The Substitute Bride

"You were forced to marry Charles. How could you spend your whole life with him as his wife? You don't love him, do you?" The fact that she was forced into marriage made Sam's heart ache. He said, "Listen, I am serious. Why don't you divorce him? Don't worry I will find your grandmother. We will take her abroad and live a happy life where Charles and your parents can never find us. What do you think?"

"Stop joking, Sam." Even if Autumn didn't marry Charles, she wouldn't have agreed to Sam's suggestion. When Sam left with his mother years ago, she was heart-broken and her affection for Sam has gone. So it was no surprise when she replied, "Sam, I know you that you are a good person, but …" Autumn took a seat in the pavilion. It was at dusk and a cool breeze blew gently. Autumn hesitated for a moment. When she finally opened her mouth, "Sam, Wendy invited you to come here with a purpose. If Charles saw us, he would misunderstand that something is going on between us. Sam, I know it'll be hard to believe this, but you must know, I… I have fallen in love with Charles."

She thought to herself, 'I promised Wendy to to distance myself from Charles and I will do as she wishes. But I am not Wendy's pawn. Besides I don't want Charles to think that Sam and I are lovers.'

She turned to Sam, "Yvonne has realized that Charles is a good husband, so now she regrets having me take her place as his wife. She wants my place now. But they do not know how to turn this situation around, so they invited you over today. I am asking you not to reveal my real identity when Charles arrives." 'My grandmother is being held captive. I have no choice.'

"Why do you sacrifice your own happiness?" Sam didn't believe that Autumn had fallen in love with Charles. He couldn't understand why Autumn insisted on maintaining the status quo. He thought that if Autumn and Yvonne went back to being themselves, Autumn would feel happy. So he asked, "If she wants to be Charles's wife, why don't you let her be?"

"Sam!" Autumn yelled as she turned gloomy. Then she looked at Sam, "I have my own plan. If you don't help me, then don't get in my way."

Autumn didn't want Charles to think that she had a relationship with Sam. If they broke up because of Sam, she would be devastated.

'If my parents and my sister are determined to have Charles and

ndy comforted Yvonne in a firm tone. In her mind, 'A person as slow-witted as Yvonne can only think of the possible problem. But Autumn will surely do something to prevent it from happening. I gave Autumn and Sam time to talk so that Autumn can persuade Sam to stay quiet.

For Autumn's own good, Sam will keep it a secret.'

When Charles got to the door leading to the backyard, Autumn and Sam were done talking and were about to leave. "Sam, let's go back inside. It's cold here, " She suggested.

Autumn stopped Sam who was removing his coat to give to her. "No, thank you. Let's go back. Charles will be here soon."

"Okay." Sam replied with a nod. At the stone stairs on the way back from the backyard, Autumn missed a step but Sam caught her by the arm. She didn't fall, but was a bit shaken.

"Are you okay?" Sam asked with a concerned look as he put his arm around her shoulders.

The embarrassing Autumn stepped away from Sam. Her face showed no emotion as she said, "I am fine."

They continued to go inside the house. Then Autumn saw Charles standing at the entrance with an expressionless face and she felt nervous. Maybe Charles saw what had just happened. She hurried up to him and asked, "How long have you been here?"

"I arrived just a moment ago." Charles replied with a smile and sparkling eyes which turned defensive when he looked over to Sam.

He felt some hostility from Sam. Autumn looked at the two men and found the atmosphere was getting tense, so she explained, "Charles, my mother invited Sam to have supper with us."