Mr. CEO's Substitute Bride

"Daxton, when did you come back?"

Seeing her newlywed husband by the bedside, any trace of weariness vanished without a trace.

The sky outside had already darkened, and with no lights on indoors, in the dim light, their facial contours appeared deep-set, their brows and eyes a bit vague, yet their gazes were bright.

Violet felt stirred inside; every time she locked eyes with Daxton, it always made her heart flutter involuntarily.

"I’ve been back for a while."

Daxton’s voice was somewhat hoarse, having drunk too much; his almond-shaped eyes appeared hazy.

Violet propped herself up and sat, pouting slightly in displeasure, she chided, "Why didn’t you wake me?"

"I wanted to watch you sleep."

The man’s gaze grew even hazier, as if shrouded by a thin mist, making it hard to see clearly.

"Daxton, what’s wrong with you?" Violet was puzzled; they’d been dating for a year, but this was the first time she’d seen Daxton like this, with an indescribable feeling inside, somewhat unfamiliar and a bit anxious.

Daxton didn’t speak; a shadow pressed down as his lips met Violet’s.

In that still feudal era, even in normal romantic relationships, there was rarely any physical contact, let alone kissing.

Nervous and as if anticipating something, Violet tilted her face up, allowing the man to take what he wanted.

Whether it was due to inexperience or Daxton wanting to release something, the first kiss was not gentle at all, as if he wanted to crush Violet, his scorching palm pressed tightly against her back.

Later, he grasped the fabric of her new clothes.

It hurt a little; Violet didn’t know if kissing was supposed to feel this way. Being touched by a man for the first time, her heart raced uncontrollably, even though this man was her lawful husband.

Anxious, nervous yet filled with expectations, a murmur slipped unconsciously from Violet’s lips, "Daxton..." The two words were markedly weak.

Suddenly, Daxton withdrew, patting Violet’s shoulder, saying, "Get up, it’s time for the reunion dinner."

Watching the man who stepped out first, Violet felt an inexplicable sense of loss. Although she didn’t know what it implied, Daxton’s breath and heartbeat earlier were distinctly different from usual.

The reunion dinner was held at Daxton’s grandfather’s former residence of the family head, where it was spacious enough to set up three dining tables and accommodate several dozen people.

Daily breakfasts and dinners were also held there, where all the members of the Lancaster Family gathered in a lively and harmonious manner.

Daxton, being the family head, and Violet, the new family matriarch, sat like him at the same table with the old man, along with her father- and mother-in-law, her second uncle, and second aunt.

The younger generation of the Lancaster Family sat at the lower main table, a long table capable of seating twenty people.

Before the meal began, the old man spoke, expressing congratulations and hopes that the Lancaster descendants would remain united, among other things.

Once the old man finished speaking, Daxton pulled Violet up, first to offer a toast to the elder, then to his own parents, second uncle, and second aunt...

During the daytime banquet, Daxton had already drunk a lot; only upon arriving at the old man’s banquet hall did Violet notice his eyes were slightly red, a reaction from drinking too much.

Feeling heartache for her husband, yet unable to stop him on such a joyous day, nor was it appropriate to find someone to replace him.

Though the toasting was only a brief gesture, the large Lancaster Family made even small sips burdensome for those with a low tolerance.

Violet herself had little tolerance for alcohol; having married into the Lancaster Family as the eldest brother’s wife, besides the cousins from second uncle’s side, after she and her husband toasted the family, the younger siblings began teasingly insisting the couple reciprocate their toasts.

The siblings of the Lancaster Family could see that the family head was very fond of his newlywed wife. When Michael and his brother each offered their sister-in-law a glass, Daxton had already instructed his younger brother Joseph to escort his wife back to their new apartment.

"Family Head, she’s just arrived and you’re already spoiling her. You’re going to spoil her!" Chuckled cousin Gabriel playfully as he raised his glass to gesture towards his elder brother.

"Look, isn’t Big Sister-in-law still drinking with us, Family Head? Your protectiveness might make siblings and sisters unhappy!"

Daxton took a seat at the brothers’ table, placed the cup down on the table, sighed seemingly helplessly, and said, "Women are meant to be cherished. If a man is capable, he’d never let his woman show herself outside. Women, they’re naturally meant to lie at home and enjoy life!"

"Haha, big brother, did you hear that? The Family Head is talking about you, haha..."

Gabriel also sat down, pointed at his older brother Daemon, and laughed heartily. Though it was a joke, if one listened carefully, it seemed intentionally provocative.

Daxton and Daemon never got along; according to Lancaster Family rules, the position of family head should pass to the eldest grandson, yet the old man favored Daxton and passed the position to him.

Based on the old man’s words, as "eldest grandson," it should be the eldest son’s child. Although Daemon was older than Daxton, he was the eldest son of the second household, not the main one.

Though second uncle Atlas and his son Daemon felt aggrieved, the old man’s orders meant any dissatisfaction had to be swallowed back.

Now, with Gabriel stirring things up, it became apparent that Daemon lacked ability, thus forcing Victoria Thornton to come forward and socialize.

After Gabriel finished speaking, Victoria’s expression turned sour.

Daemon’s expression noticeably changed too; clutching the wine cup, he sneered coldly, "According to the Family Head, what was married is merely a useless vase!"

Seeing Daemon counter, Gabriel displayed a mischievous smile as if his plan had succeeded.

Having snatched the family head position from his big brother, how could he expect to spend the wedding night peacefully? Humph, foolish dreams!

Aurora, Daxton’s younger sister, only nineteen, though a girl, was no pushover, being trained by the Lancaster Family.

Once she heard Daemon belittling her newly-wed sister-in-law, she immediately became displeased, grabbing her juice glass and placing it heavily on the table, creating quite a noise.

Glaring at Daemon discontentedly, she said, "Even if she’s a vase, the sight is pleasing to big brother!"

Just as Aurora finished speaking, Daxton chimed in, his slightly flushed almond eyes fixed on the wine cup, smiling as he spoke.

"Aurora understands big brother well; my life’s simple wish was merely to marry a pleasing woman, disregarding family background and abilities. Thankfully, heaven answered my desires."

"Of course, I’m your own sister!" Aurora retorted towards Daemon with a hum, proudly lifting her chin.

Michael, also Daemon’s brother, was significantly more stable compared to Gabriel.

Seeing the mood at the dining table shift awkwardly, he promptly raised his wine cup to mend the atmosphere.

"Today is the Family Head’s joyous day; brothers, let’s not talk about other matters. Come, let’s offer the Family Head a toast together, wishing him a speedy addition to the family, with a house full of children and grandchildren!"

Following Michael’s words, a shimmering glow passed briefly through Daxton’s eyes, hidden quickly, unnoticed by the brothers engaged in sibling rivalry at the table.