Substitute Bride: Utterly Pampered by Her Billionaire Husband Chapter 1480: Went to Another Woman’s Room

Celeste Linden offered no resistance as Ethan Barnes lifted her into the bathroom.

Ethan placed her on the floor, his eyes gleaming wickedly as he inquired, "Shall I undress myself, or will you lend a hand?"

Celeste's lips curved into a smile. "Of course... I'll help you undress. Since I promised to attend to you, it must be the full service."

With that, Celeste raised her delicate hands to assist Ethan with his shirt buttons.

Ethan felt a surge of joy. Such solicitous treatment was a rarity for him lately. A seed of suspicion bloomed; was Celeste planning something?

"Celeste, should I help you with your attire, or do you prefer to manage it yourself?" Ethan asked, eagerness coloring his tone.

A hint of playful charm graced Celeste's expression. "How can you be so wicked? If I'm helping you, shouldn't you assist me too? Naturally... you should help me undress!"

To Ethan, it felt like a dream, a sensation wonderfully surreal. He immediately reached out. "Very well, allow me to help you shed your clothes."

Just then, Celeste's hand suddenly stopped his. Ethan's heart gave a lurch, a sudden premonition chilling him. "What is it?"

Celeste feigned surprise, covering her mouth with an innocent gesture. "My apologies, King Hayden, I had forgotten. Today is my... special day."

What?

Ethan's ardor was instantly doused, as if by a bucket of cold water. His expression contorted. "And what does that mean?"

"It means, King Hayden, that tonight you must select another lady, for I am unable to attend to you."

"..." Ethan raised his hand as though to strike her. "Celeste, are you doing this deliberately?"

Celeste instinctively covered her head, a flicker of fear crossing her face.

However, Ethan’s fist did not descend.

Seeing his hand remain still, after initially bracing for an attack, Celeste's challenging demeanor softened. She had genuinely thought he might strike her. Since he hesitated, Celeste's gentle, clear eyes met his, blinking innocently. "You aren't going to hit me?"

There was a subtle cuteness to her manner, reminiscent of a playful child. Though only in her twenties, Celeste possessed an inner maturity forged by hardship. In this moment, however, a touch of girlish innocence shone through.

Despite his rising anger, Ethan found himself unable to lash out. His face darkened as he asked, "Are you intentionally trying to provoke me?"

"No, I truly just forgot in the heat of the moment," Celeste lied, her voice smooth.

Ethan knew she was being deceptive. "I imagine you're quite pleased that I'll be choosing another woman tonight?"

Celeste appeared genuinely perplexed. She glanced at the mirror, wondering if her supposed delight was that evident.

"How could that be? I am reluctant to part with you, but I understand the need for fairness. Rest assured, I am quite magnanimous."

Generous, her foot!

Ethan loathed her magnanimity. He secretly wished she would become a jealous shrew, a reaction she never displayed.

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "With so many beauties in my harem, who do you think I should favor this evening?"

Was Ethan actually seeking her counsel? This placed Celeste in a difficult position. Now even his romantic choices required her input?

Celeste pondered for a moment before replying, "I recall a beauty named Camellia. Perhaps you might bestow your favor upon her tonight."

This Camellia was a standout among the harem, possessing a dazzling allure and a knack for captivating men. Before Celeste's arrival, she had been Ethan's favored concubine.

After Celeste entered the picture, Camellia's standing diminished. Now, Celeste was offering Camellia an opportunity, hoping the concubine would exert herself to win back Ethan's heart, thereby granting Celeste some respite.

Witnessing her sincere demeanor, Ethan felt an overpowering urge to strangle her. This woman's heart seemed incapable of being warmed.

"Very well, as you wish. I shall go and select Camellia now."

With that pronouncement, he turned and departed.

He left? He actually left!

A profound sigh of relief escaped Celeste. She quickly slipped into bed, burrowing under the covers, finally anticipating a peaceful night's sleep.

...

Ethan's increasingly frequent nights spent at Celeste's quarters had already ignited considerable discontent within the harem. The ladies, gathering amongst themselves, began to speak ill of Celeste.

"What sort of enchantment did that siren cast upon King Hayden? Ever since she arrived, King Hayden barely glances my way anymore."

"After all, she was married before and acquainted with many men. How can she compare to us, who have known only King Hayden? Naturally, she possesses more experience."

"What are we to do? Simply stand by and watch Celeste reign supreme in the harem? I refuse to accept this!"

"And what do you propose? Are you suggesting we make that seductress disappear?"

Following this question, a heavy silence fell upon the group. Within this harem, none dared to instigate trouble, having all witnessed Ethan's ruthless methods and fearing for their lives. Yet, allowing Celeste to continue unchecked felt like a path leading to their own demise.

All eyes began to shift, and Camellia, standing amongst them, harbored the deepest resentment.

At that exact moment, a maid entered, stating, "Miss Camellia, our master has just chosen your name. You may now proceed to bathe and change; the master will be arriving at your chamber shortly."

What?

This astonishing news almost caused Camellia to collapse. Initially, Ethan had selected Celeste's name, but who could have predicted he would appear here midway?

"Sister Camellia, you are truly remarkable, managing to snatch King Hayden from that temptress. You are likely the first!"

"Sister Camellia, you truly lift our spirits. Ensure you win and keep King Hayden's heart, so he doesn't turn back."

A sense of smugness washed over Camellia. She had always been counted among the beauties present. Now, presented with this chance, she stood up with delight, "Thank you, sisters. I shall go and attend to King Hayden now. Once I have succeeded, everyone shall experience prosperous days."

...

Camellia returned to her chambers and immediately indulged in a rose milk bath, ensuring she was fragrant and appealing.

She slipped into a sheer, gossamer nightgown, allowing her dark tresses to flow freely. Gazing at her reflection, Camellia acknowledged that while Celeste possessed a gentle and kind demeanor, she herself was undeniably more captivating, much like her name suggested – utterly irresistible to any man.

Camellia felt a surge of elation and silently pledged that tonight, she *must* become his woman.

In truth, Camellia harbored a secret. She and Ethan had yet to consummate their relationship.

People would likely find it unbelievable if she were to voice this. She had once been Ethan's favored concubine. It was commonly assumed she should have been experiencing blissful nights all along.

However, Ethan had not yet laid a hand on her.

This secret was something Camellia had never disclosed to anyone.