Substitute Bride

his weight. "Forget it." He ran a hand through his hair, muttering to himself, disgusted. "I don't force myself on women. The fun's ruined." His shirt slid over his shoulders, button

w." --- Chloe woke to the violent buzz of her phone on the nightstand. She stretched, body aching in places she didn't want to name. The silk sheets felt like chains. She blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling, at the massive bedroom that screamed money and suffocated her. Right. The Reigns mansion. Her cage. Last night replayed behind her eyes in brutal clarity. The church. The vows. _This is what you owe me and Rose._ The kiss. The car ride. The contract. His hands. His words. The door slamming. She grabbed the phone and swiped answer. "Hello, Daisy." "Chloe!" Daisy's voice was sharp, hurt. "I can't believe you didn't tell me you got married! I had to hear it from Trish at the salon. You and Rose were best friends. How could you do this to her? To me?" Chloe closed her eyes. "Daisy, it's... it's not what it looks like. It's complicated." "Complicated?" Daisy's laugh was brittle. "She's dead, Chloe. You married her fiancé a week after her funeral. What's complicated about that?" "Please." Chloe's voice broke. "I'll explain everything. I promise. I'll make it up to you, okay?" A beat of silence. Then, softer: "Let's meet. Our usual spot. Today." Chloe glanced at the clock. Panic flickered. "I can't. Not today. I... I have to pick someone up at the airport. I'm already late." "You're driving?" Daisy's tone shifted to worry. "I heard Liam stripped you of everything. Your cards, your car, your-" "I'm fine," Chloe cut in, too fast. "I'll lend you mine," Daisy said firmly. "You know where the spare key is." Chloe frowned. "You'll lend me your car? Since when do you have a car?" The line went dead. Chloe stared at the phone. "Hiss." She