The Vampire's substitute bride

It is an ordinary winter morning. Seventeen-year-old Ella wakes up early and prepares breakfast in the kitchen. She toasts bread, fries eggs, and bacon, and sets everything on the dining table. "Breakfast is ready," Ella calls out. Five minutes later, her father, Mike, and stepmother, Mary, both wearing robes, walk into the dining room, yawning. "Good morning," her father greets Ella while Mary remains silent and starts eating as soon as she takes the plate. After a while, another beautiful girl in a school uniform appears in the dining room. "Eggs and bacon again," she complains.

"I wanted cereal." Mary interrupts, saying, "Sara, stop complaining." Then Mary turns her gaze to Ella. "Remember to go to the supermarket after school today. I believe I gave you the shopping list for this week last night." Ella nods in agreement, and the dining room returns to silence, with only the sound of chewing food.

Ella's mother passed away when she was born. Her father later married Mary, and they had their biological daughter, Sara. In this family, Ella gradually takes on the role of Cinderella, responsible for many household chores, while Sara always targets Ella both at home and at school.

After school, a pale, slender brunette girl appears at the town's largest supermarket. "Milk, cereal..." Ella murmurs, lowering her hat brim, and carefully checking her shopping cart and the shopping list in her hand. "Done." After paying, Ella puts the groceries into her bag and prepares to take the nearest bus home. "Well, well, if it isn't Ella. May I check your bag please?" The thing Ella hates the most happens. Ella rolls her eyes and looks at the blond boy in front of her. "Of course, you can." This boy is George, who is seeking a romantic relationship with her stepsister, Sara. Under Sara's instructions, this part-time supermarket employee harasses Ella whenever he has the chance.

Ella opens her bag. "Go ahead." However, George doesn't look inside the bag but instead reaches into Ella's coat pocket. "What are you doing?" Ella can't dodge in time, and she sees George pulling out a lipstick from her pocket. "Miss, what is this? Can you explain? Can I see if your receipt includes this item?" Ella looks astonished at the lipstick in front of her. She realizes that George has come up with a new plan to make trouble for her. "I don't know. I didn't take that. Perhaps you know more about what's going on. " Ella explains. "Miss, what do you mean? Did the lipstick just jump into your pocket by itself? I think we have a thief here. Manager, I believe we need to call the police," George proudly states as he reaches for his phone, ready to make a call.

"I saw that the lipstick was already in your hand. I can testify for her," a clear voice interrupts George's actions. A very handsome youth walks over, tall and sculpted, with deep green eyes. "But... but, sir, do you have any evidence?" George clearly didn't anticipate the boy's appearance. It was a quiet weekday afternoon at the supermarket, with very few customers around. George never expected someone to be so foolish as to interfere with his plan. Initially, he had intended to have Ella taken away by the police. While a lipstick may not seem like a big deal, his goal was to embarrass Ella and earn praise from Sara.

"What's going on here?" The supermarket manager hurriedly walks over. He is a middle-aged man of average build, with golden hair similar to George's. "This young lady was accused of stealing lipstick from the shelf without paying. I was planning to call the police," George explains, a malicious grin spreads across George's face as he catches sight of the manager, expecting that his cunning plan will succeed.

The manager is his uncle, so he is certain he will be believed. That's why he dared to play tricks on Ella in the supermarket. However, the manager bypasses George and looks at the youth behind him. "Mr. Hastings! I can't believe you actually came," the manager says, his face filled with smiles. "Just dropping by," the man replies. "But I happened to see this employee wrongly accusing this beautiful young lady. It doesn't align with our group's service principles." "Is it true? George, what's going on?" George stands there, dumbfounded, opening his mouth and stuttering, not knowing what to say. "I think there must be a misunderstanding, Mr. Hastings." The manager quickly explains when George doesn't speak.

"It's not a misunderstanding. George wanted to pursue my stepsister, and my stepsister doesn't like me. So George decided to play tricks on me to please my stepsister," Ella says. "You're making things up! Do you have any evidence?" George, whose intentions were exposed, can't hold back any longer. He turns red, shouting loudly. "I believe the surveillance footage in the supermarket can prove everything. I saw this employee take the lipstick from the shelf and pretended to take it out of this young lady's pocket. Perhaps you don't know, but all of Hastings' chain supermarkets installed surveillance cameras last week. There happens to be one near the cosmetics counter." The man called as Mr. Hastings calmly explains. Now there is solid evidence. George's face turns from red to white, and he finally slumps against the wall, powerless.

"I sincerely apologize for the experience you had, Miss. I assure you that such incidents will never happen again in the future." After the truth comes to light, the manager reports everything to the police, and George is fired.

"This is a gift, please accept it," the manager hands a supermarket gift card to Ella. "I appreciate your apology. Can I know where the gentleman from earlier is? I would like to thank him in person." "Are you referring to Mr. Hastings? I'm sorry, he left when the police arrived, and I don't have his contact information."

Upon returning home, Ella finds herself consumed by thoughts of the earlier encounter. She can't help but feel a sense of longing and anticipation for Mr. Hastings, as her heart overflows with emotions. She finds herself unable to calm her thoughts. His charm and actions have deeply moved Ella, leaving her unable to resist envisioning his appearance, voice, and their conversation. The memories keep playing on a loop in her mind. It is the first time someone has stood up for her, and she is filled with joy and gratitude, as this new and exhilarating feeling overwhelms her. Ella tosses and turns in bed, unable to fall asleep.

The next day, Sara hears that George has lost his job. She approaches Ella with a slightly different expression, lacking the usual mockery and provocation. Instead, a blend of curiosity and excitement is apparent in her demeanor.

"I heard George lost his job at the supermarket," Sara says, her tone betraying her curiosity. "Seems like you were involved, huh?"

Ella is uncertain about Sara's true intentions. However, she chooses to be cautious and not easily disclose her emotions

"Yes, something happened yesterday," Ella replies, her voice laced with caution. "But I don't think it's a big deal. I just want to resolve it and move on."

Sara offers a faint smile, appearing somewhat taken aback by Ella's determination and composure. Her curiosity compels her to probe further.

"Do you know why George lost his job?" Sara inquires, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Ella avoids giving a direct answer. She considers the question too sensitive and not something she can easily discuss with Sara. Opting for silence, she avoids prolonging the conversation.

Her tone carrying a hint of indifference, Ella replies, "I don't really feel like diving into that right now. I just want to keep moving forward and not get tangled up in unnecessary drama."

Sara picks up on Ella's distant and cautious demeanor, realizing that pushing for more information would likely be fruitless. She temporarily gives up on the conversation and turns away.

Ella breathes a sigh of relief; she turns away and walks towards her classroom.

Upon stepping into the classroom, the teacher stands at the front of the podium and shares some significant news, "Hey, everyone! We have a new student joining us today. Let's give a warm welcome to Loren Hastings!"

Ella's heart races as she hears the name, her eyes filled with delight. She looks towards the classroom door and sees a familiar face walking in-Mr. Hastings, the one who saved her at the supermarket yesterday. Now she knows his full name is Loren Hastings.

As Loren makes his way to his seat, whispers ripple through the classroom, and curious glances trail closely behind. The girls find themselves irresistibly drawn to his enchanting presence. His commanding stature, impeccable features, and irresistible charisma instantly make him the focal point of everyone's attention.

During the class, Ella maintains her focus but can't resist stealing occasional glances at Loren. He carries himself with confidence and grace, just as he did when they first crossed paths at the supermarket. Ella finds herself wondering if Loren remembers their encounter and if he is aware of her unfortunate predicament.

As the class concludes, Ella gracefully makes her way toward Loren, her heart brimming with gratitude. Turning towards her, seeming acquainted with her, Loren smiles warmly and says, 'Ella, right?'

Ella's voice trembles with a mix of nervousness and excitement as she replies, "Yeah, I'm Ella. I really don't know how to thank you for helping me out at the supermarket. It means a lot to me, you know?"

Loren nods slightly, a trace of apology on his face. "Ella, you don't have to thank me. Actually, I owe you an apology because the supermarket that falsely accused you is a part of my family's business. I'm sorry you got caught up in this dispute caused by one of my employees."

Ella quickly clarifies, "Loren, the situation has nothing to do with your supermarket, honestly. It's just a personal issue between me and that employee. There's no need for you to apologize."

As Ella explains that the supermarket is not implicated, Loren's smile softens, and his gaze lingers affectionately on her. Ella's chestnut hair glistens with a gentle radiance in the sunlight, harmonizing with her warm brown eyes. Her beauty extends beyond her physical features, emanating from the genuine warmth and kindness within her.

His voice is deep and steady, revealing his confidence and maturity, Loren says, "Ella, I admire your understanding and tolerance. However, I still want to apologize to you because my employee caused you trouble."

Loren smiles warmly, his inviting gaze fixed on Ella. "Hey, Ella, I was wondering if you'd be up for grabbing a cup of coffee with me sometime this weekend. I'd love to have a chance to chat and get to know you better in a cozy café. What do you think?"

Their conversation captures the interest of their classmates nearby, leading to hushed whispers and speculation about the nature of their relationship.

As Loren extends his invitation, Ella's expression flickers with a moment of hesitation. She delicately nibbles her lower lip, contemplating for a brief pause, before responding with a tinge of regret, "Loren, I genuinely appreciate your invitation, but I'm swamped with household chores this weekend. I made a promise to my stepmother to tidy up the house."

Loren nods in understanding, his gaze reflecting his comprehension. "I completely understand, Ella. We all have obligations and constraints that can hinder us from pursuing our desires. But if there comes a time when you have some free moments in the future, just keep it in mind, and I would be thrilled to meet you."

At that moment, the teacher enters the classroom and notices Ella engaged in conversation with the new transfer student, Loren. The teacher smiles and says, " Hey, Ella, great timing! Since you've already gotten to know Loren, can you show him around the campus and help him get familiar with everything?"

Ella's heart skips a beat, a blend of surprise and anticipation flooding through her. She glances at Loren and responds to Mr. Johnson, "Sure, Mr. Johnson, I'd love to give Loren a tour of the school." Excitement brims in Ella's voice.

Loren nods appreciatively, his presence commanding the attention of their peers. Ella, with her chestnut hair and warm brown eyes, stands beside him, radiating a sense of tranquility and kindness. As they stroll through the school corridors, their magnetic companionship catches the eye of their classmates, who steal covert glances and engage in whispered speculations about their relationship.