Chapter 29
“I’m really a substitute, ain’t I? ” She asked herself again. ” Gosh, I think I’m going crazy ” She muttered in frustration. Mirah who had been watching her couldn’t help but wonder what she gat on her head that could be really frustrating her.
” You sure you’re really okay? ” Mirah asked when she couldn’t take it anymore.
” I’m fine, seriously! ” She replied, staring blankly at the customers who were begining to disperse. Seems they’re closing soon.
” You don’t look like you are ” Mirah persisted. ” We should start making preparations to close the coffee shop. Mr Cyrus ( the coffee shop owner ) would be here soon ” She said instead and began to walk away, ignoring Mirah’s call.
” What’s really up with her? ” Mirah said to herself worriedly.
They finished packing the empty cups along side other workers and it was finally time for them to leave for their home.
Layla got in through the driver’s side and sat down, ready to drive while Mirah got in, opposite her, at the passengers seat.
Layla ignited the engine and drove off almost immediately as the car properly parked by the road side parking space.
** Shane’s Apartment **
Shane was sitted quietly in the sitting room this time around as he worked on an important stuff on his laptop, munching on chips as he worked on.
” Lady Macbeth ” He called and almost immediately, she appeared with a bow. ” Sire ” She said. ” Could you turn on the TV please ” Shane said not looking up from his laptop, tho to Lady Macbeth, it sounded like an order. ” Yes sure ” She said with a light bow again.
She moved over to the large and expensive TV and switched it on. A recorded interview popped up and Lady Macbeth was about changing the channel but was stopped by Shane.
He recognized Brielle’s voice as the guest’s voice. He raised his head abruptly and truly, she was the guest being interviewed. It was a recorded interview which happened some few hours ago.
” When did this happen? ” He asked Lady Macbeth without taking his eyes off the TV screen.
” 4 hours ago sire ” She replied and he nodded, still watching the interview.
” So, how does it feel being a married woman now? ” He heard the interviewer ask Brielle. Brielle let out a chuckle.
” It’s the best feeling ever, trust me. Especially if it’s to one gentle, rich, popular and handsome man like Shane. Trust me you would want more of it. He’s so sweet and caring ” She gushed and the interviewer couldn’t help but blush on her behalf.
Shane scoffed and took his eyes away from the TV screen. If only they know it’s all lies. But it’s really surprising on how she could be comfortable saying those lies out. The fact that she’s really fine and doing okay without caring about him after she had refused to show up for the wedding is really hurting him,, a lot.
Not even a call or text from her. It’s saddening. His thoughts flashed back to Layla and he sighed. Only if they could really work out. She’s one perfect and flawless lady he would have ever wished for . But she’s just a substitute.
It can’t be possible. They can’t happen. He was suddenly missing her again, all of a sudden.
He remembered how they had acted like they never really knew each other and sighed. ” It should continue like that, it’s for the best ” He muttered to himself.
” Layla or Brielle? ” Shane suddenly asked Lady Macbeth who had been standing all through. ” Huh? ” She asked in confusion.
” Layla or Brielle?…. which one of them would you want for your son? ” He asked, looking at her properly this time around.
” Sir.. I… can’t, I can’t choose… It’s not proper ” She muttered but he could hear her clearly. ” I know it’s not. Just answer the question, it really doesn’t mean a thing. No thing would change ” He assured and she nodded, realizing she had no choice but to give an answer.
” Truthfully, I would choose Layla for my son ” She mumbled and his brows raised slightly. ” Give reasons ” He muttered to her.
” She’s.. nice and caring. She’s pretty and she has a sense of humility in her. She’s polite, respectful and has a spirit of contentment. To me, I would say she’s really flawless. I would definitely wish to have a daughter like her ” Lady Macbeth states and Shane nodded in support of everything she had said.
” Alright. Thanks then, you call leave ” He muttered. Lady Macbeth released a smile together with a small bow before making her exit.
” She’s flawless…. and pretty too ” Shane muttered on his own.
*** The Girl’s Apartment ***
” You’re still on this. Really? ” Mirah asked unbelievably. Layla raised her brows. ” What are you talking about!? ” Layla asked in a sarcastic manner.
” Is it really that hard for you to let go of him?, You two can be never be together. You should really make a fast decision in accepting that you two are from different worlds. Totally different worlds ” She explained and Layla sighed.
” I’m trying, Okay?, I’m trying so hard to forget about him ” Layla finally let it out. Mirah let out a little smile. ” You will be fine. Just try, I don’t want to see you getting all worked up cause of this again,, please ” Mirah pleaded and Layla let out a short sigh.
” Alright, I’ll try ” She replied. ” Promise me ” Mirah insisted. ” Alright pinky promise ” Layla replied and they did the pinky finger thing.
” Thanks baby ” Mirah gushed and Layla chuckled. ” About the interview thing with Brielle yesterday. She doesn’t even care if her husband feelings are at all, yet she kept on giving the media’s lies. It’s really unfair against Shane ” Mirah started.
” And since when did you start caring about Shane? ” Layla teased. ” Since today ” Mira muttered and they both released a a short laugh.
****
” So, she’s a lier? ” Mrs Kent asked angrily and Shane sighed. ” Mom, can you stop? ” Shane tried to caution her mom over the phone. The both of them were on a video call together. ” Can you stop defending her!?, Son what’s wrong with you!?…. ”
” How could all these happen right under your nose! ” She shouted angrily. ” Mom I’ll be fine ” Shane said instead.
” I’m calling her parents right now to cancel the contract!, All these are trashes!, How dare they trick us!? ” Mrs Kent said unbelievably.
” Mom, it’s nothing concerned with her parents. All these is between I and Brielle, I’lld settle it together with her whenever she’s back ” Shane tried to say but it seems Mrs Kent wasn’t really ready to take it slow.
” I’m cancelling the contract and that’s it! And I don’t think there’s a thing any one could do to this! ” She said authoritatively.
” Mom! ” Shane scolded. ” What the hell is wrong with you son!?, Are you so blinded with love to see that she’s taking you for granted!! ” Mrs Kent shouted at her son.
” Mom I’m aware of all these, leave it to me and I’ll settle it my way ” He said. Mrs Kent let out a scoff. ” Really?, The same way you took care of it by fooling everyone with a fake bride?, Huh!? ” She shouted and Shane sighed, getting tired of his mom’s rants already.
” The girl. Who’s she? ” She suddenly asked, with a calm voice. ” Who? ” Shane asked unaware that she was actually referring to Layla. ” That fake bride ” Her mom snapped.
” She’s not a fake bride and mom please, do not involve her into this. I forced her into this and I don’t want you thinking of her as a gold digger or someone who’s in haste for money. She wasn’t willing… ”
” You seem really interested in this girl? ” Mrs Kent suddenly said, more like a question,, cutting Shane’s words short.
” What’d… you mean? ” Shane asked almost in a stutter.
” A minute ago, you were obviously trying to cover up for her. Who’s she?, Is she that special to you or she’s just a replacement bride as you claimed she is? ” Mrs Kent asked.
Shane went short of words for a while, unsure of what to say. ” Don’t tell me you like someone else other than Brielle? ” Mrs Kent asked, studying his son’s expression intently through the phone.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.
” Do you feel a thing for your replacement bride? ” She blurted out and Shane suddenly went numb.
T B C