Chasing His Substitute Wife

Lyra's POV

I hated the hospital.

The sterile smell of disinfectant clung to everything, sharp and suffocating, mixing with the endless beeping of machines. It felt like the walls of the intensive care unit were closing in on me, suffocating my thoughts.

In my hand was the bill, six figures. Just for the consultancy.

My chest tightened, and I stared at the numbers again as if they'd magically change. How was I supposed to come up with that kind of money? Not in a year, not in two.

Not even if I worked myself to death.

I turned my gaze to the frail figure lying on the bed. My grandmother, the strongest woman I knew, looked so small beneath the layers of blankets.

I bit my lips as I felt reality press down on my shoulders as her faint smile greeted me.

"You're back from the accounts section," she said weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "How did it go?"

I forced a smile, swallowing the panic threatening to spill out. "Nothing to worry about, Grandma," I lied, trying to sound cheerful. "I'll ask my boss for overtime. We'll figure it out."

She studied me, her knowing eyes seeing through the facade. I could feel my resolve cracking, but I couldn't let her see the despair lurking beneath the surface.

"Did the doctor tell you?" she asked suddenly.

I shook my head, nervous about the answer. "No, not yet."

Her frail hand reached for mine, her touch light but grounding. "Lupus," she said softly.

The word hung in the air, foreign and heavy. "Lupus?" I repeated, my brows furrowing. "What is that?"

Her lips twitched into a weak smile. "It's what I call a rich man's sickness."

"Grandma, this is not the time for jokes," I said, my voice wavering between sternness and concern.

She chuckled softly, a sound that somehow felt both comforting and heartbreaking. "What do you expect me to do, darling? Cry about it? We have to find humor somewhere, or I might just add stress to my list of ailments."

Her attempt at lightening the mood didn't soothe me. The reality of the situation was sinking in too fast. Before I could respond, a nurse entered the room, breaking the moment. She smiled politely before glancing at me.

"How's everything going in here?" the nurse asked gently.

I hesitated. "Could you... could you explain what lupus is?" My voice felt small, uncertain.

The nurse nodded, pulling up a chair beside me. "Lupus is an autoimmune disease," she began. "It means the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs."

I blinked, trying to keep up. "Wait, so... it's like her body is fighting itself?"

"Exactly," the nurse replied. "It can affect many parts of the body-joints, skin, kidneys, even the lungs. That's why her breathing has been a concern."

"And it's... serious?"

She hesitated, her eyes softening. "It's manageable with the right treatment. But without it..." She trailed off, letting the unspoken words hang between us.

I swallowed hard. "And how much will the treatment cost?"

The nurse handed me another paper. "This includes everything she'll need."

I glanced at the numbers and felt the air leave my lungs. "This can't be real," I muttered, shaking my head.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, "You'll need to settle this with the accounts section," she said. "Your grandmother's lungs are failing. We are afraid it may start moving to other parts as well."

She didn't finish, but she didn't have to. The urgency in her voice said enough. When she left, the silence felt heavier.

Grandma's frail voice broke it. "You're so young, Lyra. Let this old woman go, alright? Don't ruin your life for me."

"Don't say that," I whispered, tears blurring my vision. "I can't lose you."

Her fingers brushed away my tears, her smile unwavering despite everything. "You're stronger than you think, darling. You'll handle this."

Her words were meant to reassure, but they only deepened the ache in my chest. I left her room, the sterile hospital corridor stretching endlessly before me. Each step to the accounts section felt heavier than the last.

The staff offered me a payment plan, but even the first installment seemed impossible. Desperation clawed at me. As I walked away, an unsettling thought crossed my mind-selling my body. The idea churned my stomach, but the fear of losing Grandma was stronger.

"No," I muttered to myself. "I can't do that."

I pulled out my phone, scrolling through the darker corners of the web. Odd jobs sometimes appeared there. Maybe I'd get lucky. That's when I saw it: a request for blood donation. The pay was astonishing-enough to cover Grandma's medication and more. The only catch? The recipient needed a rare blood type, B-.

Lucky me, it was exactly my blood type.

I hesitated, rereading the post for the third time. "This has to be a scam," I muttered under my breath, my finger hovering over the apply button. But what choice did I have? Grandma needed me to act, and I was out of options.

With trembling fingers, I filled out the application form, my thoughts racing. "This is crazy," I whispered, hitting submit and half-expecting nothing to happen.

Minutes ticked by

I paced the room, my phone clutched in my hand, when a sudden buzz made me jump. A notification popped up with an address and a time.

"Already?" I stared at the screen, my stomach flipping. "This is happening too fast."

Still, I grabbed my coat and left. The cab ride to the outskirts of the city felt like an eternity. When we finally pulled up to the address, I froze.

The house was enormous, its sleek, glass facade glowing faintly under the streetlights. "This can't be it," I murmured, double-checking the address on my phone.

"You getting out or what?" the cab driver called, breaking my trance.

"Uh, yeah," I said, fumbling with the door handle. My heart pounded as I approached the entrance, the faint hum of a security system making the silence even heavier.

"Relax," I whispered to myself, forcing my legs to keep moving. "You're doing this for Grandma."

A man stood by the door, his emerald eyes studying me with quiet intensity. His features were sharp-a chiseled jawline, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a perfectly styled head of dark hair.

He radiated a calm authority that unnerved me.

"You must be Miss Quinn," he said smoothly, his voice like silk.

The office was warm and inviting, bathed in the golden glow of a desk lamp. The faint aroma of vanilla lingered in the air, adding an unexpected sense of calm. Sitting across from me was a man I now realized I recognized.

He extended his hand with a polite smile. "Adrian Sterling. Pleasure to meet you."

I tried to hide my excitement as I shook his hand. "I know who you are."

His brow lifted slightly. "Oh? Do you?"

I nodded casually, even though my heart raced. "I've seen you on television."

Adrian Sterling-the billionaire everyone wanted to meet. His name opened doors, his influence was unmatched, and he had everything I dreamed of. Young, wealthy, and powerful. A life I couldn't even imagine for myself.

He chuckled softly. "Well, it's nice to meet you too." His tone was nonchalant, the kind you'd expect from someone used to being recognized.

"Now," he continued, leaning back slightly, his tone shifting to one of importance, "I'll need you to sign a confidentiality contract before we proceed."

I tilted my head, curiosity sparking. "What exactly would I be doing?"

Adrian's eyes locked onto mine, his expression calm but serious. "You'll be on standby for blood transfusions. It's not your typical job. You'll be living with me and my girlfriend, Nina. She's sick, and she needs it."

I leaned back in my chair, his words settling like stones in my stomach. "Just that?" I asked, skepticism lacing my tone.

He gave a small nod. "Yes, just that."

I frowned, the unease bubbling up. "Isn't that illegal?" The words escaped before I could stop them.

Adrian didn't flinch. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk. "Yes," he admitted, his voice steady, "which is why confidentiality is non-negotiable. This is a delicate matter. You're not the first applicant, but after reviewing your profile, I believe you're the best fit."

"Why me?" I asked, my voice quieter this time. "What's so special about my blood?"

Adrian hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Your blood type is rare, matching Nina's perfectly. We've been searching for someone like you for a long time, and you're our best chance of keeping her alive."

The weight of his words pressed down on me. A rare blood type, a desperate situation, and an offer that felt too surreal to believe. My mind spun with questions, but I couldn't ignore the financial lifeline this offered-or the fact that my Grandma's life was hanging by a thread.

Adrian slid a set of keys across the desk. "You'll move in tomorrow. Everything you need will be provided for you. Your responsibility is to be available for transfusions whenever required. The compensation will more than cover your needs, but confidentiality is crucial."

I stared at the keys, the contract, and finally the pen lying next to it. My fingers trembled as I picked it up. The moment felt heavier than it should have, like the decision would ripple through my entire life.

With a shaky breath, I signed my name, the ink trailing across the paper like a binding thread.

Adrian took the contract and rose from his seat. "Welcome to our world, Miss Quinn."

I left the office that night knowing one thing for sure: my life was about to change forever-whether for better or worse, I couldn't tell.

*****

The next morning, I stood in the hospital's billing office, holding the receipt in my hand.

I had done it.

The first payment for Grandma's treatment was made.

When I walked into Grandma's room, she looked up from her bed, her frail face lighting up with a surprised smile. "Lyra, you're back already?"

"Yep," I said, setting the receipt down on the bedside table with a satisfied grin. "The first payment is done. No more worrying."

Her brows furrowed in disbelief. "You-what? How? Where did you get that kind of money?"

I shrugged, trying to keep my tone light. "I told you I'd figure something out. Let's just say I got a job that pays really well."

Grandma's eyes softened, and she reached out to squeeze my hand. "You didn't do anything dangerous, did you?"

"No, Grandma. It's just... a little unconventional," I replied, evading her concerned gaze. "But it's safe. I promise."

She studied me for a moment, her worry etched into every line of her face. Then, as if deciding to trust me, she leaned back against her pillow. "Thank you, Lyra. You don't know what this means to me."

"I know exactly what it means," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "You mean everything to me, Grandma. So don't you dare talk about letting go again, okay?"

She smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Alright, alright. I'll stop."

As I left the hospital, a small weight lifted from my chest. For the first time in days, I felt like I was doing something right.

---

When I arrived at the address Adrian had given me, the sleek glass mansion loomed ahead. It looked even more imposing in the daylight, the sunlight reflecting off its pristine surface.

I took a deep breath and stepped inside. The house was immaculate, the kind of place that screamed wealth and perfection. I hadn't been there long when I heard the sound of footsteps descending the grand staircase.

"Lyra, I see you've made yourself comfortable," Adrian greeted me, his tone casual but commanding as ever.

Before I could respond, another voice chimed in, soft and melodic. "Adrian, is this the donor you mentioned?"

I turned to see her, and for a moment, I was stunned. Standing there was Nina. She was stunning-tall, with long blonde hair and beautiful rate blue eyes that seemed to radiate elegance. Her tailored silk robe hugged her figure perfectly, and she moved with a grace that felt almost unreal.

Adrian walked over to her, placing a hand gently on her lower back. "Yes, this is Lyra Quinn. Lyra, meet Nina, my fiancée."

Nina smiled warmly, her eyes scanning me with polite curiosity. "It's nice to meet you, Lyra. Adrian told me you've agreed to help."

"Nice to meet you too," I managed, feeling suddenly out of place in my secondhand jeans and plain sweater.

Adrian cleared his throat. "Lyra, I'll have someone show you to your room. You'll be staying on the east wing, close enough in case we need you."

I nodded, glancing once more at Nina. She was beautiful, ethereal even, and there was something about her presence that made me feel both fascinated and uneasy. This was the woman I was here to save. The woman Adrian had gone to such lengths for.

"Thank you," I said quietly, following a housekeeper up the staircase. But as I reached the room that would now be mine, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of life I'd just stepped into-and if I was truly prepared for everything it would bring.

Six Months Later

I didn't expect to fall in love with Adrian. With this handsome man that made my heart flutter. That make me giggle like a little girl.

Nina was better and fit enough to travel.

Adrian had sent Nina abroad for treatment, and though no one said it outright, her absence had shifted the atmosphere.

I should have left and never looked back, but I kept coming back to him.

What started as an arrangement had turned into something more, something I couldn't quite define.

That evening, the sky opened up, releasing a gentle summer rain.

Adrian and I had been sitting on the patio when he suddenly stood, holding out his hand.

"Come on," he said, a rare smile lighting up his face.

I hesitated, glancing at the downpour. "In the rain?"

"Yes," he replied, his tone playful. "It won't kill you."

Laughing, I took his hand, and he pulled me into the rain. The cool droplets soaked through my clothes almost instantly, but I didn't care. Adrian spun me around, his movements uncharacteristically carefree. We danced under the gray sky, the world around us disappearing.

I couldn't remember the last time I'd been this happy. The past few months had been beautiful, Adrian was distant at times, but when he let his walls down, it felt like I was seeing the real him.

And I loved him.

Against all odds, I had fallen for him.

A man that wasn't mine.

As the rain slowed to a drizzle, Adrian pulled me closer. His hands rested on my waist, and our eyes met. Without thinking, I leaned in, and he didn't pull away.

Our lips met in a kiss that felt like a confession, an admission of everything we hadn't said aloud.

When we pulled apart, I looked at him, breathless. "I love you," I whispered, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.

Adrian's gaze softened, but he didn't say it back. Instead, he kissed me again, his silence a bittersweet answer.

---

I woke up in the dimly lit room, the soft glow of dawn seeping through the curtains. Adrian lay next to me, his bare chest rising and falling in steady rhythm. His breathing sounded like soft music in the quiet morning, soothing and intimate.

A rush of memories flooded my mind, and my cheeks burned. Last night was forbidden, yet unforgettable. The way he touched me, the way his body moved-it was as if every unspoken word had come to life.

I watched him as he slept, tracing the contours of his face with my eyes. The boundaries between duty and desire had blurred, leaving me tangled in the consequences of a choice that broke every rule of our arrangement.

It had been a year since I first entered this strange, secretive agreement with Adrian. Over time, he had been an enigma-hot and cold, unpredictable. He sent Nina abroad but didn't let me go, keeping me close instead. And last night...last night had changed everything.

Does he feel the same way? The question gnawed at me as I sat up, the sheet slipping from my shoulders. Red marks on my skin told the story of how much he had wanted me, but his silence after our kiss lingered in my mind.

I shook my head, trying to focus on the present. There were things to do, and I couldn't let myself spiral into doubt. Quietly, I slipped out of bed, grabbed a robe from the hanger, and tiptoed toward the bathroom.

Just as I reached the door, a sharp ping broke the silence. I froze, turning toward the sound. My phone? No-it was coming from the living room. Curious, I followed the noise, my bare feet silent against the polished floor.

On the table, Adrian's tablet lit up with 20 missed calls and a single message. My eyes widened as I read the notification.

"Sir, Nina has fallen down the stairs."

My stomach twisted. I knew I should be worried, but selfishly, I wasn't. What caught my attention wasn't the accident-it was the number. It wasn't an international call.

That could only mean one thing.

Nina was back.

No. No. No.

My heart raced as panic set in. What did this mean for me? For Adrian? For everything that had happened between us? I hadn't even had time to process last night, and now this-a sudden, jarring reminder of the woman who had been here first. The woman Adrian had sent away but never truly let go of.

I turned away from the tablet, willing myself to calm down. My breathing was erratic, and the weight in my chest felt suffocating. Before I could spiral further, a soft voice cut through the haze.

"Hey, you."

I jumped, spinning around to see Adrian leaning against the doorway, his messy hair and drowsy smile making him look impossibly handsome. His bare chest caught the morning light, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

"Good morning," I managed, my voice strained.

He tilted his head, studying me. "You're up early."

"I... I couldn't sleep," I said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just needed some water."

Adrian walked over to me, his movements slow and casual. "Water, huh?" His gaze flicked to the tablet on the table, and my stomach flipped. I shifted subtly, blocking it from view.

"Yeah," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "You know me-always thirsty."

He chuckled softly, his hand brushing my arm as he passed me. "You're a terrible liar, Lyra."

"I-what?" My heart skipped. Did he know? Had he seen the message?

But Adrian didn't press. Instead, he turned toward the kitchen. "I'll make us some coffee. You want anything with it?"

I swallowed hard, nodding quickly. "Coffee's fine."

He shot me a lingering glance, his smile almost teasing, before heading toward the kitchen. I exhaled shakily, my mind racing. I needed to distract him, to keep him from seeing that message.

"Adrian," I called, following him. "How about pancakes? I've been craving something sweet."

He raised an eyebrow, amused. "Since when do you eat pancakes?"

"Since now," I said with forced enthusiasm. "Come on, I'll make them. You'll love it."

He smirked but nodded. "Alright, let's see what you've got, Chef Lyra."

I busied myself with the ingredients, grateful for the distraction. Adrian leaned against the counter, watching me with a faint smile, but the tension in my chest didn't ease. I couldn't stop thinking about the tablet sitting in the living room, its screen dark but its message burning in my mind.

Midway through whisking the batter, an urgent need pulled at me. Of course, now my bladder decided to demand attention.

"Adrian," I said, trying to sound casual. "Can you keep an eye on this? I need to... uh, use the bathroom."

He gestured toward the bowl. "Go ahead. I'll make sure it doesn't burn."

I bolted upstairs, shutting the bathroom door behind me. My reflection in the mirror looked frazzled, my cheeks flushed and hair a mess. "Pull it together, Lyra," I muttered, splashing water on my face.

When I returned to the kitchen, Adrian was gone.

"Adrian?" I called, glancing around. The kitchen was empty, the batter untouched. My chest tightened as I walked toward the living room, my heart pounding with every step.

The tablet was gone.

My stomach dropped. Adrian had seen it.

He knew