The Billionaire's Replacement Bride

Javier's POV

“It's my wedding day.”

“Yes, it is.” Derek, my best friend, replied.

I smiled and felt a kind of contentment that assured me I was getting what I actually wanted. This wasn’t about cars, or money, or influence, it was something else. Something that made everything in my being come alive.

As I stood at the end of the aisle, my heart raced with anticipation. The soft music played in the background as I anxiously awaited the arrival of my bride. I had n't seen her since last week. And then, there she was - walking towards me with grace and poise, a vision of beauty in her white gown.

I couldn’t see her face well because of her veil. But I still stared in awe at her figure. Her gown fitted her like a glove, cascading down in a sea of lace and tulle, accentuating her every curve. It was as if she stepped out of a dream, out of the Warlord era, ethereal and enchanting.

My mind was a whirlwind of emotions as I watched my soon-to-be wife approach me. I recalled the first time I saw her, the way she laughed and the way her eyes lit up when she spoke about her dreams. And now, she was about to become my wife, to share a lifetime of love and happiness with me.

The first day I saw her I was talking to someone on the phone and she had walked in, dressed in a fitted suit. For a while, I just stared. She was beautiful, breathtaking and she indeed took my breath away. I knew she was the one for me. I was drawn to her kindness, her intelligence, and her incredible sense of humor. She was everything I had ever dreamed of in a partner, and more.

“Sir? Sir?” She had called when I was so fixated on her.

“Yes?” I still looked at her, “what were you saying?” I asked and then suddenly, I didn't care. “Want some coffee?”

Her eyebrows closed at the edges and she stepped backwards. “What?”

“And it's a date.” And that was it. That was how it all started — with a cup of coffee.

When I continued to see her more often, my joy knew no bounds.

And today she would be mine. My heart swelled with pride and joy as I realized that she was soon going to be my wife.

I remembered the day my grandfather had told me about the betrothal to one of Peterson's daughters as my future wife. I had been so sure it was going to be her; it would be her. And now, as I watched her walk toward me, I knew that I was right. She was the one I was destined to be with, the one who completed me in every way possible.

“You sure it's her?” Derek said again, close to my ears.

“Tch, quit the whispering, it's cringe. You know what? I was so happy when Grandfather told me the woman I was betrothed to was a ‘Peterson’, I knew this was it, the moment to marry the love of my life.”

“Man, you got lucky.”

“Did luck fail me once?” I wasn't boastful, just confident.

“Think about how good it is to marry a woman you love, Derek.” I added.

“That's enough though, she's coming for you.”

I looked up and my bride was indeed before me, her face covered by the veil. My heart raced with anticipation. The moment arrived, and as I lifted the veil, I was met not by the familiar face of Blakeley, but another woman who looked older than Blakeley. Shock and confusion washed over me as I realized the gravity of the situation. Despite my inner turmoil, I knew that this was a moment that required composure and grace.

The priest came forward and said, “dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Javier and Finley in holy matrimony. Javier, do you take Finley to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?”

I only paused momentarily to gather my thoughts “I… I do.”

“And Finley, do you take Javier to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?”

“I do.” That was all she said. No hesitation.

“Let us now exchange the vows that will bind your hearts together. Javier…”

I took a deep breath “I stand here before you with an open heart. I promise to honor and respect you as my wife. I vow to support you through all of life’s challenges and joys. Together we will navigate the unknown with courage and love.”

“And now Finley…”

“Javier, I promise to stand by your side through it all. I vow to love you unconditionally and support you in every way possible.”

“You may kiss the bride.”

If this was supposed to be passionate, it was not. But I gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, my gaze never leaving hers. Leaning in, I softly brushed my lips against hers, a gentle whisper of a kiss that could make her heart flutter. But it was not tender, it was punishment.

I greeted some of my business partners and tried to smile, but I wanted to tear this whole place down.

“Excuse me, please.” I told one of business partners and loosened my tie as I left the hall in search of Brylee, my father in-law.

I couldn't just let this slide by, I expected Blakeley, even though no one knows about us, I expected her. I had to confront him about this whole thing. I made my way to the roof terrace where he was last seen, I found Brylee standing there, looking out into the morning sky.

“Brylee,” I called out, my voice tinged with urgency. He turned around, his expression unreadable. “I'm sorry, but I think I married the wrong woman.”

The man looked at me, his face so unreadable. “No, I'm certain you didn't.”

“What?”

Brylee’s eyes met mine, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something unspoken in his eyes. “Javier,” he began slowly, “you must understand that the order in which they are given matters greatly. It is tradition, a matter of honor. I cannot give my second daughter out before the first.”

I was flabbergasted. “What did you mean by not giving out your second daughter before the first? And which daughter were you referring to? You didn't say if it's the first or second you'd be giving out.”

Brylee sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping slightly. “You married the right woman, lad. It is simply the way things must be done.” His words hung heavy in the air between us.

I wanted to yell at him, but before I could utter another word, a deafening shot rang out, piercing the air. I saw Brylee begin to go down slowly. Time seemed to slow down as his eyes widened in shock, a red stain slowly spreading across his chest, and then he crumpled to the ground.

I stood frozen in place, my mind struggled to process what had just happened. Brylee, was on the floor, with blood seeping from his chest. The reality of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks

I went to stand above him and knew that he was dead. And then I looked up and saw the object that killed Brylee pointed towards me.

Javier's POV

My life flashed right in front of me as the object was pointed towards me.

I thought about all I haven't been able to achieve, I thought about what my grandfather would do when he hears of my death, I thought about my new bride and I thought about the woman I loved.

The gun slowly began to come out of the dark hallway. Although, it was broad daylight. I was able to see the gun and the shooter and I froze into position.

“Blakely?!”

“Javier!” She dropped the gun and stepped backwards like it burned her hands when she touched it. Her hands were trembling, the weight of the situation came crashing down on her when she saw the blood.

Blakely collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face as she whispered, “I’m sorry.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, filled with regret and fear.

I looked at her and took a step towards Brylee on the floor. I checked his pulse and almost collapsed. He was dead! I knew he was but confirm