The Substitute Bride

Roger frowned and considered what was being asked of him. "It's impossible, " he finally said.

"Yes, I'm an actor, but I'm not as popular as she is. I don't see how Rachel will benefit by being linked to me, " Roger pointed out.

Autumn nodded. "Yes, you may not be as popular, but…"

Her eyes bore into him as she spoke. "After several months, it's very likely you'll be famous by the time the two TV shows where you play roles in are shown. And Rachel, who has nearly nothing, will think you are her last hope to recover what she lost."

Confused, Roger raised his hands to show that he was still clueless.

"So, what should I do now?" he asked.

Autumn was wondering if he finally understood her deviousness.

She smirked as he tried to absorb what she was thinking. Autumn made it a point never to hurt others unless they hurt her first. Rachel had already caused too much trouble and it was time to do something so the woman could not hurt her again.

Then she told Roger, "Of course you can do something. However…"

Autumn paused for effect. "You have to do whatever it takes, no matter what the cost."

Her words may have been vague but the message was clear and Roger understood. Autumn stood up to leave and said, "I've said enough. I leave it up to you, including whether you will or will not do it."

She gave him a daring look, and the latter formulated a plan in his head.

Roger suddenly remembered the photographs he was in possession of. Autumn was right. Once he became famous because of the TV shows, Rachel's recourse would be to blackmail him, and that would definitely destroy his career and maybe his life. If he wanted to prevent the woman from harassing him, he had to act first.

He decided to call a reporter from Entertainment Weekly. Roger went straight to the point.

"I have some photos that you might be interested in, " he offered.

The following day, photos of Rachel and Roger were splashed on every tabloid, magazine and online. In it was Rachel, in all her naked glory, a complete contrast to the virtuous image she had projected for many years.

Publishing the photos achieved two things:

nd at the first opportunity drove away as fast as he could.

Meanwhile, the press conference arranged by Roger was starting. He arrived promptly to get a feel of the situation. As expected, reporters were curious about his relationship with Rachel and threw a barrage of questions at him.

One asked, "Mr. Han, can you tell us how you and Miss Bai met and ended up together?"

Seated on stage, Roger tried to appear relaxed and smiled as he answered, "We met at a cocktail party. I was a fan of hers and thought she was inaccessible to people like me. But after talking with her, I learned she was really just a quiet, shy girl. We shared similar characteristics and hobbies so it became natural for us to be together."

Then he went straight to the scandal. "As for the photos, I have no idea who took them and exposed them to the public." He hardened his eyes and vowed, "I will do my best to find out who did it and let him take responsibility."

The second question asked was, "Can you tell us when you and Miss Bai started your relationship and when it ended?"

Roger sat up straighter before replying carefully. "Our relationship was over before she got married. And because she is another man's wife now, I hope not to bother her anymore. We broke up a long time ago, for reasons that we have kept between us. I just want to apologize to her about telling our story, and discussing such a personal matter in public."