CEO's Substitute Bride

Chapter 29

Alyssa had been playing dumb for so many years. In fact, for as long as she could remember, she deliberately tried her best to mess up their orders and even kept her conversations to a minimum. And these people in the Moore family had been completely used to her silly appearance.

However as a noble family that had lasted for a hundred years, a servant of the Lawrence family was very smart, not to mention their masters, Emmett and ‘Justin.’

So it was impossible for her to deceive them by pretending to be stupid, so she had no intention of pretending to be stupid from the beginning.

Therefore, as long as she left the Moore family she didn’t pretend any more.

And as she stared at the retreating house, she slowly relaxed in her seat. It was as if someone had finally allowed her to breathe.

The relieved expression on her face didn't escape Emmett’s gaze.

She seemed to be very afraid of getting involved with Justin, especially in front of her other family members. His fingers tapped against the steering wheel, and his eyes narrowed. Was she really that loyal to Emmett? Even he couldn't decipher what went on in this ugly woman's head.

Although he knew that what she disliked was a fake ‘Justin’, he was somehow upset.

Screech…

When the car braked sharply, the tire rubbed against the ground, making a harsh sound.

Due to inertia, Alyssa suddenly leaned forward and then was bounced back into the chair.

Looking very embarrassed, Alyssa resisted her anger and turned to look at ‘Justin’, “What are you doing?”

"My hands slipped from the wheel," he said innocently.

“You…” His insincere explanation let Alyssa speechless.

She had wanted to slap that arrogant look on his face! But she wasn't that stupid to offend the right- hand man of Emmett. Even if the two of them weren't on good terms, offending one of the Young Masters of the Lawrence family would be stupid. There was no other choice she had but to endure his antics.

Emmett watched Alyssa repress her anger, and he thought her expression was a little funny.

Ever since she had arrived here a few days back, she and Justin didn't get along. Not only had he insult her looks, but he had tried every alternative to get her to kiss him. After learning that the two cousins were on good terms, it only made her blood boil at the sight of him. Now, all she aimed to do was to get as far away from him as possible.

…

The car stopped at the door of Emmett’s villa.

After saying thank you, Alyssa immediately opened the door and ran into the villa.

Upon seeing the bodyguard standing by the front door, she tilted her head. "Is your Young Master here?"

She dared to return to Moore’s home because she had the self-confidence that she could leave there safely. However, she still couldn't help but be grateful that Emmett had actually thought of her. Perhaps, he really wasn't as bad as some had thought.

The bodyguard glanced at Emmett, who was following her from behind and said with a deadpan expression, "Young Master went out to do some business. He's not back yet."

Even he didn't know why the real master was covering up his identity as Justin.

“I see.” Alyssa had a pause and then said, “If he comes back, let me know.”

She wanted to thank Emmett face to face.

“Yes, Young Madame." The bodyguard bowed his head. “Yes, Young Madame." The bodyguard bowed his head.

Emmett came over and stared at Alyssa’s back and said to the bodyguard, “What did she say?”

"Young Madame asked if you were at home," he relayed the information quickly. "And that if you come back, I'll let her know."

…

Alyssa sat in her bedroom, logged into her laptop and scanned through her emails to see if any companies had wanted to offer her a position.

There were a few small companies who had invited her out to an interview. At least, she came up with something, and their position in the industry also wasn't that bad.

Ever since she had learned how to walk, she was given a rule–to never ask the Moore family for money. Besides, even if she did bother asking them, they wouldn't give her a dime! All their savings and excess were poured into her two older siblings. Even when it came to finding a job, they didn't dare extend a helping hand. Because of this, she managed to survive by working for a small company. Although the salary wasn't high, it was enough to support her simple lifestyle.

When she married into the Lawrence family, she knew that her family must've accepted a ton of benefits. However, she had not received even a cent of them. Not only that, but she had also lost her job because of this marriage. Now, she was badly in need of a job now.

The companies that sent out the interviews invitations were not large in size. But they were also good for Alyssa, who had just graduated, so she planned to go for the interviews one by one.

After turning off her computer, she walked out of her room and headed down the stairs. There was still no one in the hall.

Emmett still wasn't back.

She headed back to her room and continued to wait for him. After all, even if he was disabled, he was still the Young Master of the Lawrence family. He must have a ton of responsibilities on top of his

shoulders, so it was only right that he was busying around.

When the night fell, Emmett had not yet returned.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to her and she went to the kitchen.

Even if he was late, he'd surely be back here for dinner, right? She might as well cook up a meal to properly thank him.

From the time she had stayed in the villa until now, she noticed that only a few bodyguards were going in and out of the villa. Although she rarely ate here, she couldn't help but wonder if all the meals Emmett had eaten were made by these bodyguards.

Emmett was such an odd man that he didn’t even invite a servant. Did he hate women in general?

Sure enough, as soon as she had entered the kitchen, a bodyguard walked in to stop her. "Is Young Madame hungry? If you are, I can prepare whatever you want to eat.”

"It's fine. I'll cook for your Young Master." She opened the refrigerator as she spoke.

After hearing this, the bodyguard just said. “If you need any help, you can call us.”

Alyssa smiled. "OK. I will."

The fridge was full. With different kinds of red meat and white meat properly placed and labeled in the freezer, she noticed how complete everything was. It was like shopping in a supermarket. Even all the vegetables and fruits were there. Whatever she could've wanted, this kitchen could definitely provide.

However, just as she looked the fridge's contents, she realized that she didn't know what dishes Emmett liked to eat. Just as she was about to go out and ask, as if the fates had read her mind, a deep voice sounded behind her. "Stewed beef, salad… More peppers, less oil.”

Alyssa suddenly turned around and saw ‘Justin’ was standing behind her.

He changed into a seat of dark loungewear, his hands were in the pockets of his pants. With such a height, even if he didn’t say anything, it’s hard to ignore him.

He looked down at Alyssa and added. “Oh and a steamed egg with no pepper.”

What?

Did he think she was some kind of waiter? And began to order dishes?

As he was about to leave, Alyssa grabbed him and asked, “What kind of food does your cousin like to eat?”

Emmett stopped and looked back. “Everything I said just now."

“Really?” She thought they were ‘Justin’s’ favorite.

Emmett narrowed his eyes before reaching out his hand for the top of her head and suddenly held the back of her head, forcing her to look at him. They were centimeters apart now, and his eyes flashed at her surprised expression.

In order to match her height, he bent over and looked at her. There was no expression on his handsome face. “Do you think I have to cheat you for a meal?”

Their faces were very close, and as he spoke, the hot breath he blew out fell on her face, which made her face burn.

They were so close that she could see her shifty image reflected in his ink-black eyes. There was something about the way he drew close to her that made her feel hypnotized. All the words at the back of her mind collapsed into rubble, and she found herself at a loss of what to say.

Back then, she didn't really care much about her looks, but in this situation, she couldn't help but feel ugly and stupid at the same time.

She suddenly felt that ‘Justin’ had a strong ability to tolerate. A rich master like him who was used to beautiful women all around him could kiss her ugly face!

Emmett saw Alyssa staring at him blankly and grinned. His hand slid over her delicate neck and stroked her. “The way you're staring at me makes me think you are so obsessed. Do want to get rid of that cripple and live with me instead. Should I start asking my cousin to sign you off to me instead?"

His fingers were a little cool, but they seemed to be carrying an electric current, which made her shiver involuntarily.

Alyssa suddenly came back to her senses and pushed ‘Justin’ away, “What are you talking about!”

Unprepared, Emmett was pushed back two steps by her. After he stabilized himself, he was not embarrassed at all. His expression was placid and calm as if they were just talking about the weather.

“Believe me. Those were Emmett’s favorite dishes. Besides, I have dinner party tonight. Why would I let you cook for me?"

He gave her a meaningful look, and then slowly paced away from the kitchen.

As soon as his figure disappeared, Alyssa still felt frightened, reached for the refrigerator door and gasped to stabilize her figure.

She used her other hand to touch the side of her neck, only to retract it almost immediately–looking as if she had just been electrocuted. What was happening to her?

Calming herself down, Alyssa stared up at the ceiling. It was obvious that Justin was deliberately flirting her, but as to why, she still didn't know.