The Substitute Bride

On their drive home, the couple dropped by a mother-and-baby store. An excited Autumn, with Charles in tow, went around the store browsing through the display of several lovely clothes for infants. Charles was delighted to see his wife so cheerful.

"You like it?" he asked as Autumn inspected one item in blue. His wife looked at him, hesitating.

"But I still don't know if it's a boy or girl, " Autumn sighed. "I don't know which color to pick, " she added, with a light laugh. Shopping was fun, though, Autumn thought. She kept looking at one item after another, admiring the cute designs.

Charles encouraged his wife. "It doesn't matter what you buy now. You can buy more later." The he flashed a mischievous smile. "Besides, they might all be useful someday." Autumn blushed at her husband's statement. It seemed like Charles wanted to have many babies. After looking at several of the infant clothes, Autumn finally picked out two of different colors. She handed these to Charles, who paid the bill.

On their way home, Charles turned to Autumn. "When you feel much better, I'd like to take you out to buy things for the baby, " he told his wife.

"Really? That would be wonderful, " she replied. Autumn was pleased that Charles was taking more interest in the baby and her. She laid her hands on her belly and lovingly rubbed it, speaking to the baby in her mind.

When they got home, Autumn was out of the car first and walked in to find a surprise waiting for them. Arthur stood by the door and was ready to welcome the couple. "Grandpa! What brings you here today?" Autumn cried out in delight.

Arthur gave Autumn a warm hug, and pulled her to sit down on the couch. "I was worried about you so I came to check how you were, " he said, while closely inspecting Autumn's face. "And how was the physical examination today?"

"Oh, I'm fine, Grandpa. And the baby's well, " she assured Arthur. Then she grinned and excitedly brought out her purchases. "Look! We even went shopping for baby clothes."

Charles walked in as she was showing off the clothes to Arthur. He greeted his grandfather warmly, who motioned for him to sit down. "Charles, Autumn, I have something to talk to you about, " Arthur began. "And I want to ask your opinion on something, " the elder man said.

Charles and Autumn looked at each other. "What is it, Grandpa?" he asked, a slight frown on his brows.

"I have a good friend who specializes in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He's here in Y City for a holiday. And I was thinking…" Arthur paused for a while and looked at Autumn and Charles before continuing, "Since Autumn can't take any kind of Western medication because of her pregnancy, I was wondering if she's open to Chinese traditional treat

o men and then suddenly remembered she did not know the stranger's name.

She cleared her throat in embarrassment, realizing the awkward situation they were in.

"I'm so sorry. I don't even know your name, " she apologized. "I'm Autumn Zhao, by the way." Autumn waited for his reply.

"Anthony Xiao, " he said. "I'm glad to meet you."

She sighed in relief, but continued to smile. "Now, let me introduce you to my husband, Charles Lu. Charles, this is Anthony Xiao, " Autumn said.

"A pleasure to meet you, Anthony, " Charles remarked. He extended his hand for a handshake, which Anthony Xiao took. Charles said, "Thank you for helping my wife earlier at the hospital."

"You're welcome, " Anthony Xiao said calmly. Suddenly, he said, "Please excuse me. I need to deal with something else."

Autumn was taken aback by his abruptness. But she said, "Okay." As Anthony Xiao walked away, Charles and Autumn decided to head back to the balcony. "Let's go. Grandpa and his friend have arrived, " he said gently as he escorted Autumn.

"Oh, all right. Let's go then, " she said holding on to her husband's arm. As they approached the entrance of the balcony, they could hear Arthur's laughter. "Craig, it has been a long time since we've seen each other, " he said. Then he pointed out, "Your grandson is all grown up."

A quick pause was followed by, "Yes, how time flies… as swiftly as an arrow." This time, another man's laughter broke out in the balcony. And an old man's voice drifted towards Charles and Autumn. "Arthur… you never told me you had a granddaughter. You should have introduced her to my grandson and then we would have been related by their marriage, " he said teasingly.

"Well, it's too late now, " Arthur retorted. He smiled and added, "My granddaughter is married. And she's also pregnant now."