The Substitute Bride

"It's about Holley Ye!" Donna replied. Sheryl smiled politely. She had already guessed the real purpose of the other woman's visit.

"Well...what's wrong with her? Could you elaborate and give me more details? I'm not following you," Sheryl responded flatly.

"Here's the thing," Donna began. She took a sip of water and continued, "You must have heard about Holley and my son George, right?"

"Of course I have," Sheryl nodded, looking at her. "Mr. Han is my former boss. They are a good match," she added.

Donna frowned at Sheryl's remarks. She then shook her head slightly. "To be honest with you, I don't agree with that and I don't approve their seeing each other."

"Is that so? I'm sorry to hear that," Sheryl replied with mock surprise. "But Holley is good-looking. Besides, she and Mr. Han are mutually attached. Why do you oppose them being together?" she asked.

Donna wrinkled her nose and her brows as she replied, "I have a feeling that Holley is not a simple girl. I have already arranged a good match for George long time ago. But since he and Holley met three years ago, George hasn't been keen on my match for him, and has been insisting on staying with Holley."

She paused, heaved a sigh, and continued, not waiting for Sheryl to interject, "To tell you the truth, I don't like Holley. She is not from a wealthy family, and more importantly, I don't think she is a good girl. If George continues to stay with her, I am afraid that she might get him into big trouble."

With a bitter smile, she added, "I only have one son. I admit that sometimes I am manipulative, but I have done all of this for his sake. People who come from families like mine only hope to find a good match for their children. Even if he dated a good girl from a poor family, I would not oppose them. But I

that she fooled George. If Donna is telling the truth, she is going to marry George. It will become more difficult for me to put her down once she becomes George's wife.

I can't let it happen. I will do anything to stop this, ' she resolved.

She had promised to avoid meddling with Holley's life if Holley stayed away from her. But considering she already made the first move, she had no reason to stand by idly.

Watching the anxious Donna, Sheryl said apologetically, "I am sorry, Aunt Donna. I just want to see your attitude towards Holley. I hope you will not be mad at me."

"It's okay," Donna returned. She added, "I understand your concerns. After all, I am just a stranger to you. I can understand that you're cautious of me."

"How about I tell you a story?" Sheryl placed a pork chop onto Donna's plate, smiling. "Enjoy."

"Sher..." Donna squinted at Sheryl and said anxiously, "I don't have time to hear your story. I need an idea to bring Holley down. How about you tell me your story next time after I make Holley leave my son?"

"Easy, Aunt Donna," Sheryl told her in a reassuring voice, smiling. "Trust me. You'll not regret hearing my story, and you'll want to hear me out."