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

Chapter 26

Olive's eyes met Elvis's cold, serene gaze. Avoiding his stare, she said, "Thank you for today."

Noticing her evasion, Elvis pursed his lips. "Apart from 'thank you,' do you have anything else to say?"

Olive lightly bit her lip. Elvis raised his hand, his fingers landing on the buttons of her collar. Her eyes narrowed as she quickly grasped his hand. "What do you intend to do?" she muttered vigilantly.

Elvis sneered. He buttoned the two loose buttons at her neckline. "What do you think I was going to do? Make the car shake?"

Sensing his aggression and bad mood, Olive felt embarrassed. Her snow-white earlobes flushed even redder. "I want to go see Aunt Rebecca at the hospital," she said.

"We'll be there soon."

Olive tried to stand, but his grip, strong as iron, held her fast. She fidgeted. Elvis frowned and tightened his hold on her wrist. She remained still, afraid to move.

The car sped along. Bright neon lights streamed through the window, illuminating Elvis's handsome features. A weight settled in his chest. He turned to her. "Remember what I told you?"

"What?"

"Didn't I say that if you had problems you couldn't solve, you should call me?"

Olive clutched the hem of her dress. Certain things needed clarifying. "Mr. Augustine, I remember. I admit I was reckless tonight. If you hadn't arrived when you did, the consequences are unpredictable, but I don't want to bother you with everything. After all, we're only bound by a contract."

Elvis's eyes darkened. "Do you really think so?"

"Yes," Olive nodded.

Elvis withdrew his arm. "Get off my arm now!"

Olive, startled by his outburst, quickly stood and moved away. Seeing her obedience, Elvis laughed angrily.

They drove in silence, arriving at the hospital half an hour later. Aunt Rebecca had already been admitted to a VIP ward, under the care of professional nurses. Olive knew Elvis had arranged it all; he was thoughtful, mature, and wise.

Aunt Rebecca remained in a coma, her condition serious. Olive sat by the bed, holding her aunt's cold hand, feeling deeply saddened.

A soothing voice said, "Eat something first."

Olive looked up to see Elvis, along with Harry and Raven. Harry smiled. "Hello, sister-in-law."

Olive could only manage a strained smile at the familiar term. Uncle Henry entered carrying a large plastic bag. "Young mistress, young master instructed me to prepare some rice and sauce for you. To care for a patient, you must first take care of yourself."

Olive hadn't eaten all night. She hadn't expected his thoughtfulness.

She looked at Elvis by the window, his black coat removed. Besides North, he was the only person who made her feel warm, but she hesitated to let down her guard, fearing heartbreak. Approaching him, she said, "Mr. Augustine, I'll stay with Aunt Rebecca tonight. You should go home and rest."

Elvis turned. "Why didn't you answer my call?"

Olive hesitated. "I didn't see your call."

"How about my message? You didn't see that either?"

Before Olive could respond, Harry chimed in, "Bro, you're on social media now? You were against opening an account, and now you're active because of sister-in-law? You really prioritize women over your bros!"

Elvis glared. "Get out!"

Uncle Henry, sensing the tension, quickly left, closing the door behind him.

Olive remained, pondering Harry's words. Was she really the only one he chatted with?

Elvis snatched her phone. "What are you doing with my phone? Give it back!" Olive stood on tiptoe, trying to retrieve it. Elvis checked her messages; his message was read, but she hadn't replied.

"Explain yourself," Elvis demanded, his gaze intense.

"What explanation? There's none. Yes, I saw it, and I didn't reply."

Elvis's handsome brows furrowed. He'd rushed back only to hear that? Her slender body was close to his, her sweet fragrance filling the air.

"Are you flirting with me again?" he rasped.

Olive's eyes widened at his intense proximity and body heat. She recoiled, trying to distance herself. Elvis held her shoulders, pinning her against the wall, preventing her escape.

"I came all this way only to be treated so coldly. You did something wrong, and you dare to be unapologetic. I think you really need to clean up!"