Substitute Bride's Husband Is An Invisible Rich Man Chapter 2 - A Wife’s Duty

He hadn't anticipated such a straightforward reply from her. A slight smile played on his lips, his eyes gleaming with newfound interest.

She wasn't the Mo family's eldest daughter, Mo Lian, nor was he the supposed good-for-nothing country bumpkin from the Xiang family, Luo Tao. His true name was, in fact, Huo Zhen.

Upon entering, he had quickly figured out that Mo Yan was merely a stand-in. Honestly, why would the Mo family's esteemed and untouchable daughter, Mo Lian, agree to marry a destitute local nobody?

However, since they were both substitutes, it struck him as a fair arrangement.

Luo Tao contemplated for a moment, shifting his position. He started to move his wrist, intending to withdraw his arm from beneath Mo Yan's shoulder, when her soft voice called out, “Luo Tao...”

Luo Tao halted, glancing down. He saw a pair of sparkling eyes gazing at him timidly, a sight he found quite endearing.

Then, her delicate hands reached up to clasp around his neck, her soft form trembling as she drew closer.

Mo Yan gathered her courage, her lips nervously pursed, and then she spoke with gentle sincerity, “You are my husband. You can do whatever you please with me.” Since she had been married to Luo Tao, she understood her responsibilities to him.

Luo Tao's throat felt tight. Observing Mo Yan's innocent and somewhat clumsy demeanor, his heart began to race.

Precisely as Mo Yan tilted her head up, her gaze meeting his with a hint of bewilderment, Luo Tao abruptly withdrew his arm. Gripping Mo Yan's wrist with one hand, he rolled over, positioning himself a distance away from her.

Mo Yan seemed momentarily lost, her small mouth slightly agape, her face still flushed with embarrassment. She blinked, stammering, “You...”

Luo Tao turned his body away, avoiding her direct gaze. He said dismissively, “Let's just forget it. We're both exhausted today. It's time to sleep.”

Mo Yan stared at his retreating back, momentarily stunned. She shifted her slightly stiff posture and explained with evident embarrassment, “Luo Tao, I’m not...”

She feared Luo Tao might misinterpret her actions, thinking she looked down on him. Truthfully, his poverty didn't bother her; in her current circumstances, she simply wanted to make the best of her life.

“I don’t intend to make things difficult for you. I won’t do anything you aren't comfortable with,” Luo Tao stated in a low tone.

Following his words, the man whose back was turned to her fell silent, as if he had already drifted off to sleep.

Outside, the rain continued its ceaseless patter, and the air remained cold. Yet, with Luo Tao sharing the bed, Mo Yan felt a profound sense of comfort and warmth. Amidst the rhythm of the rain, her thoughts began to wander.

The Mo and Luo families had arranged this marriage many years prior. However, misfortune struck the Luo family, leading to their financial ruin and subsequent relocation to a secluded mountain village. Luo Tao, disheartened, resorted to fighting and thievery, becoming a notorious local vagabond with no means of support.

Consequently, Mo Lian refused to go through with the marriage. Nevertheless, to secure a substantial dowry, the Mo family compelled Mo Yan, their illegitimate daughter, to marry in Mo Lian's stead.

Mo Yan vividly recalled her 'noble' elder sister, Mo Lian, looking down her nose at her and sneering, “Why would I marry such a ruffian? You're far more suited. Besides, your mother was a slut, and your younger brother is likely also a bastard of unknown origin!”

Her stepmother pointed at her, scolding harshly, “You wretched girl! As an illegitimate child of this family, you should be grateful for the opportunity to marry. Don't be so ungrateful!”

Mo Yan suddenly jolted awake. Sitting up, she realized that she had somehow fallen asleep during the night. The space beside her was empty; Luo Tao had already risen early and departed.

She dressed herself, freshened up, and proceeded to the small makeshift kitchen adjacent to the brick house. Finding two eggs, a few leafy greens, and a handful of noodles, she quickly prepared two bowls of noodle soup.

Just as she carried the two steaming bowls of noodles to the table, Luo Tao jogged into the courtyard. Mo Yan looked up and noticed Luo Tao was bare-chested. His entire body was covered in well-defined muscles, glistening with large drops of sweat, indicating he had just returned from a run. Bathed in the morning sunlight, he appeared exceptionally attractive and rugged.

Mo Yan's cheeks grew slightly warm. Seeing him enter, she proactively greeted him, “Have you had breakfast yet? I made some noodles.”

Luo Tao did not decline. He walked directly to the table and sat down. Picking up a bowl of noodles, he remarked, “That must have been quite a chore.”

"No, it’s alright." Mo Yan stammered, her gaze darting towards Luo Tao’s physique before shifting to the sandbags, dumbbells, and other equipment scattered across the yard. She couldn't help but swallow nervously.

Whispers of Luo Tao’s frequent visits to the detention center for brawls had reached her ears, and it now seemed the rumors held more than a grain of truth. A chilling thought crossed her mind: would he lash out and strike her if his temper flared?

"You should eat too," Luo Tao remarked, lifting a portion of noodles with his chopsticks. He noticed Mo Yan’s distracted glances around the yard and a slight frown creased his brow.

"Ah, yes, okay," Mo Yan hastily replied, taking her seat and picking up her chopsticks to eat with small, delicate bites.