The Substitute Bride Is Reborn and Loves Her Husband No more - Chapter 143

Chapter 143: Game
Rolan stared blankly at Jennifer as she approached. He didn’t ask why she was there or what she was doing. He wasn’t in the mood for any drama under the sun.

Jennifer walked up to him and gently placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Here you are… all cold,” she murmured. “And you’re reacting like this because my sister was cruel to you. She left you, didn’t take care of you. Why, Rolan ? Why didn’t she take care of you?”

Rolan looked at her but didn’t say a word. He closed his eyes, exhaustion pressing down on him.

“I’m not in the mood right now, Jennifer,” he said, his voice low and tired. His head was full of chaos, mostly thoughts of Rose.

“I’m here to look after you,” Jennifer said quietly. “My sister abandoned you, so I came instead. Are you okay?”

Rolan opened his eyes and met her gaze. “Do I look okay?”

Jennifer hesitated. “Well… you look like you’re in a terrible mood. But don’t worry, I’ll stay out of your way. Still, I’m not leaving you alone.”

Alfred quietly left the room, giving them space.

“I heard my sister has a new man now,” Jennifer said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Rolan glared at her. “Why are you bringing up something like that?”

Jennifer shrugged, still smiling. “Because I had to. Why shouldn’t I? Rolan , you’re really sick right now. And where is she? If she truly cared, she’d be here. But she’s not. That’s not right, Rolan . I’m here for you. I’ll stay by your side and take care of you until you’re better.”

She leaned in, her voice soft but sharp with intent.

“And whatever it is that’s keeping you and Rose connected, I’ll break it.”

Rolan ‘s eyes snapped open.

“The last time we were supposed to get married…” Jennifer continued. “I ran away. I made a mistake. So now, let’s fix it. Let’s get married, Rolan .”

Her voice trembled slightly, but her eyes were steady.

And for the first time, Rolan was forced to really look at her.

***

At the mansion, Tobi was playing with flowers in the garden while a maid gently sprayed water on the plants. Rose and her father were seated outside, having a quiet discussion.

“Dad,” Rose said, her voice soft but tense, “do you know someone did something to me… after the accident? After the bomb exploded in my office… the issue with my leg—it wasn’t a natural injury from the blast. It was something else. A curse. A witch sent it. I don’t know who they are, but someone is targeting me.”

Mr. Stewart furrowed his brows. “So… the explosion wasn’t Jennifer?”

Rose shook her head. “No, the explosion was Jennifer’s doing. But the leg illness—that wasn’t her. Someone else is after me, Dad. And I don’t know what to do.”

Her father looked at her, concern etched deep into his expression. “You’ve really been through a lot, my child. There are many enemies out there, clearly. I’m not familiar with that world of magic and curses or how they operate… but all I want is for you to stay far, far away from it all. Stay safe, Rose.”

Rose gave a small, grateful smile and nodded. “Yes, Father. But whoever is targeting me behind the scenes… I need to find them. Whatever grudge they hold against me, I won’t let it fester. It has to end.”

Her father smiled faintly, proud and worried all at once. But their conversation was cut short when Tobi came running up, tugging on Rose’s hand.

“Mommy, come play with me!” he said, eyes wide and bright.

Rose’s stern expression melted into a warm smile. “There you go again—don’t panic, don’t rush,” she said, teasing gently. “Mommy was having a serious discussion with Grandpa, but you distracted me.”

Tobi ‘s face fell. “Mommy, I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

Rose ruffled his hair with a chuckle. “Next time, we don’t interrupt the grown-ups when they’re talking, okay?”

Tobi nodded again and again, eager to show he understood, and Rose smiled at his eagerness.

Just then, a maid walked over carrying a tray full of snacks. Rose picked up Tobi and placed him on her lap.

“Tobi , sweetheart, it’s time to eat. Look, the servant brought some food just for you,” she said.

Tobi ‘s eyes lit up like sunshine. “Mommy, thank you! I love you so much!” he said as he reached for the food.

Rose watched him fondly. He was thanking her for something so small—a little plate of food—and yet, it meant the world to him. That thought made her smile even more.

Later on, a servant rushed into the compound, breathless.

“Sir, Madam is here!”

Mr. Stewart’s expression immediately turned sour.

“Madam? She never comes here. Why now?”

Rose’s eyes widened as well. Her mother? Coming here? That woman never bothered with them—she preferred her glamorous life, chasing men and indulging in her own business ventures. Visiting them was never on her list.

So why now? What does she want? Rose wondered, her curiosity sharp.

Mr. Stewart gave the servant a hard look before saying, “Let her in.”

Moments later, the sound of heels clicking echoed through the compound. Then she appeared—dressed in full fashion, radiating elegance with a touch of drama. Her eyes immediately landed on someone.

“Oh, my dear grandson! You’re here too? I didn’t know you’d be here!” she exclaimed, rushing toward Tobi and scooping him into her arms before Rose could react.

Rose narrowed her eyes. “What are you doing here? You never visit. So, what brings you now?”

A smile bloomed on her mother’s face. “I’m here to see you, my daughter. Don’t I have that right? Is it a crime for a mother to visit her child?”

Rose stared at her warily. Something felt off.

Mr. Stewart, almost reading her mind, added, “Yes, she came on business. And it concerns you.”

Business? With me? Rose’s thoughts raced. What could be so urgent that she’d come all this way after ignoring us for so long?

Her mother smiled softly. “Don’t panic, dear. I’m not here to hurt you or anything. It’s about the person who’s been targeting you.”

Rose’s heart skipped. How did she know about that?

She immediately grew suspicious, and her mother noticed.

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m not the one attacking you. I didn’t plan any harm. It’s someone else. Let’s go inside and talk—privately,” she said calmly.

Rose turned to her father. Mr. Stewart gave a small nod, silently telling her to go along with it—to listen and observe.

Rose bit her lip, reaching out to take Tobi from her mother’s arms, but the woman wouldn’t let go. Rose felt a wave of helplessness rise, but her father quickly reassured her, “It’s alright. She won’t harm Tobi .”

And so, they walked into the house—ready for a conversation that might change everything.

They both walked into the study, choosing a quiet place where no one would overhear their conversation.

Madam Stella smiled as she sat down with Tobi on her thigh. Rose took the seat next to her father.

Madam Stella looked between Rose and Mr. Stewart. “Tell me, how long has it been since the three of us sat together as a family?”

She sighed under her breath. “Feels like the first time in history.”

Rose cut straight to the point. “You should start talking. Don’t beat around the bush. Tell us what you found out—what does it have to do with the person trying to attack me?”

Madam Stella chuckled softly. “Well, the thing is, Rose… if you haven’t noticed—you’re different.”

Rose frowned. Different? How could she not know something like that herself?

“What do you mean I’m different? Stop dragging it out and just say it.”

“You are different, Rose. Not just emotionally or physically. You’ve never been a normal wolf.”

She glanced at Mr. Stewart. “Only your father and I know the truth about you.”

Madam Stella leaned forward. “Have you noticed the mood swings? How you suddenly become cold… distant… decisive, like someone else is behind the wheel?”

Rose stilled. Her mind raced.

Yes…

It was true.

She had rejected Rolan. She ran away and left him behind—even when he was sick and helpless.

That wasn’t like her. Not the Rose she knew.

Madam Stella smiled knowingly. “Now you’re starting to get it, aren’t you?”

Rose looked at her, heart pounding. “What are you saying? That I’m evolving?”

“Yes,” Madam Stella said calmly. “You’re not ordinary. You’ve never been. There’s something ancient inside you—something powerful. You’re not just a wolf. You’re a special kind of wolf.”

Rose blinked. A special kind of wolf? She almost laughed. “I know my wolf. She’s just Luna. A sexy little fighter, that’s all.”

Madam Stella chuckled. “Yes. Luna, the sexy girl. But what if I told you… the ancient wolf always begins as something ordinary—something honorary. While it sleeps, it looks normal. But once it awakens, it evolves into a powerful creature.”

Rose stared, not knowing whether to laugh or be afraid. “Where are you even getting all this from?”

Her mother met her gaze, voice lowering.

“Rose, you are one of the Ancient Wolves—a bloodline so rare, so dangerous, that they were erased from most records. They have the power to lead all wolf packs. To claim the throne.”

Rose’s throat tightened.

“And right now,” Madam Stella said, “someone out there knows what you are becoming. And they’re scared. Scared you’ll rise. Scared you’ll take their power. So they’re targeting you before you can awaken your true strength.”

“What strength are you talking about, Mother?” Rose asked sharply. “I know you. You’re the kind of person who only shows up when there’s something in it for you. I don’t believe you came here out of love. You came because you want something. And now you’re talking about powers—do you want the power inside me? Is that it?”

She looked at her mother, her voice laced with disbelief.

Her mother laughed. “My child, you know me too well. But the truth is—I don’t want your power. I just want to brag a little. Flaunt the fact that my daughter is an Ancient Wolf. That’s all.”

While the mysterious tension lingered in the air, little Tobi tugged at her sleeve and looked up.

“Grandma, did you bring cookies for me?”

Madam Stella’s attention immediately shifted. Her face softened into a warm smile.

“Oh my dear, I didn’t bring cookies…”

She paused dramatically, then added, “But I brought something even more delicious for you!”