The Substitute Bride

Edward understood that Gary did not harbor any ill-feelings in doing all that he did, but he strongly believed that they all misunderstood Rachel. He thought they would all get along well with Rachel as long as they spent more time together.

While Rachel was bubbling with happiness of watching them argue with one another, she was also worried because Gary wanted to cut his ties with Edward.

She grabbed Chris by her hand immediately and said, "Chris, your father and I have come here to invite you to our wedding. I know you do not like me, but soon we will become family. I hope with all my heart that you give me chance to start our chapter afresh."

Rachel paused for a moment to compose her thoughts and added, "You are Edward's only child and after our wedding tomorrow you will be my daughter, with that said I have never meant any harm to you and I never will. I don't care how other people think of you and me. I just want you to attend our wedding and support us as we begin our journey together. I will prove to you with my actions that I'll treat your father with all my heart has to offer."

"Really?" Chris sneered and said, "So what do you want me to do tomorrow?

I'm going shopping tomorrow so I'm afraid I have no time to spare for your wedding."

Then she sarcastically added, "I don't think famous Miss Bai would care to receive blessing from a girl whom none of her friends know. Did you forget what my grandpa just said?

From now on, we are strangers. Remember that!"

Rachel looked at Chris with embarrassment, and then she said, "No matter how or what you think of me, I will always be your stepmother, so I really wish you reconsider your decision and come to our wedding..."

Edward remained silent and listened to every word Chris said very carefully. As he looked at Chris and saw a reflection of her mother, he didn't have the heart to blame her or even remain angry with her. After thinking for a long time, he asked Chris, "Are you saying that going s

o alone so she hoped Autumn would give her company.

Autumn was a little taken aback but, then she nodded in approval and said, "Ok, sure I'll come with you."

Chris smiled happily. Autumn urged Chris to take some rest and she also retired to her bedroom. She tried to call Charles but he did not answer. She called him again and just when she was about to disconnect, Leila answered from the other line.

"Mr. Lu is in a meeting. Can I take a message? I'll tell him right after he finishes his meeting." Leila asked politely. But Autumn couldn't help wondering what Leila's intention was.

Autumn thought for a while and then frowned. She was always unsatisfied with evil tricks and now she couldn't find Charles, so she began worrying about what had happened.

But all she needed to do was to believe in Charles and herself. Later, she told Leila, "Please tell him to call me right after the meeting."

"OK, " Leila answered. She then tried to explain to Autumn about what happened a few days back, "Did you argue with each other for what happened that day? Please don't misunderstand it all. It was just an accident."

"Why would you ask that?" Autumn asked her indifferently. Leila was slightly shocked because she asked Autumn that just to check whether Charles and Autumn's present relationship was strong or not.