The Substitute Bride

A perplexed Sheryl started to read the information about Pigeon Double Fish Kindergarten. According to its brochure, the school had full facilities, a comfortable environment, and excellent teachers. And while its admission fees were quite expensive, the kindergarten's location was favorable — Y City.

She laid down the document and with a confused look asked,"Mr. Han, why are you showing me this?"

In her mind, Sheryl was trying to figure out what the man's motive was. 'Why is he concerned about a kindergarten for my child?' she wondered.

"Please don't get me wrong. You were not present in yesterday's ball, so I wanted to discuss with you this matter in private," George started to explain. Smiling, he continued,"I made an official statement before all the models present yesterday that BM Corporation is planning to establish a modeling agency here in Y City. Most of the models agreed to stay in Y City and sighed contracts, including your good friend, Sue." He further continued,"After signing contracts, they're eligible for long-term opportunities with the company."

Sheryl didn't feel comfortable talking to George about this and decided to be very careful to avoid any sinister plans.

Without uttering a single word, she looked at George suspiciously. However, the man sensed this and proceeded to reassure Sheryl.

"Please, there is no need to be suspicious. You were all selected based on merit, with Director Ang giving his input. As you can see, the director was first hard on you, but eventually treated you fairly." He smiled broadly and declared,"You're going to make me a huge fortune."

"Mr. Han, you're kidding me. But I am greatly flattered," she said, taken aback. She composed herself before continuing,"I am fully aware of my status as a single mother, so I didn't expect to be selected. I also thought my age would be to my disadvantage. That's why I am in your debt for accepting me as a temporary model."

George shook his head in disbelief. "Miss Xia, you are more elegant and well-rounded than the rest of the models." He then quickly added,"You know why? Because you're older and you've been married." The woman was quite emba

ryl found it strange for Holley to ask about her condition or to be close to her.

'We hardly knew each other, ' Sheryl thought.

In fact, Holley was a stranger to her.

Sue broke into her thoughts. "Sheryl, do you want to accept the offer?" She heard the concern in her friend's tone.

"I haven't made a decision yet," Sheryl admitted. Shaking her head and shrugging her shoulders as a gesture of uncertainty, she groaned a little. "Now, I am torn by indecision."

Sheryl told Sue about the preferential treatment George promised. She paused to consider. "I know nothing good comes easily. But I'm finding it hard to decline his offer," she admitted.

Sue did her best to convince her friend to accept the offer. "There is no harm in accepting, once you consider all his favorable conditions and terms. Besides, that means Shirley will study in a comfortable and healthy environment." She continued to argue,"And she will learn Chinese culture. That's what you want, right?"

Sue then took Sheryl's hand and squeezed it. "But best of all, if you settle in Y City, you, Shirley and I will be living here together happily!" she said excitedly.

"You really want me to settle down here?" Sheryl wasn't very sure about Sue's real intentions.

"Of course, I do. We're best friends and we deserve to live and work together." Somehow, Sue sensed Sheryl's uneasiness.

But then her friend's face lit up with Sue's honesty and sincerity.