Substitute Wife's Tragedy

As soon as Alani Silva stepped through the door, the anger on Elijah Woods' face melted into worry and concern.

“What happened, Alani? Who got you upset?”

“It's your birthday today, so let’s not dwell on sadness,” he gently chided, taking her hand with a tenderness that aimed to soothe rather than alarm her.

Alani’s body trembled slightly as she spoke, her voice thick with emotion. “Thea said she’s your wife. She told me I shouldn’t cling to you because of our childhood memories. And she... she called me a homewrecker, said I was manipulative.”

“I lost control and ended up hurting her...” Her voice quivered as she looked up at him. “Elijah, you must blame me. It’s all my fault. I just couldn’t control my emotions. It’s all because of me.”

Alani’s pitiful demeanor only made Elijah’s heart ache even more, amplifying his disdain for Thea. “She dared to say that to you? Who does she think she is?”

“If it weren’t for her having a face that looks so much like yours, what right does she have to be Mrs. Woods?”

“She just got what was coming to her, that’s all. She deserved it. Tonight at your birthday party, I’ll make her apologize to you on her knees!”

Listening to Elijah's words, my already hollow heart was flooded with an overwhelming sadness. So, it was true. I really was just a substitute.

Deep down, I had known ever since Alani appeared. My supposedly happy marriage, my supposedly loving husband—all of it was intricately tied to the woman standing before me, tied to my face.

Yet hearing those words from Elijah still felt like a giant hand squeezing my heart, making it hard for me to breathe. I didn’t want to hear any more harsh words or witness their affectionate display.

I wanted to leave, but I was trapped. Ever since my death, my soul had been bound to Elijah, unable to move away from him.

I was resigned to watching the two of them, caught up in their world. Alani perched on Elijah’s lap, her delicate arms wrapping around his neck.

“No matter what, you won’t blame me, will you?” she asked softly.

Elijah held her waist as if afraid she might fall. “Of course not. Whatever you did, it’s not your fault. There must be a reason.”

“I’ll never blame you. More than blaming you, I blame myself.”

“If it weren’t for my carelessness back then, you wouldn’t have gotten lost, wouldn’t have had to go abroad for so long, enduring all those hardships.”

Alani smiled, seemingly satisfied with his response. She continued to press, “So even if I hurt Thea, it doesn’t matter?”

At the mention of my name, Elijah’s disdain was unmistakable. “Ha, for her to say those things to you was her mistake. You had every right to be angry!”

“She dared to insult you. Even if you had gone further, it would have been justified!”

“As long as my Alani is happy, what does Thea matter?”

I laughed bitterly. I thought souls didn’t feel emotions. Then why does it hurt so much? Every word from Elijah felt like a knife stabbing into my body, leaving me trembling in pain.

Elijah and Alani had grown up together, childhood friends. At fourteen, they went to a theme park. Elijah went to buy ice cream, and Alani disappeared. He searched the park all night but couldn’t find her.

The next day, when he returned home, he learned that Alani’s family had left for Europe. They lost contact after that.

It wasn’t until last month that Alani returned to find him. According to her, that day she was kidnapped by enemies and harmed. By the time her parents found her, she was barely alive. To ensure her safety, her parents rushed her out of the country. She had no way of contacting Elijah in her condition.

She was so traumatized by the ordeal that she stayed overseas for treatment. But the enemies didn’t give up, tracking her down and hiring assassins to kill her parents. Desperate, she returned to find Elijah.

Over the years, Elijah had never forgotten her. Upon hearing of her hardships, he blamed himself for everything that happened to her.

In his eyes, it was his oversight that led to the chain of misfortunes Alani faced. That’s why he went along with whatever she wanted.

Yesterday, Alani asked if I could accompany her. Elijah agreed without hesitation. After all, in his eyes, Alani had no friends here. As his wife, and because of his mistake, I naturally had the duty to share his burdens.

But he probably didn’t anticipate that this farewell would be forever.