Mr. CEO's Substitute Bride

"I said before, I don’t want an outcome, I just want to see her happy."

Joseph Lancaster continued walking towards the store entrance.

Emily Zimmerman followed him again, "But you can’t stay single for her all your life, right? Joseph, I promise I won’t mind you liking her in your heart."

Joseph Lancaster stopped again, looking earnestly at Emily as he spoke.

"I told you, I already have someone I like in my heart. For her, I’ll never marry in my life. Maybe you won’t understand this kind of feeling, but I really will do it!"

"Joseph..."

"Emily, you’re my classmate, so I don’t want to delay you, nor do I want you to waste your youth on me. While it’s not too late, when you go back, you can tell my parents that we are incompatible. If you’re shy to say it, I will."

Joseph’s thoughtful suggestion to let Emily propose the idea also gave her face; at least if the outside world found out, he’d be the one dumped by a woman.

Emily Zimmerman bit her lip, her fingers deeply clawed into her palm.

"Joseph... Is there no leeway at all?" As long as he was willing to accept her, she could even accept him harboring feelings for another woman his whole life.

"You’re my classmate, I don’t want to delay you." Joseph’s decision was unwavering.

The feeling of arriving full of hope only to leave disappointed pretty much summed up Emily’s feelings.

The next day, the two returned to T City, and that evening, Emily Zimmerman expressed her stance to Joseph Lancaster’s parents.

The whole family was gathered at Lorelei Howard and Bodhi Lancaster’s place because Joseph Lancaster said he and Emily Zimmerman had a decision to tell everyone.

Bodhi Lancaster and his wife, along with Joseph’s aunt Aurora Lancaster, were full of joy, thinking the business trip had remarkably advanced the relationship between the two.

Only Daxton Lancaster looked serious, with Violet Zimmerman leaning on his shoulder, rather compelled to go through the formality.

Seeing all eyes on her, Emily Zimmerman appeared uneasy, but she still did not stop herself from making a decision.

The knowledgeable new-generation woman tackles any issue with rationality.

She had tried; even the time she used courage from alcohol to actively snuggle up could not stir Joseph Lancaster’s heart. Such a man, continuing to pursue him might not yield any results.

"Uncle, Aunt, Big brother Daxton," Emily politely greeted, notably not addressing Violet Zimmerman but instead giving her a meaningful look before continuing.

"I invited everyone over today to announce something to you all."

"Emily, have you and my second brother planned to get engaged ahead of time?" Aurora Lancaster eagerly asked.

Emily slightly forced a smile and said, "Uncle, Aunt, over this period I’ve found that Joseph and I have no shared interests whatsoever, and... our personalities don’t match; we argue frequently, so I want... to end this relationship."

Emily paused briefly but courageously stated the outcome.

"What did you say? Joseph arguing with you? When did this happen? How come I didn’t know?"

Lorelei Howard exaggeratedly stood up, coming before Joseph Lancaster, questioning with displeasure.

"Joseph, what’s going on? Today, you need to explain to me! Are you bullying Emily at the company?"

"Mom, didn’t she already say, our personalities don’t match." Joseph replied with impatience.

Violet Zimmerman leaned against Daxton Lancaster’s shoulder, frowning as she watched them, wondering if it was because of the vow not to betray.

Honestly speaking, when she understood what it meant, her heart had smug glee; a man being loyal to her was something to be proud of.

But now seeing Emily struggling, Violet suddenly realized her thoughts were selfish; she had a family, a husband, and soon a child. They would live happily ever after while Joseph, only in the name of loyalty, was refusing to date, a cruel act.

Daxton Lancaster glanced at his brother, Joseph Lancaster, with insight.

The house servants reported he often bought food to bring back, sometimes remaining at his place to have lunch with his wife... this type of concern exceeded the scope between an uncle and sister-in-law, not to mention their relationship was unusual.

"You’re obviously looking for excuses!" Joseph had just finished speaking when his mother sternly reprimanded him, pointing her finger toward Emily Zimmerman seated behind.

"Emily is so excellent, a college graduate, not bad-looking. Joseph, you tell me, what kind of wife are you looking for? If you find Emily unacceptable, then you’ll be single for life!"

"What’s wrong with being single? It’s more carefree without attachments." Joseph remarked indifferently.

Daxton Lancaster suddenly narrowed his eyes, partially shielding his emotions.

So, he’d developed such thoughts; was it... for his wife?

Instinctively, Daxton turned towards Violet, who yawned audaciously while leaning on his shoulder, exhibiting a "none-of-my-business" demeanor.

"You! What nonsense are you spewing!" Lorelei Howard, visibly agitated, turned to her husband Bodhi Lancaster for support.

"Bodhi! Look at what your darling son is saying, speaking nonsense!"

"Joseph, really no leeway?"

Though Emily Zimmerman mentioned their personality mismatch, anyone could see the root cause lay with Joseph Lancaster.

Joseph leaned forward slightly, sitting in a well-ordered posture, "Dad, I just graduated from university, I want to focus on my career, rather than let personal feelings waste energy."

Bodhi Lancaster turned to Daxton Lancaster, asking seriously, "Daxton, what do you think?"

Daxton returned to reality, pulled away from Violet’s leaning arm, and stood up.

"Joseph, let’s talk outside."

In the yard, Daxton pulled out a cigarette pack, offering one to Joseph Lancaster, who declined.

Daxton placed a cigarette in his mouth, lighting it as he spoke, "What’s your plan?" After asking, without waiting for Joseph’s answer, he took a deep drag and added.

"I’m your elder brother, I want to hear the truth!"

Joseph tucked both hands in his trousers pockets, kicking at the stone in front, "I haven’t thought about marriage for now, as for the future..."

During this, Joseph exhaled heavily, "Let fate decide."

Daxton drew another puff, letting smoke obscure his eyes; now wasn’t the time for some matters, he couldn’t ask directly yet.

However, Daxton remarked, "Joseph, remember, you are a Lancaster child; you bear the responsibility of carrying on the family line."

Joseph raised his eyes with humor to look at Daxton and said, "Even if not me, isn’t there big brother? Sister-in-law is about to give birth, big brother has already continued the Lancaster legacy."

Daxton’s smoking action paused, unsure if it was his misconception, he felt there was more to Joseph’s words, yet he didn’t give them more chance to speak as the surprised scream from Lorelei Howard in the house cut through.

"Daxton... Hurry, Violet is giving birth..."