The Man Who Took His Place

I staggered a few steps, feeling a burning pain across my face.

Mom cried, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“This is too much, what your Thayer did—but you can’t just watch our family fall apart! The guests are waiting for the groom!”

My face went ashen.

“I’m not getting married!” I said through clenched teeth.

No matter how they pleaded, no matter if they tried to coerce me physically, I stood firm.

I pressed a knife to my own throat, my eyes red, and said, “If anyone forces me, I’ll end it myself!”

After that, no one dared move.

I didn’t know if they were afraid I might die, or if they feared creating an even bigger mess by causing a death.

Whatever their reason, I didn’t care.

I had already graduated. Once I found a job, I could finally claim my freedom.

Everyone in the room froze.

Eventually, it was Isolde who suggested we talk alone.

Everyone else was ushered out.

Inside the dressing room, it was only her and me.

Half an hour later, the door opened. I had changed into the wedding suit, expressionless, and took Isolde’s hand.

A grim smile—more hideous than crying—clung to my face as I completed the ceremony.

My thoughts drifted as I stood by the window, looking down at the floors below.

This position—the place I had clawed and scraped toward over ten years—was finally mine.

A chill ran through me, and suddenly, hands wrapped around me from behind.

I jumped, but the scent of cherry blossoms at my nose made me relax.

“What were you thinking about? You didn’t even notice me come in,” a light voice whispered in my ear.

I smiled. “Thinking about tomorrow’s investor meeting.”

Isolde took my hand, smiling at me.

“I trust you. Your abilities are obvious to everyone.”

A raised an eyebrow but smiled still.

“Why are you at the office? Isn’t the headquarters busy?”

“Nothing urgent. I came to pick you up, and to mention that Sera wants to see that new movie tomorrow.”

I nodded absentmindedly.

Isolde leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips.

I ruffled her hair.

That day, when I returned home, I did not see Thayer.

He was unnervingly quiet.

I assumed my parents had trapped him at home to protect the company’s interests—just as they had years ago.

I was mentally and physically exhausted these past few days.

That night, I collapsed into bed, and in the middle of the night, a soft presence hugged me tightly from behind.

The next day, at the investor event, powerful figures clinked glasses all around me.

I worked the crowd and stole a moment to slip into the back lounge.

Seraphina sat quietly on the sofa, waiting.

Her eyes lit up when she saw me.

“Daddy, after this, can we go watch the movie?”

I smiled indulgently and tickled her nose.

“Of course. When we promise you something, we always keep our word.”

My answer made her giggle.

Seeing her so happy, I felt a flicker of calm.

But from the start of the investor meeting, a bad premonition gnawed at me.

I drew a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Inside the ballroom, my gaze landed on a familiar figure.

My body stiffened.

Not far away, Thayer was speaking to Isolde.

Her back was to me, so I could not read her expression.

Then, Thayer saw me.

He pointed at me, face twisted in rage, “I am your husband! He has no shame—he stole you and our daughter!”

In an instant, every eye in the room turned to me.