Substitute Billionaire

Dumped at the altar

“She is back”, Robert whispered to Lisa's ears and took some steps backward. They were about to take their wedding vows. Lisa knew exactly what he meant, she watched as Robert turned around and left, leaving her standing alone at the altar. She had just been dumped at the altar.

Earlier that morning, it was a bright Saturday morning. The rays of the sun shone through the window blinds, lightly touching Lisa's face, making her turn to the other side. She opened her eyes, smiling. She got up and went to the balcony, where she saw her best friend, Emily, and her family members bustling about, putting things in order for her wedding. Emily was scolding the event planner because she had not perfected the decorations like her best friend wanted, and the caterer was still not done setting all the tables. Resting her back slightly on the balcony rail, she shouted happily, "It's my wedding, I'm getting married!!!".

   Around eight a. m, Emily helped with dressing her best friend in front of a mirror.

You look so beautiful and stunning dear. Congratulations my love. Your wedding is going to be the talk of the town for a very long time.

 Emily was a great fashionista and also a brilliant hair stylist, so she had given Lisa the perfect bridal hairstyle. Her gown was a very long white gown, it was straight to the knee and from the knee was a long design. Then one of the maids came in with a gift box.

“Madam, this was dropped at the front of the house and addressed to you”, she gave the gift box to Lisa.

Lisa was surprised. Who could have sent her a gift? Oh, thank you.

 She opened it, and it was a very expensive and rare necklace, surprising the two ladies.

Emily widened her eyes in surprise.

This must be from Robert, but where did he get the money to buy it? This must have cost a fortune!

Still surprised at the gift, Lisa responded. This is not from Roberts, I think it's from the same person who has been dropping gifts at my desk too. Remember that nice expensive gown I wore to my boss's birthday party that you said you liked, and I should get you one. It was also a gift dropped at the front of my house. I really wish to know who has been dropping these gifts.

Emily smiled and teased, “Well, maybe he is a secret admirer, probably waiting for the best time to walk up to you”.

“Well, his precious futuristic girlfriend is getting married today”. They both laughed. 

 But for real, I love the necklace, the design, the stones. It's the one I am going to put on. I can't think of a better time and place to wear it.

Lisa was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the gift that she didn't know when her mother, Theresa, came in and, Theresa looked radiant, happy and emotional.

My baby, you look so gorgeous like the queen that you are. I love you baby, thank you for making me proud. But we are running late. Let's just take a few pictures outside. The groom and his family are waiting for us at the church. Don't let us keep them waiting for too long. By the way, I love your necklace.

“Thanks Mum”

   At the church, the groom's family are on the left-hand side while the wife's family are on the right. The wedding ceremony had started.

Lisa took her place beside her boyfriend, Robert. They were about to begin a new journey in their lives after six years of being together. Everyone admired Lisa's beauty and her gown. It was breathtaking. Robert didn't look genuinely happy as they walked down the aisle together.

When it was time for the vow, a message popped in loudly to Roberts' phone at the altar, making almost everyone start checking their phones. Roberts also checked his phone, then Robert's countenance changed, he suddenly became enlightened and happy, and then whispered to Lisa's ear, “She is back”. The smile on Lisa's face vanished immediately. She knew exactly what he meant.

 They both stared blankly at each other for some minutes and Robert took a few steps backward. Lisa watched as he left. She was totally speechless, she couldn't believe she had just been dumped at the altar.

   Roberts had been in a relationship with Ashley since high school until she met him one day and said she would be traveling out of the country to further her studies. A friend of mine said she would be doing the same, so I want to beat her to it. I want her to meet me there. 

It's not necessary, you don't really have to pattern your life after your friend's life, but if your mind's made up, please give me a little time, so we can at least go together.  Robert pleaded with Ashley.

Ashley laughed out. Go where together? To do what? We both know we can't go together, it's not even like you have the money, or you are going to have it anytime soon. You know I don't like long-distance relationships, so it's best we just stay apart for now, you understand? Like go our separate ways, but if I come back to this country before getting married, or let's say anytime I come back, I'll definitely reach out to you.

 Those words broke Roberts, but he knew his girlfriend's mind was made up and nothing was definitely going to change it, so he let her be.

 He meets Lisa after two years of Ashley breaking up with him. She helped him find himself and become a better version of himself. She literally helped him back to his feet one day.

She asked Roberts if Ashley should come back now, demanding that they both come back together… Lisa had not finished talking when Roberts interrupted sharply. I'll run to her and hug her for like five minutes. 

He later comes back apologizing to Lisa, that he was only joking, that he was only playing along to tease Lisa.

 After six years of their relationship, he saw that Ashley was not coming back, and he had seen some of her posts where she snapped pictures with a particular guy. Roberts then proposed to Lisa and she said Yes.

  Now, Roberts had dumped her at the altar to go meet his high school lover, who decided to show up a few minutes before they took their wedding vow, disrupting the wedding and putting everyone in a panic. 

Lisa's mother was shaking and lamenting. Roberts brought shame to my family.

Lisa was in tears. If her make-up was not waterproof, her face would have been worse. Emily was also sad but didn't know who to console between mother and daughter. 

After a few minutes, the priest came in to ask, Madam, can we dismiss the congregation? 

All of a sudden, Lisa got up. Startled by everyone, she signaled to the priest to follow her. She went to the church auditorium.

 I am sorry for wasting your time everyone… she had not finished speaking when a voice came from the congregation.

Wait! Everyone's attention was drawn to the person speaking. He was a tall, fair and handsome young man, his physique was that of one who was always at the gym, his age should be within the age range of Thirty to Thirty-five, he was putting on a casual flowered shirt on black trouser. 

He walked up to the pulpit and said, facing the priest.

 May I speak with the bride for a while? He then walked up to Lisa.

 I will marry you. You do not have to cancel the wedding because of that coward who was supposed to be your husband. 

Lisa walked away from him and faced the congregation.

 Like I was saying earlier, I am sorry for delaying everyone for this long. Please give me a few minutes and we will be back. 

She then went back to the man.

Who are you? Why do you want to marry me? Did that idiot of a man called Roberts send you to me?

 The young man smiled" I will answer your questions one after the other, starting from the first.

I am Douglas, I am doing this to save your face and help you. The media have started making videos and if you step out of this hall without a husband, they will ask to tag or drag you. Lastly, your coward of a boyfriend did not send me here.

 The priest got closer to them.

What is the issue?

  He said he wanted to step in and marry me. Lisa explained.

 Do you know him, and why he wants to do that?

 Lisa shrugged. That doesn't matter, I will marry him. I have a fashion show coming up that means a lot to me.

She turned to Douglas.

“Shall we?

Douglas smiled and stretched his hand to hold Lisa. Everyone watched in amusement as they walked to the altar together.

  They took their wedding vows and the wedding went on to the reception. 

Everyone was amused at the drama that had just unfolded before them as they watched them step out of the hall together.

The press were outside ready to take pictures and to ask questions, but as they were trying to ask questions, one of the press men took out his phone and was surprised at what he had just realized.

Isn't this Douglas Bare, a billionaire operating under the name David Bare? He muttered to himself, he moved closer to another journalist and showed him the picture.

The journalist widened his eyes in shock and shouted in surprise, David Bare! 

Douglas looked back and smiled with one side of his mouth, acknowledging that he was the one, and waved at them and also bowed to them slightly.

 His colleagues faced him and asked, The same David Bare???

The man nodded.

 The press men immediately knew who he was, so they had a lot of questions to ask as they ran after the couple, 

Mr David Bare, what are you doing here? Why did you get married today? 

Why did you choose Lisa?

Are you truly a billionaire?

Different questions from the press men. 

Douglas and Lisa quietly walked away without answering the question.

As soon as they got into the car, Lisa turned to Douglas,

 You don't need to lie or pretend that you are David Bare.

 Lied? Why would I lie? Of course, I am David Bare. Lisa looked at him from head to toe and burst into laughter.

Oh, please, you don't actually expect me to believe that, do you?

  Douglas smiled. He was glad Lisa didn't believe him, she would soon be shocked.

 Lisa asked the chauffeur to head to the hotel they had initially booked, 

What if Roberts had gone there to spoil things? He turned to the chauffeur to say take us to the Stars hotel instead.

Stars hotel! Do you have what it takes to lodge there? It's meant for billionaires and not men like you. Lisa yelled at Douglas.

Douglas remained silent. 

While they were going, Lisa spotted Roberts' car. After all, she was the one that bought it for him as a gift on one of his birthdays. 

Stop the car! She shouted.

“What! Why are you stopping the car?

Douglas asked. Lisa stepped out of the car without responding.

She headed towards the white Benz, packed in front of her.

 Roberts stepped out of his car as soon as he saw Lisa.

She gave him a very hard slap twice on both cheeks.

 How dare you, Roberts? How could you do this to me? Well, it's your loss. She turned and started walking back to Douglas' car.

 Robert rubbed his cheek. Do you think so? Babe, step out for her to see you.

Ashley stepped out of the car and Lisa turned around to see who it was.

She widened her eyes when she realized it was a familiar face.

She shouted angrily, Ashley Blake!!! It was you all along???

    Ashley Blakes has always been Lisa's rival right from high school. She always wanted everything Lisa had. Academically, Ashley Blake began to crave the top position in the class because Lisa was there. Ashley would do anything to get the best student, but most times she would come second, and it would hurt her. 

 Ashley smiled and said sarcastically, Hello Lisa, it's really been a long time. I would have asked how you're doing, but I can obviously see you're not fine dear, what is the matter?

 Lisa was so furious. So are you still chasing me around? Well, I didn't even notice you and, lest I forget, you can never meet up with me because you will always be a loser like your boyfriend.

 “Well, I guess I met you just in time and I won this too.” Ashley said, pointing at Roberts. 

Of course, losers like you guys always find each other.

Just then, Douglas knew he had to take Lisa away from there, so he stepped out of her car and called. Lisa baby, let's go, they're not worth your stress. Today is your happy day. Remember?” 

“Who is he?” Ashley asked, facing Roberts, and the latter shrugged like to say he didn't know.

“Oh! That's my loving husband, Lisa introduced.

Roberts and Ashley looked at him from head to toe and laughed out loud, then Robert finally spoke up.

“I know I hurt you, I am not really regretting that, and I know you're mourning your loss, but you really did not have to settle for someone this low”

Lisa was unmoved by Robert's words, she faced Ashley.

You think you won the trophy? Ah! I laugh at you because I bet you don't know you won mere shambles, that is my own trophy, and he is a thousand times the man Roberts can never be, enjoy your loser husband. Like I said, give up chasing me, you can never meet up.

She turned to walk elegantly back to the car, leaving them both to wonder at what she had said. This time Douglas held the door for her while she slid in and the chauffeur held the door for him also. Ashley was almost puking out blood, as she signaled to Roberts for them to leave.

Lisa and Douglas got to The Stars hotel, and it was a very luxurious hotel. Lisa was successful and doing well for herself, but this hotel would take half her fortunes away. So she asked Douglas.

What are we doing here? Where do you expect me to get the money to pay for this kind of place? Please let's leave. I'd rather go home than get embarrassed here.

Douglas smiled, so you still don't believe I'm David Bare? Well, let's go in.

As they got close to the entrance, the security men greeted them.

“Welcome eldest master.”

She was shocked and looked at him like to say, are you really David Bare?

David Bare is a billionaire. How can you be David Bare? You said your name was Douglas Bare, and why were you dressed that way? Surprised, Lisa asked. 

Well, haven't you heard of D.D. Bare? That's David Douglas Bare. I had some issues at home and I had to take a walk around town to clear my head without people knowing my identity till I got to your wedding hall and I saw the groom running outside and removing the decorations on the car before zooming off. I wanted to know what was happening, so I entered, and I found you there.

Douglas explained with a relaxed-faced expression.

The story was difficult to believe, but Lisa believed it.

So I am married to D.D. Bare, the billionaire.

He nodded positively.

Lisa was dumbfounded, she opened her mouth wide as she was astonished.

“Wow! Today is really the most surprising day of my life. I mean firstly, my supposed groom ran away, he even ran away with my car to meet his old-time lover who has always wanted everything I had. You know, Ashley traveled out of the country because I was always saying I was going to travel out to school to the Elites breed school, but due to circumstances around that time I couldn't go, and I decided to further my fashion career, since it has always been a dream. Only for me to find out, Ashley had gone out of the country thinking she would be the first time to get there, and her parents had paid all expenses so she couldn't come back to the country and has not come back to the country since then until a few hours ago. And now, I am married to someone I don't even know. Lisa kept talking to lift her burdens.

Douglas tapped her shoulders like he was encouraging her," You will be fine, the hotel is mine, so feel free and relax well. You had a long and stressful day. I will go home to tell my family that we are married, so you can move in with me when you are ready.

The words. The hotel is mine. Kept sounding on her head as she watched Douglas leave.

Good night Douglas, thanks for today. I really appreciate it. She shouted to him, so Douglas could hear her.

 Douglas is a Billionaire

Welcome, Mrs Bare," one of the valets said, bowing slightly. "It's an honor to have you with us."

Lisa, still processing the day's revelations, glanced around, her eyes taking in the grandeur of the hotel. She had heard of this place but never imagined she would set foot inside it, especially not as a guest of such high regard.

Good evening, Mrs. Bare. We have prepared Mr Bare’s usual suite as instructed. Please, allow us to assist you with anything you might need.

Lisa nodded appreciatively. Thank you. 

Mr Bare, we should ensure everything is perfect for you.

Could this really be my life now? Lisa thought, and she was escorted to their suite. Every staff member they encountered offered respectful nods and deferential smiles. Good evening, Mrs. Bare," they said in hushed tones, each one clearly recognizing her status.

The suite itself was a marvel of luxury,