Stand-in Bride

Stand-in Bride

Miranda Lawrence · Ongoing · 39.2k Words

555
Hot
555
Views
121
Added
Share:facebooktwitterpinterestwhatsappreddit

Introduction

She grew up with her father missing, and her mother remarried. Living with her grandmother in the countryside, she skipped classes, got into fights, and got drunk, marking her a troublemaker and ruffian in the eyes of others.

At nineteen, her mother took her back to her stepfather's house.

"Harper, it's your luck that you are marrying Mr. Brooks on behalf of your sister. You should seize this opportunity."

She was considered worthless in her mother's eyes, a sacrificial lamb for personal gain.

Everyone knew that Mr. Brooks had a debilitating illness, causing a complete change in his temperament and appearance, with only two years left to live.

Since she married Mr. Brooks, his illness miraculously disappeared. However, when someone investigated a case from a few years ago, they unintentionally revealed Mrs. Brooks's true identity...

Everyone was shocked beyond belief.

She was a hidden boss.

Chapter 1

"The Powell family is not your grandmother's home. When you go in later, you better put away your bad habits and don’t embarrassing me and let others laugh at us." At the entrance of the Powell Mansion, a luxurious black car was parked, and Zoe Powell instructed the girl next to her to ring the doorbell. Instead, as she rubbed her temples, visibly impatient.

Harper, carrying a black shoulder bag, wore a black hoodie. The brim of her duckbill cap covered half of her face, and her eyes beneath it squinted. With both hands in her pockets, she nodded nonchalantly.

"You better keep my words in mind. If you mess things up, don't blame me for not being polite to you."

Zoe had married into the Powell family for over ten years, living a privileged life. Her every move exuded the mannerisms of a noblewoman. Seeing Harper’s Street ruffian appearance, she got angry. "This alliance with the Brooks family will be good for you. With your grades, you won't be able to get into an Ivy League school. You'll just be working for others. Marrying Mr. Brooks will save you the struggle for decades."

Upon hearing this, Harper raised her head and looked at the person who was lecturing her. Suddenly, she smiled, a cold smile that didn't reach her eyes. "If it's such a great thing, why don't you let your daughter do it?"

"Piper can't compare to you. She was carefully cultivated by me and will undoubtedly have a better life in the future. How could she marry into the Brooks family?"

Zoe realized that her tone was becoming agitated and toned it down a bit. "Harper, don't blame me for being heartless. I relied on your sister's intelligence and obedience to put a footing in the Powell family all these years. Now that Liam Powell has passed away, the Powell family is declining day by day. We must rely on this marriage alliance to save the Powell family's business. It's good for both you and I if you marry into that family."

Several years ago, her ex-husband suddenly went missing and didn't return for two years. She didn't want to spend her whole life working hard in the countryside, so, she heartlessly left baby Harper with her grandmother. Later, Zoe remarried into the Powell family.

Zoe married the second son of the Powell family, Elijah Powell, they had a daughter. Despite Piper Powell being intelligent and well-behaved, she didn't have an easy life.

Elijah had a son named Liam with his late wife, who was outstanding and the pride of the Powell family. In recent years, the Powell family's business had been thriving because of Liam. When they first found out that Piper had given birth to a daughter, the Powell family was not pleased.

Over the years, they put in a lot of effort in grooming Piper, into a talented young lady, which made her life in the Powell family somewhat better. However, with Liam's death, the Powell family's business took a nose dive.

In order to salvage their business, they wanted Piper to marry Mr. Brooks. Everyone knew that Mr. Brooks had a serious illness six months ago, and not only was his temperament cruel, but also his face was disfigured.

Rumor had it that Mr. Brooks might not live for another two years. Zoe couldn't possibly let Piper become a young widow and live a solitary life. Therefore, she had to sacrifice Harper. Harper's cold gaze locked onto Zoe's face, curling her lips in a mockery smile.

This was her own mother, speaking of her own selfishness and interests in such a deliberate manner. "Did you hear what I said?" Zoe asked angrily when Harper remained silent. Harper averted her gaze and gave a faint nod.

Zoe was furious and helpless. She rang the doorbell, and soon a nanny came to open the door. "Madam," it was Sophia, who had worked for the Powell family for forty years and was the one Madame Powell trusted the most. Sophia glanced at Harper behind Zoe and calmly said, "Madam Powell is waiting for you." Although her tone was polite, it lacked reverence.

Over the years, Zoe had grown accustomed to being looked down upon by the Powell family's staff. She responded with a nod and led Harper inside. The Powell Mansion was large, and it took them a few minutes to reach the main hall. When they opened the door, the long table was filled with people, as if they were preparing for a family meeting. Madame Powell sat in the middle, with her eldest son Caleb Powell on her left and Elijah on her right.

“Madam Powell, this is Harper.” Zoe said, fearing her. She spoke carefully, without the confidence she had previously exuded in front of Harper.

Madam Powell nodded, her cloudy eyes scanning Harper. Harper hung her head, hands still in her pockets, quietly standing in place.

A hint of disdain flashed in Madam Powell's eyes, "Harper, even if you aren’t well educated, you should at least have some basic manners, and address people properly."

"A country bumpkin who was raised by a barely surviving grandmother since childhood, what kind of manners can she have?" spoke Caleb's daughter, Lucy Powell, her words brimming with sarcasm.

Harper raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of coldness reflecting in her pupils. With her hands still in her pockets, she had a frail figure that would be easily toppled over by a gust of wind, yet she still emitted a strong aura. The girl was frightened by this gaze and subconsciously lowered her eyes.

"I apologize, I'm a wild child and don't know what manners are," Harper withdrew her gaze, her expression cold, and her tone indifferent.

The Powell family members were angered by her attitude. Someone couldn't help but curse, "Hmph, such a poor appearance."

"Don't say that, after all, she's going to marry Mr. Brooks in the future. What if she causes us trouble?" someone mocked.

"Hah, trouble from her? Let's hope she doesn't scare Mr. Brooks to death."

Laughter surrounded them one after another. At this moment, Harper's phone pinged, indicating a notification. She took out her phone and slowly replied to the message, completely ignoring the mockery from the Powell family.

Madam Powell was annoyed to see Harper ignore her while playing with her phone in front of her. But she suppressed her anger.

She raised her hand to stop others from speaking and looked at Harper, "Has your mother mentioned the arranged marriage to you?" To her, the most important thing was the marriage alliance with the Brooks family.

"She did," Harper finished replying to her message and looked up, her icy gaze sweeping over the crowd as she spoke nonchalantly.

Madam Powell nodded, "Although it's an arranged marriage, the daughter-in-law of the Brooks family must have at least a high school diploma. I've heard that your academic performance is poor, so I won't arrange for you to attend Toledo High School. You will go to Granada High School."

"You're still young, so you'll be engaged in a few days, then start attending school. Once you graduate, you can get married. As for your grandmother, don't worry, we will arrange the best hospital for her treatment. As long as you go as you go along with the plan, we will take good care of her." Zoe had repeated these words to Harper many times before coming here. But Madam Powell just wanted to personally remind her to put her mind at ease.

"Okay," Harper answered decisively.

Last Chapters

You Might Like 😍

I Am His Wolfless Luna

I Am His Wolfless Luna

182.3k Views · Ongoing · Heidi Judith
Ethan's fingers kept rubbing back and forth on my clitoris, while his penis kept jumping inside my body. Every joint on my body is sore and screaming for the next orgasm. All too quickly, I feel that electric tension winding tighter, a mounting pressure that threatens to shatter me. My hips lift involuntarily, urging him to continue his exploration, silently pleading for the release I’m so close to tasting.

Ethan also kept emitting deep roars in my ear, 'Damn... I'm going to cum... !!!' His impact became more intense and our bodies kept making slapping sounds.

"Please!! Ethan!!"


As the strongest female warrior in my pack, I was betrayed by those I trusted most, my sister and my best friend. I was drugged, raped, and banished from my family and my pack. I lost my wolf, my honor, and became an outcast—carrying a child I never asked for.

Six years of hard-won survival turned me into a professional fighter, fueled by rage and grief. A summons arrives from the formidable Alpha heir, Ethan, asking me to return as a wolfless combat instructor for the very pack that once banished me.

I thought I could ignore their whispers and stares, but when I see Ethan's emerald-green eyes—the same as my son’s—my world tilts.
The Moon's Descendant

The Moon's Descendant

203.4k Views · Completed · Kay Pearson
!! Mature content 18+ !!

“You think I’m going to let my daughter sleep with whoever she wants” he spat. He kicked me in the ribs, sending me flying back across the floor.
“I didn’t” I coughed, gasping for air.
I felt as though my chest had caved in. I thought I was about to vomit when Hank grabbed my hair and lifted my head. CRACK. It was like my eye had exploded inside my skull when he punched me in the face. I landed on the cold concrete and pressed my face onto the floor. He used his foot to roll me over so that I was on my back.
“Look at you, you disgusting c**t” he huffed as he crouched down beside me and wiped the hair from my face. He smiled, a terrifying evil smile.
“I have something extra special for you tonight” he whispered.

Hidden in the dark forest, on Cape Breton Island, lives a small community of Weres. For generations they remained hidden from the humans and maintained a peaceful existence. That is until one small woman joins their pack and throws their world upside down.
Gunner the future Alpha, serving as a knight in shining armour saves the young woman from certain death. Bringing with her a mysterious past and possibilities that many had long since forgotten, Zelena is the light they didn’t know they needed.
With new hope, comes new dangers. A clan of hunters want back what they believe the pack has stolen from them, Zelena.
With her new powers, new friends and new family, they all fight to protect their homeland and the gift that the Moon Goddess has bestowed upon them, the Triple Goddess.
The Secret Pregnancy of the Billionaire's Ex-Wife

The Secret Pregnancy of the Billionaire's Ex-Wife

106.3k Views · Completed · T.S
Everyone knew I was pregnant—except my husband, Sean.
On the day I received my pregnancy test results, Sean asked for a divorce.
"Let's get a divorce. Christina is back."
“I know you’re pissed,” he murmured. “Let me make it up to you.”
His hands found my waist, warm and unyielding, sliding down the curve of my spine to cup my ass.
I pushed against his chest, half-heartedly, my resolve crumbling as he pressed me back onto the bed.
“You’re an asshole,” I breathed, even as I felt him nudge closer, the tip of him brushing my entrance.
Then the phone rang—sharp, insistent—snapping us out of the haze.
It was Christina.
So I disappeared, carrying a secret I hoped my husband would never discover.
Forever His: The Alpha’s Possession

Forever His: The Alpha’s Possession

110.6k Views · Ongoing · lehamyfull
Zvonimir Ashcott, the strongest Alpha werewolf in the empire, fell in love with Rishima Watson, an Omega female, at first sight because of her breathtaking beauty. At their wedding, Zvonimir swore to God that he would love Rishima forever. However, only three years later, he heartlessly abandoned her to marry another female.

Zvonimir said, “Rishima, you cannot bear my offspring, so you are unworthy to be my wife.”

Zvonimir said, “Rishima, I still desire your body; be my lover.”

Zvonimir said, “Rishima, I don’t want to leave you. Can we remarry?”

Zvonimir said, “Rishima, I love you, I cannot live without you.”

Rishima coldly replied, “Get lost!”


When Zvonimir announced his desire to marry Rishima, people throughout the entire Wolven Empire objected. They believed that an Omega female like Rishima was unworthy to be the wife of a powerful Alpha like Zvonimir. Yet, Zvonimir was determined to marry Rishima, making her believe she was the happiest female in the world. However, after her womb was injured while saving Zvonimir, her illusions about their class-divided marriage shattered.

Zvonimir heartlessly cast Rishima aside to marry a female with a stronger reproductive ability, unaware that she was already carrying his children…
Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

265.6k Views · Completed · Kit Bryan
I'm an ordinary waiter, but I can see people's fate, including Shifters.
Like all children, I was tested for magic when I was only a few days old. Since my specific bloodline is unknown and my magic is unidentifiable, I was marked with a delicate swirling pattern around my upper right arm.

I do have magic, just as the tests showed, but it has never lined up with any known Magic species.

I can't breathe fire like a dragon Shifter, or hex people who piss me off like Witches. I can't make potions like an Alchemist or seduce people like a Succubus. Now I don't mean to be unappreciative of the power I do have, it's interesting and all, but it just really doesn't pack much of a punch and most of the time it is just pretty much useless. My special magical skill is the ability to see threads of fate.

Most of life is annoying enough for me, and what never occurred to me is that my mate is a rude, pompous nuisance. He's an Alpha and my friend's twin brother.

“What are you doing? This is my home, you can't just let yourself in!” I try and keep my voice firm but when he turns and fixes me with his golden eyes I shrink back. The look he gives me is imperious and I automatically drop my eyes to the floor as is my habit. Then I force myself to look back up again. He doesn't notice me looking up because he's already looked away from me. He's being rude, I refuse to show that he's scaring me, even though he most definitely is. He glances around and after realising that the only place to sit is the little table with its two chairs he points to it.

“Sit.” he orders. I glare at him. Who is he to order me around like this? How can someone this obnoxious possibly be my soul mate? Maybe I'm still asleep. I pinch my arm and my eyes water a little from the sting of pain.
Shattered Girl

Shattered Girl

325.4k Views · Completed · Brandi Rae
Jake's fingers danced across my nipples, squeezing gently and making me groan in pleasure. He lifted my shirt and stared at my hardened nipples through my bra. I tensed, and Jake sat up and moved back on the bed, giving me some space.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Was that too much?” I could see the worry in his eyes as I took a deep breath.

“I just didn’t want you to see all my scars,” I whispered, feeling ashamed of my marked body.


Emmy Nichols is used to surviving. She survived her abusive father for years until he beat her so severely, she ended up in the hospital, and her father was finally arrested. Now, Emmy is thrown into a life she never expected. Now she has a mother

who doesn't want her, a politically motivated stepfather with ties to the Irish mob, four older stepbrothers, and their best friend who swear to love and protect her. Then, one night, everything shatters, and Emmy feels her only option is to run.

When her stepbrothers and their best friend finally find her, will they pick up the pieces and convince Emmy that they will keep her safe and their love will hold them together?
The Wolf and the Fae

The Wolf and the Fae

111.2k Views · Completed · Dorita Okhiria
Lucia was destined to spend her life with Kaden; everyone knew it as a fact. Yet, on the day of the mating ritual, he chose another woman to be his Luna, instead of his predestined mate.

Feeling rejected and humiliated, Lucia resolved to leave. The only problem was that despite not wanting her, Kaden refused to let her go. He claimed he would rather die than watch her walk away.

A mysterious man who has entered her life became her second-chance mate, will he be strong enough to protect her from Kaden's irrational behavior? Is he truly a better option? Will Lucia find acceptance in her new home?
My Dominant Boss

My Dominant Boss

343.1k Views · Completed · Emma- Louise
I have always known my boss, Mr Sutton, has a dominant personality. I have worked with him for over a year. I am used to it. I always thought it was just for business because he needed to be, but I soon learned it is more than that.

Mr Sutton and I have had nothing but a working relationship. He bosses me around, and I listen. But all of that is about to change. He needs a date for a family wedding and has chosen me as his target. I could and should have said no, but what else can I do when he threatens my job?

It is agreeing to that one favour that changed my entire life. We spent more time together outside of work, which changed our relationship. I see him in a different light, and he sees me in one.

I know it is wrong to get involved with my boss. I try to fight it but fail. It is only sex. What harm could it do? I couldn’t be more wrong because what starts as only sex changes direction in a way I could never imagine.

My boss isn’t only dominant at work but in all aspects of his life. I have heard about the Dom/subs relationship, but it isn’t something I ever thought much about. As things heat up between Mr Sutton and me, I am asked to become his submissive. How does one even become such a thing with no experience or desire to be one? It will be a challenge for him and me because I don’t do well at being told what to do outside of work.

I never expected the one thing I knew nothing about would be the same thing to open up an incredible brand-new world to me.
My Bullies My Lovers

My Bullies My Lovers

133.3k Views · Ongoing · Kylie McKeon
After being apart for years, Skylar thought that she would finally have her ex best friend back when he transfers to her high school with two other boys. Little did she know just how much he changed and as she tried to get closer to him, the bullies that had tormented her for years sought the opportunity to humiliate her in front of the whole school.
Her best friend, Jax, not even realizing who she was until he saw a distinctive scar on Skylar's stomach showed him who she was and when he took his two new friends to her house, only to see that the kids at school weren't the only ones bullying her.
She was on the verge of committing suicide because of her father's abuse, so she agrees to an alliance with Jax and his friends to destroy her father and everything that he holds dear to him.
What she didn't expect, what the feeling that the three men would inevitably develop for her or the ones that she would develop for all of them.
The Four Mafia Men and Their Prize

The Four Mafia Men and Their Prize

149.4k Views · Ongoing · M C
Taken by four mafia men


“Kiss back” he mumbles, and I feel rough hands all over my body giving me tight squeezes as a warning not to piss them off further. So I give in. I begin to move my mouth and open my lips slightly. Jason wastes no time devouring every inch of my mouth with his tongue. Our lips doing the tango, his dominance winning the race.

We break away, breathing hard. Next, Ben turns my head to face him and does the same thing. His kiss is definitely softer but just as controlling. I moan into his mouth as we continue to exchange saliva. He tugs my bottom lip slightly in his teeth as he pulls away. Kai pulls my hair, so I am looking up, his large frame towering over me. He bends down and claims my lips. He was rough and forceful. Charlie followed and was a mix. My lips feel swollen, my face feels all hot and flushed, and my legs feel like rubber. For some murdering psychotic assholes, damn can they kiss.

Aurora has always worked hard. She just wants to live her life. By chance, she met four mafia men Jason, Charlie, Ben and Kai. They are the ultimate dominants in the office, on the streets, and definitely in the bedroom. They always get what they want and THEY SHARE EVERYTHING.

How will Aurora adjust to having not 1 but 4 powerful men showing her the pleasure she only ever dreamed of? What will happen when a mysterious someone shows interest in Aurora and shakes things up for the notorious mafia men? Will Aurora finally submit and acknowledge her deepest desires or will her innocence be forever ruined?
Chasing My Rejected Luna

Chasing My Rejected Luna

108k Views · Ongoing · MerandaH.
“Daddy, please! Please don’t do this!” I begged with my hands. “It’s done, Tegan, the contract is signed. You will leave tonight to be the Alpha King’s contracted mate. You will bare him an heir within three months, or you will regret it!” He roared out, his face showing me just how angry he truly was. I silently wept at the cards fate played me. I will be nothing more than a baby-making machine for the cruelest Alpha known Ezra Hendricks.

Tegan Declan was a shy she-wolf who was born deaf. Starting a new life as a disabled wolf in a new pack. She is the new contracted mate to the Alpha king, Ezra Hendricks.

“Being deaf was a quality I would hate my son to have. As a wolf, you need all your senses to be able to lead, protect, and stay alive. Lacking hearing would not benefit anyone, it could lead to mass destruction and the loss of many lives. It would not be a good quality for a king. This brought me back to my question. What makes her think she is fit to be my Queen? I want to know what she thinks her strengths are. Would they outweigh her weaknesses?”
The Alpha's Borrowed Luna

The Alpha's Borrowed Luna

83.8k Views · Completed · Abigail Hayes
"I could never make you my Luna, you weakling. But Selene is my mate and would always be; she would be my Luna." His voice hardened. "She'll wear the Luna's crown while you continue living as a slave with your slave mother. She'll give me strong children that survive, not wash away in blood like yours did. So I, Alpha Dorian Caldwell of the Mistwood Pack, reject you, Elowen Thorne, as my fated mate and Luna."
I met his eyes, feeling nothing. "I, Elowen Thorne, accept your rejection."

Elowen Thorne is an omega wolf who has survived years of abuse in a brutal pack. Betrayed by her ex-mate, she's stunned when Kaius Valerian, the most feared Alpha in the territory, offers her a six-month contract to pretend as his mate.
Kaius doesn't just want a mate. He wants total submission. He'll use her body however he pleases, taking her roughly and without mercy, making it clear she's nothing more than a possession.
But Elowen isn't some submissive victim anymore. If Kaius wants her, he'll have to break through her defenses. She'll fight him every step of the way, even as her body betrays her deepest desires.
When a failed assassination attempt reveals shocking connections between her mother's past and Kaius's family, Elowen must figure out whether Kaius is protecting her for his own gain or because he actually cares for her. In a world where silver blades and bloodshed settle arguments, Elowen discovers that being bound to someone by both a written agreement and a mate mark is far more dangerous than she ever imagined.