The Substitute Bride

Holley wore a sad face and looked at George, defending herself, "George, we've been together for a long time. I thought you knew me better than that! I want revenge, sure, but I'm not after Susan. Sheryl, yes; not Susan. How could I hurt an innocent girl?"

She walked close to George, took his hand and continued, "George, ignore those idiots. I'm nothing like what they try to paint me as. You're the most important person in my life, and I don't want you to think I'm a bad person. The fact that you already doubt me hurts the most!"

"You telling the truth?" George asked. He stared at Holley closely who stood in front of him. "Holley, you're my lover, the closest one to me. No matter what, don't hide anything from me. Understand?"

"Yeah, I do," Holley replied, nodding. She stroked George's hands in a loving manner and said, "George, you've always been there for me. No matter what, I'll stay with you. I hope you'll always be with me. I don't want to fight with you anymore."

After her statement, she looked at George nervously for his reaction. When she finally saw him nod, she gave him a big grin. The she asked carefully, "Well... Did you honor Cary's request?"

"No, I didn't. Rest assured," George answered. "The department's yours. I won't make any decision without your permission," he explained.

"You're the best!" Holley cradled George's neck intimately and kissed him on the cheek.

However, George didn't have much reaction to her intimate behavior. Instead, he looked quite distracted. Holley was upset, and frowned. "George, what's wrong? Anything bugging you?"

"I'm fine. Just a little worried," George explained. Then he took her arm and sat together with her. "Cary told

frustration. Then he said, "You can leave now. I need some space."

"George, I..." Holley wanted to comfort him.

"Just leave!" George commanded curtly and sank down into the sofa, unwilling to even look at her.

Holley knew that George was mad at her. She decided to obey him and leave him alone. When she was about to walk out of his office, she heard George's voice, "For the last time... Did you hurt Susan?"

"No! Of course not!" Holley answered firmly. She started to get suspicious. Did George know? She turned and complained, "George, why are you acting like this? You've asked me that a lot. Don't you trust me?"

"It's not what you think. I just wanted to make sure." George closed his eyes, unwilling to see her. "You can leave now. I won't stick my nose in your business anymore. Do what you want," he stated coldly.

Holley felt that George was acting strangely. But her delight swept away all her worries, because George promised not to interfere. She didn't think twice about his strange behavior.

As soon as the door closed, George opened his eyes. He stared at the door, a hint of pain flashing across his eyes.