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

Chapter 29: Fake Plays

He grabbed her tail. Olive blushed and struggled. "What are you doing? Let go!"

Elvis didn't let go, tugging on it and asking, "New interest?"

Olive was stunned. It seemed abnormal. Of all the sexy nightgowns, why this one?

She pushed him. "Mr. Augustine, you're shameless!"

Elvis held her tail, furrowing his brows. "How am I shameless?"

"You prepared these pajamas and nightgowns, didn't you?"

Elvis glanced at the closet door. "Grandma did."

Grandma?

Olive was dumbfounded.

Elvis looked at Phoebe. "Is she still good?"

Olive tried to pull away.

"Phoebe is very good."

"Then why aren't you good?"

Am I a kitten? Olive thought. His playful, slow movements felt slightly bullying, as if she were a pet.

A knock came. Chef Maria called from outside, "Young Master, Old Mrs. Samantha asked me to bring you a smoothie. Drink it while it's cold."

Olive pushed Elvis away, fearing someone would see them. He released her tail. He opened the door, glanced at the smoothie, and commented that his grandmother liked making them for him. After drinking it, he gave the glass back to Maria and went inside.

He took a cold shower, then sat on the sofa, working on his laptop. He felt a surge of heat, his body temperature rising. He looked up. Olive was sitting on the bed, reading a medical book. She was beautiful and demure. His eyes blurry, he forced himself to put the laptop down and walked to the bed.

"Mr. Augustine, what are you doing? I'm reading," Olive protested.

He sat on the bed's edge, taking her hand and placing it on his forehead. "Am I sick?"

Startled by his temperature, Olive felt his pulse. "What did you eat?"

Elvis suspected the cause but wasn't sure, being in his own home. Her question made him quickly stand and open the door, where he found Madam Samantha almost falling.

"Grandma, what did you give me?" Elvis's expression was angry.

Caught, Mrs. Samantha felt embarrassed. She pointed at Mr. Henry. "It wasn't me. He put a tonic in your soup."

Terrified, Uncle Henry stared at Mrs. Samantha.

Mrs. Samantha quickly added, "Henry, you're bold, but it's your first offense, so forgive him. And Elvis, no need for a tantrum. There's nothing wrong. At least I should hug my great-grandchild soon!"

Elvis pursed his lips. "Grandma!"

"Elvis, I can't hold my head up in front of other ladies! They show off their great-grandchildren. I have none!"

Elvis slammed the door shut, then approached the bed. Olive, aware of the situation, pulled the quilt up, watching him alertly. "What do you want? Don't come near!"

He got into bed and pinned her down. "Grandma's outside; cooperate." This was part of their agreement.

His eyes darkened. "You can't scream?" He kissed her face. Her eyelashes trembled. She screamed on cue.

Mrs. Samantha left, satisfied.

Olive pushed him. "Grandma's gone! Get up!"

He didn't move, burying his face in her hair. She dared not move, fearing she'd mimic him. She knew Mrs. Samantha desperately wanted a great-grandchild. The more kindly she was treated, the guiltier Olive felt, fearing the old lady's heartbreak when the deception was discovered.

He propped himself up. "We can…fake it."

Olive's eyes narrowed, pushing him away in a panic.

He lay down, closing his eyes. "I'll shower. You sleep."

He went to the bathroom; the sound of running water followed. Olive hugged the blanket, unable to sleep. She eventually fell asleep, and upon waking, noticed Elvis was gone. "Where did he go?"