wanted Leila to let him in.

Leila blinked a couple times, in shock due to Charles' sudden kindness. 'What just happened?' she thought. She shook her head in disbelief, but said nothing to avoid ruining the moment.

"Well, that's it, I guess. You should go ahead and rest. It's been a long day," Charles said a little awkwardly. He raked his fingers through his hair and seemed to relax.

"Uh, yeah. Good night, Charles." On that note, Leila got up and left the study without another word.

Melissa was waiting anxiously for her in the living room. Once she caught a glimpse of Leila, she stood up and held her hands tightly together.

Leila, on the other hand, was not anxious at all. She was pleased.

The soft smile on Leila's face was all Melissa needed to see. "How did it go? What did he tell you?" she asked while patting the seat next to her. Leila accepted the gesture and sat down.

"Aunt Melissa, it turns out that I was just overthinking. Charles actually wanted to thank me," Leila said. "He was even...nice to me?" She couldn't help it. Blood rushed to her cheeks, so she looked down to conceal her involuntary blush.

Hearing this, Melissa was relieved. Since the accident, she had a feeling that it was L

till had other things to worry about. She worried about what would happen in the company tomorrow. The only thing she could do was hope that Charles would see the good she did, instead of only what happened.

Light poured through the window as Nancy let out a yawn.

She was excited about Charles' return, but she never had the opportunity to talk to him with Leila and Melissa around. She decided that early morning would be the perfect time to get in a few words.

"Knock, knock."

Rugged haired and puffy eyed, Charles shot up from his bed. "Who the hell?"

"Mr. Lu, it's me, Nancy." she said this cautiously, careful not to wake anyone else.

Having Leila and Melissa find out was the last thing she wanted.

Charles let out a breath of relief. He had almost forgotten about Nancy.

"Anything wrong?" he asked. He opened to door to see Nancy, anxious and bothered as she walked right into his room.

"Mr. Lu, I have something to tell you. I'm sorry to bother you so early in the morning." They had known each other for years. She didn't want to beat around the bush.

This was the first time that Charles had ever seen Nancy so worried. He couldn't help but feel intrigued. He gestured Nancy to come in and sit down before he asked, "What's this about, Nancy?"