The substitute bride: The Cold CEO's beloved

Chapter 4: Cracks in the Armor

The morning sun bathed the mansion in a soft, golden glow as Ellie stood in front of the large mirror in her bedroom. Today felt different. There was a sense of determination swirling within her, a quiet resolve that had been building since she first set foot in this house. She smoothed her dress, a simple yet elegant design that hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her figure. Ellie Temple had a classic beauty, with long chestnut hair that cascaded over her shoulders and striking green eyes that sparkled with intelligence and warmth.

Ellie wasn’t just going to be a placeholder in Liam Hayes’ life; she would carve out her own space in this world, and she would do it on her own terms.

As she descended the grand staircase, she could hear the distant sound of the piano. Ellie’s heart quickened at the thought of Liam playing. There was something profoundly intimate about music, a language that transcended words, and she longed to understand that side of him.

She reached the living room and paused at the doorway, watching him as he lost himself in the melody. Liam Hayes, the billionaire CEO with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes, looked ruggedly handsome even in his casual attire—a fitted white shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and tailored trousers that hugged his lean physique. His fingers moved effortlessly over the keys, the notes flowing like water, but his expression was one of deep concentration, as if he were wrestling with unseen demons.

Gathering her courage, Ellie stepped into the room. “Good morning, Liam,” she said softly, hoping to break the spell.

He glanced up, momentarily surprised. “Morning,” he replied, his voice low and slightly guarded. He didn’t stop playing but adjusted the tempo, transitioning into a more upbeat piece.

Ellie took a seat on the edge of the sofa, watching him intently. “You play beautifully. I didn’t know you had such talent.”

Liam’s fingers faltered for a split second, and he shot her a look that was almost incredulous. “It’s just a hobby,” he said, the corners of his mouth twitching in a half-smile.

“Nothing more?” Ellie echoed, leaning forward. “You make it sound so trivial. Music is powerful. It can express what words often cannot.”

He paused, finally stopping the music and turning to face her fully. “You sound like you know that from experience,” he said, a hint of curiosity breaking through his usual stoicism.

Ellie bit her lip, feeling a swell of emotion at his words. She had always used music as an escape, a way to cope with her chaotic life before everything had changed. “I do. My mother used to play the piano. It was our way of connecting when times were tough.”

Liam’s expression softened for just a moment, but then the wall was back up. “That’s… nice,” he said, the words more a statement than an invitation to share more.

Undeterred, Ellie pressed on. “What do you think about when you play? Is it a form of escape for you as well?”

For the first time since they’d met, Ellie sensed a flicker of vulnerability in Liam. He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the polished keys of the piano as if searching for the right words. “It helps me think,” he finally admitted. “To focus.”

She nodded, trying to draw him out. “What do you focus on?”

His brow furrowed, and Ellie held her breath, sensing a moment of honesty looming on the horizon. “Business,” he replied finally, the edge of his voice sharp and defensive.

Ellie let out a soft sigh, realizing he had retreated back into the comfort of his armor. “You’re always thinking about work. Don’t you ever take a break?”

“Breaks are a luxury I can’t afford,” he snapped, the fire in his voice surprising them both.

For a moment, they were caught in a tense silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Ellie’s heart raced as she faced the reality of Liam’s life—his burden, his relentless drive for success. It was a glimpse of the man behind the facade, and for a brief moment, she felt a surge of empathy for him.

“I understand,” she finally said softly. “But even the strongest leaders need to rest. Maybe you could play more often, let music be a part of your life again.”

“Maybe,” he replied, his tone softer but still guarded. “But I have responsibilities, Ellie.”

“Responsibilities that don’t leave room for happiness?” she challenged gently.

Liam’s eyes darkened, and for a moment, Ellie feared she had pushed too far. “Happiness is subjective,” he said, his voice low. “I have a duty to my family, to my company. That comes first.”

Ellie felt a familiar ache of frustration. “And what about you, Liam? Where do you fit into that equation?”

His gaze flicked to her, an unreadable expression on his face. “I fit wherever I need to,” he replied, and Ellie couldn’t help but feel that he was saying more than he intended.

They fell into silence again, the tension thickening the air around them. Ellie’s heart raced, sensing that they were finally touching on the deeper issues that lay beneath the surface.

“Liam, have you ever considered that it’s okay to take a step back?” she asked gently. “To find what truly makes you happy, instead of what everyone else expects of you?”

He turned to her, his expression intense. “Happiness isn’t a luxury I can afford, Ellie.”

“Why not?” she challenged, her voice steady. “You deserve to find joy in your life, just like anyone else.”

His gaze softened, and for a fleeting moment, Ellie thought she saw the flicker of something vulnerable in his eyes. “I’ve lost sight of what happiness even looks like,” he admitted.

Ellie felt a spark of hope. “Then let’s figure it out together. We can start small—like exploring the gardens or trying new things.”

Liam regarded her, a flicker of intrigue dancing in his eyes. “You’re quite persistent, aren’t you?”

“I believe in the importance of finding joy,” she replied, her heart swelling with determination. “You shouldn’t be alone in this.”

Just then, a gust of wind rustled through the trees, and Ellie shivered slightly. Liam noticed and removed his jacket, offering it to her. “Here, take this.”

She accepted it, their fingers brushing momentarily, sending an unexpected jolt of electricity between them. Ellie looked up, meeting his gaze. The moment felt charged with unspoken possibilities, and she couldn’t help but wonder if he felt it too.

“Thank you,” she said softly, the warmth of his jacket enveloping her.

He nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “We should head inside before the weather changes.”

As they stood, Ellie felt a strange sense of camaraderie forming between them, a bond forged through shared moments of vulnerability. “I’d like to explore the gardens later if you’re free,” she suggested, her voice hopeful.

“I might be able to manage that,” he replied, his tone lightening.

With a renewed sense of purpose, they made their way back inside. The atmosphere was still charged, but Ellie felt a sense of optimism blooming. She knew it would take time to break through Liam’s walls, but she was determined to try.

Later that afternoon, Ellie found herself wandering through the lavish gardens that surrounded the mansion. Vibrant flowers in full bloom swayed gently in the breeze, their colors a kaleidoscope of beauty. It was peaceful here, a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil that often clouded her thoughts. As she explored, she caught glimpses of her reflection in the ornamental fountains—reminders of the woman she was striving to become.

Moments later, she heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Liam emerging from the house. He looked even more handsome in the soft afternoon light, the sun casting a warm glow around him. Ellie’s breath hitched as their eyes met.

“Hey,” he said casually, his voice smooth and inviting.

“Hi,” she replied, her heart racing slightly. “I was just admiring the flowers.”

Liam approached, his hands tucked into his pockets, a casual yet commanding presence. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they? My mother loved this garden.”

The mention of his mother brought a fleeting shadow across his face, and Ellie felt a pang of sympathy. “It’s a lovely tribute to her,” she said gently. “It must hold a lot of memories.”

Liam nodded, his gaze distant. “Some good, some bad.”

Ellie stepped closer, wanting to bridge the gap between them. “If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.”

He looked at her, surprise flickering in his eyes. “Why would you want to hear about my past?”

“Because it’s a part of you,” she replied earnestly. “And I want to understand the man behind the title.”

A soft smile tugged at his lips, and for a moment, Ellie felt like they were sharing a secret. “You’re different from anyone I’ve met, Ellie. Most people only see the facade.”

“That’s because they’re not willing to look deeper,” she said, her confidence growing. “But I see you, Liam.”

His expression shifted, a mix of gratitude and wariness. “I appreciate that, but it’s not easy for me to let people in.”

“I understand. I’m not asking you to change overnight,” she reassured him. “Just