The Substitute Bride: Doted by My Billionaire Husband by Sumpto Midway

Chapter 10

Olive had been sent to an orphanage at age nine. She harbored no further expectations for her so-called father, Patrick. He remained the same Patrick she knew—obsessed with medicine, money, and fame. Pamela was his favored daughter; Olive was merely a tool.

"Okay, Dad."

"Olive, your marriage is a joyous occasion for us. Your ailing husband will soon pass away, and we'll find you a better one then," Patrick said, his tone softer than usual.

"Okay, Dad. Thank you." Olive ended the call, switched off her phone, closed her eyes, and clutched Elvis. She felt profoundly sad. An orphan, she longed for a normal childhood, filled with parental love and peace.

She curled up in his arms. His embrace was firm and warm, a shield against any storm. Her head rested on his chest; the rhythm of his heartbeat comforted her. Though she'd expected insomnia, she slept soundly in Elvis's arms until dawn.

Elvis opened his eyes slowly, his gaze questioning. Years had passed since he'd slept naturally until dawn. He blinked, trying to pull Olive closer. He sensed her lingering scent and the warmth of her presence, but she was gone. His drowsiness vanished; he threw back the covers and rose.

The study door opened, and Henry, the butler, entered with a beaming expression. "Young Master, are you awake? I didn't want to disturb you while the young mistress was leaving. I let you sleep, as it's been so many years since you've slept so soundly. Even Mr. Aiden couldn't achieve this, but Miss Olive did. What kind of power does she possess?"

Henry was astonished. He knew his young master's condition and had been worried when Olive entered the study. Now, he could only express gratitude.

"Where's Olive?" Elvis asked.

"Young Master, Miss Olive said she had some matters to attend to and would return this evening."

"Did she say where she went?"

"No, sir."

"It's fine."

Elvis returned to his bedroom and showered. Removing his white shirt, he noticed a small, deep tooth mark on his shoulder in the mirror. He reminisced about the force of her bite.

Elvis didn't go to the company that day; he worked in his study. In the evening, he glanced at his watch. It was seven o'clock, and she still hadn't returned. He checked his phone; she hadn't called or texted. A feeling of unease settled over him. His phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

"Hello?"

"Second brother, long time no see!" Harry Heaven's voice boomed. "I heard Grandma married you off. Addicted already?" he chuckled.

Elvis frowned impatiently. "I'll hang up if you don't stop the nonsense."

"No, no! Come out, let's relax. Raven will be there too. Kiss Land bar, we'll be waiting."

Kiss Land bar.

Elvis sat on a VIP sofa, a cigarette between his fingers. Smoke obscured his handsome features.

Harry Heaven poured him a drink. "Bro, what's wrong? You're just smoking. Something's bothering you." He gestured to a woman beside him. "Bro, this is Kiss Land's top girl. She's clean. I reserved her for you. Krystal, pour my brother some wine."

The bar was notorious for its easy access to women. Wealthy men frequented the establishment, money flowing freely.

Krystal's pretty face broke into a smile. Elvis, dressed simply in a black shirt and pants, was undeniably charming. She was willing to spend the night with him, even without payment. She picked up a glass, smiling sweetly. "Sir Augustine, may I pour you some wine?"

Elvis recoiled from her perfume, muttering, "Stay away from me."

Krystal's face flushed crimson. Harry quickly dismissed her. Once she was gone, he said, "Bro, you've really lost interest in women."

"Elvis, I heard the Harts married their daughter to you. Olive Hart, right?" Raven asked, sipping his wine.

At the mention of her name, Elvis's eyes snapped up. Raven, equally handsome, adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his gaze fixed on something in the distance. "Who's that?"

Elvis turned and saw Olive, with Ronald, the portly CEO, at her side.

"Shit!" Harry slammed the table, rising to his feet. "Bro, why the hell is Olive drinking with that old man? She's cuckolding you!" He grabbed a bottle of wine. The Heaven family's crown prince was Los Angeles's biggest bully. "Don't worry, bro. I'll teach them a lesson!"