His Substitute Bride(Six months contract marriage!)

**Chapter One**

**A Favour**

Joanna had just finished filming her scenes for that day and was on her way home. Since she was the lead actress, she had come to the set whenever she wanted and had instantly demanded that her scenes be filmed so she could leave. The crew was upset, but there was nothing they could do. She was the diva, after all. If they upset her and she decided to leave the drama, they would all be in serious trouble.

"Miss Anderson, your uncle has requested that you come back to the family home immediately after filming," her assistant Lena said softly. She knew Joanna's temper well. Once Joanna lost it with her, it would mean the end of Lena's job. She needed to hold on to this job. Even though Joanna was horrible, at least the pay was good.

The smile that was on Joanna's face immediately froze. What could those people want from her now? They only bothered her when they wanted something. They were the most terrible people. Just because they spent a few thousand dollars to raise her, they felt they owned her, that they could control her life. Well, she was a grown woman now, and if they thought they could push her around like they did when she was young, they were wrong. She would show them!

Joanna looked at her assistant who was driving the car and said with a cold, detached voice, "Do I have to go there? What do those people want from me anyway?" Her uncle and cousin were literally the worst. They even contacted Lena, only because they wanted to use her. They only remembered she was a family member when they wanted something.

Lena gulped. She had expected Joanna to react this way. But she knew she had to convince her or she would be in serious trouble. She had to get Joanna to go to them. "Miss Anderson, you have to go! Your uncle said it was really important. It's about you getting married!" Lena said. She wasn't supposed to reveal this, but she hoped it would make Joanna go to them.

Joanna froze for a second. Her marriage? Her uncle had already said he would help her marry a rich man. It seemed like he was helping his niece, but no-he was doing it for himself. He had a daughter, but he wouldn't use her. His company was on the verge of bankruptcy, and the only way to save it was through a business marriage. Since he didn't want to use his daughter, Joanna was the next choice. He only wanted to use her as a bargaining tool.

However, Joanna had her own plan. Since they wanted to arrange a marriage, she would go along with it-but she wasn't going to help them! She would make sure they paid for what they had done to her! She would play along and get married, but they would definitely regret their decision. "Alright, let's go to the Anderson family house," Joanna told Lena.

Taking out her phone, Joanna typed in a name on her search engine. The name was Raymond Walker. Immediately, his picture came up. Joanna was satisfied. He was handsome, and he was the CEO of Helian Group-one of the top ten companies in the country. This was exactly the type of man she needed. She was going to make this man fall in love with her! Even though there were rumors that he was a cold-hearted jerk with no feelings, Joanna wasn't bothered. She was sure she could get him. She had her face after all, the face that had gotten her everything she had today.

Allen was standing outside the hospital room. She really wanted to go in to see her grandmother, but the doctors were inside treating her. They said she couldn't go in until they were done. Allen was shaking with fear. Her grandmother was the only family she had. If she died, she would be all alone in the world. Even if they didn't have anything, they were still together. She wanted it to remain that way.

Allen was lost in her thoughts when she felt someone grip her shoulders from behind. She turned sharply and saw her best friend Rita looking at her. She fell on Rita and started crying immediately. "Rita, what am I going to do? My grandmother, I don't know what is going to happen to her. They won't let me go inside to see her. I don't know what I'm going to do if my grandmother dies, Rita. I don't know."

Rita hugged her friend tightly. She really felt sorry for her. Why did her friend have to have such a hard life? Rita and her grandmother had struggled so much to get Allen through high school. Just as she was about to get into acting college, her grandmother fell ill for the first time. Allen used her tuition to get her grandmother through that stage of her sickness. After that, she had to give up her dream to become an actress and work as a waitress to make ends meet. Now her grandmother was ill again. It was pitiful.

"Don't worry, Allen. Everything is going to be okay. Your grandmother is going to be okay. She won't die. She still has to see you achieve your dreams and become an actress. She still has to see you live a happy life. So she is definitely not going to die. You just need to calm down. Let's wait for the doctor and see what they have to say. Don't worry too much, okay? I'm here for you," Rita said. Even though she was comforting Allen, Rita felt doubtful. She was already old, and now she was sick. Would she survive?

Allen looked at her friend. How she wished Rita's words were true. Would her grandmother see her achieve her dreams? She didn't know anymore. She had already given up the one opportunity she had, so she decided to just go along with the flow. But deep down, she still wanted to be an actress. Even if her grandmother lived, would she be able to do that?

"Rita, do you really think my grandmother will be okay? I don't want her to die. I won't be able to live on if something happens to her. So please tell me, Rita. She is not going to die, right? What you said, it's going to happen, right?" Allen asked. Even though she wanted to believe those words, she knew they might not come true. She just needed comfort and strength to hold on.

Rita was going to say something when the door opened and a doctor came out of Allen's grandmother's ward. The both of them ran to the doctor immediately. Allen was the first to speak. "Doctor, what is going to happen to my grandmother? Is she going to be okay?" Allen asked, unable to calm down. Her grandmother had raised her alone after all. Without a father and mother, she did her best to raise Allen. She couldn't die now.

The doctor's expression was serious, and Allen felt a wave of dread wash over her. "I'm sorry, but your grandmother's condition is quite serious," he said gently but firmly. "She has a tumor in her brain, and she needs surgery as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it's not going to be cheap. The cost will be around fifty thousand dollars."

Allen felt the ground slip out from under her. Fifty thousand dollars? How was she ever going to come up with that kind of money? She was already drowning in debt from her grandmother's previous treatments. This was impossible.

The doctor continued, his expression sympathetic. "I know this is a lot to take in, but it's the only way to save her. You'll need to raise the money as quickly as possible."

Allen could barely hear him over the rushing sound in her ears. Fifty thousand dollars. It might as well have been a million. There was no way she could come up with that kind of money in time. Her grandmother was going to die because she was too poor to save her.

Rita caught her as she swayed, her legs threatening to give out. "Allen, stay with me. We'll figure something out, okay? We'll find a way," Rita said, though her own voice wavered with uncertainty.

Allen couldn't stop the tears streaming down her face. What was she going to do? How was she supposed to save her grandmother when the world seemed so determined to take everything from her?

Back at the Anderson house, Joanna sat across from her uncle, Peter, and his son, Fred. The tension in the room was palpable, but Joanna's expression was one of calm indifference. She smiled, a sweet, false smile that didn't reach her eyes. They all knew the smile was fake-none of them had any love for each other.

"Joanna, I have some great news," Peter began, his tone overly enthusiastic. "Raymond Walker is back in the country. I'm meeting with his grandfather tomorrow to finalize the arrangements for your marriage. Once you're married, you'll be in a position to help us, just as we discussed."

Fred, who had been silent until now, chimed in, "Yes, Joanna, remember what we agreed. As soon as you're married, you'll help save JK Enterprises. It's your responsibility as part of this family."

Joanna barely held back a sneer. So, this was how they were going to play it. Pretending to care about her, pretending this was for her benefit when in reality, it was all about them and their precious company. They needed her now, so they were being nice, but she knew the truth. They were using her, just like they always had.

But she wasn't the same naive girl anymore. She had learned how to play their game, and this time, she was going to win.

"Help JK Enterprises?" Joanna echoed. "The last I heard, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. And even if I do marry Raymond Walker, why would he help the family of a woman he's being forced to marry? This isn't a fairy tale, Uncle. Arranged marriages don't come with guaranteed happy endings.

How can she marry someone she barely knows?

**Chapter Two**

Joanna scoffed. Fred clearly didn't understand the severity of his situation. His company was on the brink of collapse, and he was still giving her attitude. Who did he think he was? A favor? What a joke! The favor was hers to give. Joanna knew Lydia, Peter's daughter, would never agree to an arranged marriage. She was currently partying away her father's money in an unknown country. Joanna was their only option now.

"You're doing me a favor? Are you sure about that? If I decide not to marry, do you think you can force me? You should change how you talk to me, Fred. Once I bail out, it's going to be the end for you and MK Enterprises!" Joanna yelled. She was fed up. As a famous actress, she had made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She didn't have to grovel in front of them anymore.

Peter's anger surged. He had raised this girl since her parents died. And now he only received arrogance from her? He wanted to slap her, but he calmed himself. They needed her. Once she married Raymond and they got what they wanted, he'd take care of her. She wouldn't be so rude then. He smiled, imagining his plans for her.

He held Fred's hand and gave him a stern look. Joanna had the upper hand. "Joanna, there's no need for rudeness between family. Once you marry Raymond, it benefits everyone. Raymond's grandpa wants this marriage; you should help your family. After all, we raised you," Peter said. If not for him, she would have died long ago. He literally spared her life!

Joanna lost her patience. They took care of her? Was that a joke? How could they claim to have 'raised' her? They treated her worse than a live-in maid! She became an actress through her own hard work and was about to marry one of the richest men in the country. And now they were taking credit for 'raising' her?

"You raised me? Uncle, can you truly say you raised me? How can you use that as leverage? You treated me worse than a maid! Don't use that to get me to help your company! Everything I have is because of my own hard work!" Joanna said.

Peter's wife, Vivian, who had been listening since Joanna arrived, couldn't stay calm. How dare Joanna speak to her husband and son like that? After all the troubles Joanna's father caused before he died?! They were too kind to agree to raise her! They saved her life! She should be grateful.

Vivian walked up to Joanna. "Joanna, how can you speak to your uncle and Fred like this? You owe your life to us! If we hadn't taken you in after your parents died, you wouldn't even be alive today! And what do you mean you got everything with hard work?! Don't think we don't know about the things you've done!" Vivian was about to say more, but Peter's deadly glare made her stop. She knew about Joanna's shady dealings in the entertainment industry.

Joanna glared at her aunt. This was the woman who made her a maid for Lydia. And now Vivian had the nerve to say she owed them her life? It was her parents' fault they had died, leaving her to be abused by these people. Why did they have to die?

She turned to Vivian. She was stronger now, no longer the little girl who would tear up at hurtful words. "I owe my life to you? Really, Vivian? And what do you mean by I didn't get what I have through hard work? How did I get it then?" Joanna challenged. She knew she had done shady things, but she had to. She dared Vivian to say it.

Peter glared at Vivian and Fred. If they continued, they'd ruin his perfect plan. He needed Joanna to marry Raymond first. Once he got his company back, he would get rid of her. She wouldn't be a threat for long. Why couldn't these two cooperate?

"Joanna, there's no need for such a tone. Your aunt is reminding you that we took you in when no one else would. You need to be thankful. But we are family, and it was our responsibility. Now it's your turn to be responsible," Peter said.

Joanna scoffed. Family? She barely knew what that meant! Her only family was her parents, who died, leaving her alone. She knew their story by heart, but she didn't remember them. She only knew their faces from photos.

This family? They made her feel like a maid from the moment she moved in. They never considered her family. What family was she supposed to take responsibility for? "Family? What family should I be responsible for? My parents are dead. What family are we talking about?" Joanna asked, growing angrier.

Peter's anger flared. How dare this girl talk to him like that? He regretted letting her live with him. He should have left her to die. Maybe then she wouldn't be such an eyesore. He didn't understand why Raymond's grandfather wanted Joanna for his grandson. If only Lydia had agreed, Peter was sure he could have convinced the old man to choose Lydia instead!

He looked at Joanna. "Joanna, why are you being so difficult? This marriage is good for you, too. You want this marriage. You'll be joining the Walker family! Why make it seem like we're forcing you? Fred is right! We're doing you a favor," Peter said.

Fred, excited that his father was shouting, added, "Father is right, Joanna. We're doing you a favor! We could easily get Lydia to go through with this marriage! If you didn't have this face...!" He stopped, remembering his father's warning not to mention Joanna's looks.

Joanna wanted to yell at Fred, to tell him to bring Lydia and ask her to get married. But she didn't. What if Lydia decided to marry? Raymond Walker wasn't someone any woman would reject. Joanna needed him. Nothing would stop her!

"Alright. I'll get married. It's a good deal for me, too. I'll marry and help you," Joanna said. She wanted them to believe she was going to help. She still needed to get married first. Then they'd see!

Once Joanna was out of the house, she called immediately. "Paul, come out and have a drink with me! I'm getting married!"

On the other end, Paul Johnson, signing a contract for a new drama, excused himself. "What did you say, Joanna? Getting married?!"

Raymond sat before a board of directors and top shareholders of Helian Group. At twenty-five, he commanded respect and fear. Taking over at twenty, he had strengthened the company. With such a talented CEO, they had no choice but to follow his orders.

Rumors circulated widely. Raymond was ruthless and cold, known to go to great lengths for what he wanted. People said he was so mean that crossing him meant a relentless pursuit.

Raymond was talking when someone rushed in, panting hard. Everyone turned to look. This young man had a death wish! How dare he interrupt the CEO?

But his next words sent everyone into a panic. "CEO, your grandpa... he just collapsed!"

Raymond stood transfixed by the new he just heard.

His phone beeped immediately, he checked and it was a message from unknown number. "Raymond you need to something about Joanna, it's important!."

Raymond's heart beat faster. He jumped to his feet with racing thoughts in his head. What brought about his grandfather's breakdown plus this new text? The room felt like it was closing in on him. However, he needed to do something but what would be the truth and how will it change all he thought he knew?

**Chapter Three**

Paul and Joanna were meeting up. He was surprised to hear Joanna was getting married. Rushing to their usual bar, he wondered who she was marrying, as she had never mentioned a partner.

"Joanna, what's going on? Why the sudden marriage? I didn't know you were seeing anyone. What's this all about?" Paul asked. He didn't want Joanna to marry anyone. He wished it could be him, but he couldn't burden her with that.

Joanna sighed. She was entering an arranged marriage but seemed unfazed. In fact, she was happy. Her suitor was Raymond Walker, CEO of the renowned Helian Group, one of the richest CEOs in the country. She was thrilled. He had everything: looks and money.

"I'm getting into an arranged marriage. My uncle arranged for me to marry the CEO of a major company. They're pretending it's for my benefit, but it's really about saving their company, which is on the brink of collapse. They think they can use me however they want," Joanna explained. Though she sounded frustrated, excitement was evident in her voice.

Paul was furious. He couldn't believe they were doing this to Joanna. They had made her life difficult since she moved in with them. Now they wanted her to marry a CEO just to save their company? They were treating her like property, not family.

"I can't believe they're forcing you to marry someone just to help their company. What will happen to you? Will you have to quit acting? You've worked so hard," Paul complained. He had entered the entertainment industry for her; he couldn't bear the thought of her quitting.

Joanna hadn't considered that aspect. She was caught up in the excitement of marrying a wealthy man and didn't think about leaving her acting career. She shook her head. It didn't matter if she quit acting; she was more focused on becoming Joanna Walker. The name alone was impressive.

"I don't know anymore, Paul. I can't escape this. They're using the fact that they raised me as leverage. I'm broken, but I'm not quitting acting. I've put in too much effort," Joanna said. She was lying to Paul, enjoying the sympathy he offered.

Paul's anger grew. They were making her marry someone she barely knew, just for his status. Why should she sacrifice her happiness for them? And why did they have to use her like this?

"I can't believe this. You're marrying someone you don't know just to help their company? Why should you care if it goes bankrupt? It's not like they'll give you a share of the company. Why should you save it? And who is this CEO?" Paul asked.

Joanna blushed slightly. "Raymond Walker."

Paul was shocked and even angrier when he heard the name. Raymond Walker, the infamous CEO of Helian Group, known for his coldness. They were making Joanna marry someone like that just to save their company?

"Wait! You're marrying Raymond Walker? The CEO of Helian Group? How can they expect you to marry someone like him? He's notorious for treating people terribly. Do you think he'll treat you any better? You've probably never met him. You won't be happy," Paul said.

Joanna sneered inwardly. She didn't believe Raymond was as cold as everyone said. Maybe he just hadn't met the right person yet. Once he met her, he would fall for her. After all, she had a face that many men had admired.

"Well, I don't have a choice, Paul. I'll go through with it. At least he's rich and handsome. If we stay out of each other's way, he won't do anything to me," Joanna said. But she had other plans. She intended to make Raymond Walker fall in love with her. She smiled at Paul, who was visibly worried. Joanna was actually quite excited about the marriage.

A waiter arrived with their drinks. She seemed distracted, and as she set down the glasses, some spilled on Joanna's expensive dress. The waitress looked distressed, realizing she might lose her job.

Joanna was furious. The dress had cost her five thousand dollars. How dare the waitress ruin it? She was sure the waitress couldn't afford the dry cleaning. "What are you doing? Don't you have eyes?" Joanna yelled.

The waitress, Allen, bowed her head, apologizing. Her long black hair covered her face. She had just started this part-time job and couldn't afford to lose it. She needed the money for her grandmother's surgery. "I'm really sorry. I can't pay for the dry cleaning. Please forgive me. I'll do anything to make up for it," Allen begged before running off when she heard her boss calling.

Joanna was both flustered and angry. She couldn't believe the waitress had ruined her dress and just left with a simple apology. How could someone be so cheap? She turned to Paul. "Did you see that? She left without doing anything. Go after her and find out what's going on. She might be a reporter pretending to be a waitress!" Joanna suggested, thinking the waitress might be after her.

Paul noticed something odd. Though he didn't get a good look at the waitress's face, her eyes were strikingly familiar. They resembled Joanna's. He was intrigued. "Wait here. I'll find out what's going on," Paul said.

Meanwhile, Raymond arrived at the hospital. Upon hearing that his grandfather had collapsed, he rushed to see him. Despite his ruthless reputation, his grandfather was his only family.

The hospital director greeted Raymond at the entrance. Knowing the gravity of the situation, he led Raymond to a private elevator, avoiding the public areas. The director chose not to speak, fearing any misstep could cost him his job.

They reached a private ward on the top floor, reserved for the Walker family. Raymond opened the door to find his grandfather awake. He had rushed here, fearing the worst, only to find him alert. "Grandfather, you're awake!" Raymond said, surprised.

His grandfather smiled. "Were you expecting me to be dead?" he asked.

As Raymond moved closer, he noticed a sealed envelope lying on the bedside table. His grandfather's gaze followed Raymond's. "I need you to see something," the old man said, his tone suddenly serious.