The Substitute Bride

"Think rationally Charles." Chris gazed at his brother's distraught, sullen face and sighed. She was desperate; she wanted to make Charles see straight with her words. "You know this three-year absence might endanger Autumn."

She hoped her words would bring her brother to his senses, not being like this. She pursed her lips and glared at him. "You had better cheer up than remain in seclusion with only despair and liquor as your friend."

"It's my life, so you better stay the hell out of it!" His eyes shone with fury as he met his sister's startled ones, his voice was raised and his words were intentionally hurting her. She was frozen still, and her face showed disbelief at her brother's behavior towards her. Gone was his loving brother, who was replaced with this hostile man.

She gulped and lowered her gaze; her voice was almost like a whisper against the eerie stillness of the room. "You are wasting yourself, dear brother…" Continuing her advice, she said,"Please act like a real adult and spare us from worries about your irrational actions."

Her words hit Charles. He stared at her face before stepping out from the room, the door hitting the frame with a bang as it was shut behind him.

With his eyes closed, he breathed out his frustrations and welcomed the fresh, cold air entering his lungs, as he stood in front of the lush greenery of a garden. His eyes opened and focused on the cold cement flooring and at once, his thoughts drifted back to Autumn's face, filling his heart with sadness and immense pain.

Later that night, he found himself in front of the counter of the bar, sitting on a comfortable stool. Taking observations and comparison of the peaceful club he used to go to, he found this new crowded club was featured by loud music around.

Just when he was about to take his drink from the bartender, a woman dressed in daring red outfit came and approached him with every intention of flirting with him.

The woman's hand was about to touch him lewdly when she noticed his glare. His dark, cold look shaken her to senses and left him in peace. It also ser

him as her eyes were wide in shock. Charles was ridden with guilt upon remembering Leila's reason for termination.

She whispered a reply. "I can only give you half-an-hour."

"Sounds good." Grateful for her time and understanding, Charles went to buy some canned beers in a nearby supermarket. They agreed to have a drink on the side of the road, sitting by the metal railings lining the road.

He gave her a can, which she gladly accepted. Sharp pop sounded upon opening his can, and he drank quickly from it. "I recalled you told me one time that you had grown to hate both the alcohol and the bars," Leila said while she remained watching him drink.

"It all depends on the circumstances," came his quick reply. His face turned to her, a smile plastered on it. However, she could see how forced they were. He softly added,"This world is too unpredictable and violent! I am in desperation and depression of losing contact with my beloved wife."

She understood the reason of Charles despair was Autumn's absence. "I am aware of Autumn's disappearance."

"Really?" Charles looked at her, pausing shortly before taking another gulp of beer.

"Mr. Lu, to tell you honestly..." She looked up to him and continued with her words softly,"It is possible Autumn was in danger during her three-year absence. But, you need to be optimistic and keep your faith in her as she expected you to be."