Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
Substitute 41

Chapter

12

In the past, when Katherine said things like this, Ivan might have brushed them off with a smile. But today, it only irritated him.

"Enough. Linda is my wife. Taking care of her is my responsibility, and it's not your place to comment on it."

The other end went silent for a moment before the call was cut off in anger.

Listening to the "beep" of the disconnected line, Ivan braced himself against the wall, lowering his

head.

Yes, Linda was his wife.

The lawful wife who had stood by him for nine years.

The unattainable dream of his youth, who had ultimately become his white moonlight.

And yet, he had betrayed her.

Ivan blinked his stinging eyes as a tear escaped, falling to the floor.

His chest ached, his throat tightened, and after a long pause, he finally choked out, "Linda, I'm sorry..."

Meanwhile, outside a bar in Denmark.

Linda and Rachel stood at the bar's entrance, exchanging awkward glances with the bouncer.

The towering, bald bouncer, over six feet tall, frowned deeply, his expression stern and irritated as he blocked their way.

"You again? Sorry, kids aren't allowed in bars. Where are your parents? Why are you out alone?"

Rachel leaned toward Linda's ear, her tone unyielding.

"This is Denmark's most luxurious bar. I've tried coming here alone before, and he wouldn't let me

1. in. But now that you're with me, it's different. We're getting in tonight!"

With that, she grabbed Linda's hand, pulled out two IDs from her bag, and handed them to the 314 C

Losing to My Substitute

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Chapter

bouncer.

The bouncer scrutinized the IDs repeatedly before reluctantly letting them in.

Even so, he watched their retreating figures, still unable to believe that such petite and delicate girls were of age.

He even made a point to tell his colleagues to keep an eye on them.

Inside, Rachel led Linda to a relatively quiet corner, where they sat down.

She poured herself a drink and handed Linda a glass of juice.

Watching her, Linda understood.

Rachel was her university friend and had witnessed her relationship with Ivan. But Rachel's own marriage hadn't been smooth.

Born into a wealthy family, her marriage had been nothing more than a bargaining chip for mutual benefit. Unable to endure it, she eventually divorced her husband, severed ties with her family, and moved abroad alone in search of peace. She must be lonely.

Linda raised her glass and clinked it lightly against Rachel's.

Perhaps they had both endured failed relationships, but now they had the chance to start anew.

It's never too late to begin again.

As the alcohol began to take hold, Rachel leaned against Linda's shoulder, her words slurred.

"Linda, what about you? Are you planning to stay in the nursing home forever?"

Losing t