The Substitute Bride

Moments after Roger and Autumn left, Rachel sent Charles a message telling him to keep close watch on Autumn, only to be rebuked. Rachel, then burning with rage and hatred, made a suggestion to Edward, "You have not met Chris in a long time, I suppose. So I am wondering why we don't go to see her right after dinner. I do miss her during this long absence."

"This sounds like a good plan to me." Edward nodded in approval after hesitating for a moment. He wanted to check if Chris was fine by taking the advantage of telling Charles something about Autumn.

As Roger could not sense anything strange waiting for them at the entrance of Dream Garden when he escorted Autumn back, he expressed his doubt, "I expected Rachel to ask Mr. Lu to wait here anticipating your arrival. I wonder what she is planning if not this..."

"That move is way too obvious. I told Charles all about our scheme including this dinner with you this evening. It is a waste of Rachel's time for her to warn Charles. This explains why Charles would not be here waiting for me." Autumn gave Roger a reassuring smile and said, "It is kind of you to play your role today in this charade. I must go home now but please do bear our plan in your mind."

"Mrs. Lu, I extend you my complete support and cooperation in this well devised plan." Roger pledged, standing outside her house, with sincerity, "It would be pointless for Rachel to challenge you, as I know how powerful and resolute you are. I would not ever consider getting myself tangled in a mess with you at any cost."

Autumn immediately turned complacent. As she entered home, Autumn found Chris sitting in the cozy sofa and casually eating a plate of fruit. At the sight of Autumn, Chris motioned her to share the fruit in a friendly manner, "Autumn, please enjoy these cherries which are so very sweet. They have arrived fresh via air parcel from America. It is all thanks to Sam's kindness."

"Sam, it appears, is trying to impress, pamper and woo you at every level." Autumn laughed, but Chris blushed with embarrassment. "Autumn, please do not tease me like this."

"I am simply tellin

ard."

Autumn tried to conceive of a perfect plan but in vain. She then reassured Chris, "Please go with a calm and composed mind, and just act as you see fit in the moment."

They had to act according to what the circumstance called for.

Within a few minutes, the arrival of Edward and Rachel was announced. Rachel showered Chris with courtesies, "Long time no see. I have brought you some fruits and cakes. I hope you will like them."

"Thank you!" Chris dismissed Rachel's zealous front with a contemptuous glance. She then held Edward's hands affectionately and said, "Dad, I missed you so much."

Edward's heart melted upon hearing Chris's lovely voice. He considered it a blessing to have such a loving daughter. He felt a gush of gratitude wash over him.

"I lost no time in coming here to see you, my beloved daughter." Edward doted on Chris, though he was a bad lot by nature.

"Dad, I always have you in my mind, " Chris said with a girlish charm to Edward.

Edward pinched Chris' nose playfully and requested, "Why don't you stay with me for a few days to dispel my loneliness and brighten up my days?"

"How could you possibly feel so lonely in my company?" Rachel protested playfully to join the conversation, as she smiled.

"I prefer and cherish Chris' company more than yours." Edward replied with a smile, "As the saying goes, 'A daughter is thought to be her father's first love.'"