The Substitute Bride

Smiling, Sheryl caressed her children's heads. It was peaceful like this, with just her family. It seemed that the world's problems were a million miles away from them. However, every peaceful moment had to end. Her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts.

With one glance at her phone, she already knew who was calling without having to look at the Caller ID. Bringing it close to her ear, she shook her head. "What now, Isla?"

"You're still at home, aren't you?" Isla said exasperatedly.

"I…" Isla didn't even let Sheryl finish as she continued, "Get out of there and meet me, or you'll regret it for the rest of your life."

Isla usually wasn't so anxious. Sheryl glanced at Shirley and Clark, who probably heard what Isla had said, already looking disappointed that their mom would go out. Sighing, she turned back to her phone.

"Fine, I'll see you later."

She looked at her children once she hung up.

"Mom, are you going out?" Shirley frowned.

"It's Aunt Isla, Sweetie. I think it's something urgent," Sheryl said apologetically, running her fingers down her daughter's braids. "I should get going, but I'll be back soon. I promise." Shirley, however, didn't seem convinced.

"No! I don't want you to go, Mom. I want to sleep with you. What if I call Aunt Isla and ask her to change the time? Please, Mom!" Shirley pulled her mother's arm, begging as she continually jumped up and down on the carpet. Her eyes were already glistening from unshed tears.

At that point, Sheryl didn't even know what to say, feeling her guilt lodging in her throat.

"Shirley, stop. It must be an emergency, or else Aunt Isla wouldn't be calling Mom at this time. You need to stop and be a big girl, okay?" Clark said softly, taking over from his mother.

Sheryl glanced at her son, smiling gratefully. It was a good thing that she had a son old enough to understand the situation.

"But I want to stay with Mom. I don't want her to leave…" However, Shirley didn't listen to any of them. She lowered her head, pillow held close to her body, as she sniffled. Her voice was already thready, sounding as if she was about to cry.

Sheryl rubbed Shirley's back. "I'm sorry, Sweetie, but you know Aunt Isla. She must really need my help now." She leaned over, just long enough to t

up with Charles as well, though she didn't really plan on showing it.

"What's so funny?" Sheryl snapped, as Isla couldn't stop giggling every now and then, failing to see the invested look she had on her face just a second ago.

"I know you still care about Charles, Sher. Don't try to lie to me," Isla rolled her eyes, the smile still painted on her face. "I swear, Charles is–"

"Why was David in the bar?" Sheryl interrupted before Isla could add anything more. The last thing she wanted to hear or talk about was Charles.

Isla cleared her throat. "David asked me for the bar's security footage, so I asked him why he needed it, but he just wouldn't tell me. In the end, I told him to leave."

"That's it?" Sheryl waved her hand exasperatedly when she finished. And here she was expecting ground breaking news, not something that could lull her to sleep.

"You don't get it, do you?" Isla nudged her arm. "I bet Charles asked him to do that because he still cares for you, just like you still care about him. What can I say? You're both as oblivious as you are perfect for each other."

"You're drunk, Isla. Charles wouldn't do that," Sheryl snorted at the incredulous thought.

"Who knows?" Isla shrugged, reeling back. "People can change. Why else would David be coming in for the security footage?" Isla was confident that she was right.

Sheryl rolled her eyes and looked out of the window. Maybe she should have stayed at home with the kids, instead of listening to this nonsense. She shook her head.