My Substitute CEO Bride

Marie took some food and water from the bag and handed it to Sven.

"Oh, thank you," Sven said politely. "Marie, you've also had a long day. Why don't you rest too?"

"Oh, okay, Sven."

Both of them were still quite reserved with one another, given that they had only known each other for two or three days and were not very familiar. They did not have much in common to talk about. Being somewhat of a straight-laced guy, Sven did not even have any experience talking to girls.

They ate their food silently while watching the fire. Most of it was canned food, which, although not very tasty, at least provided nutrition.

"Um..." Marie suddenly broke the awkward silence.

"Sven, could you help me open this can?"

Sven cheerfully took the can. He had regained much of his strength and energy. With a strong tug, the can's tab snapped right off.

"Huh? Uh..." Sven looked at Marie, embarrassed.

Seeing Sven scratch his head with a silly grin, Marie could not help but laugh.

"Haha, it looks like you've recovered, Sven."

"Ah, well, um..."

Seeing Sven's awkwardness, Marie nonchalantly added, "No worries. If the tab is broken, we can just find another way to open it."

"Okay."

Sven grabbed a dagger and started working at the can. Taking advantage of the moment, they started chatting. Before long, the conversation started flowing, though it was mostly Marie asking questions and Sven answering. Eventually, they started talking about themselves and gradually became more familiar with each other.

"Sven, you really love your sister, don't you?" Marie remarked.

"Huh? How do you know I have a sister?" Sven asked, puzzled. He had not once mentioned his sister or his purpose for joining the game since he arrived.novelbin

Marie just smiled mysteriously, leaving Sven even more confused. Finally, she explained, "When you were unconscious, you kept calling out your sister's name. You were also talking in your sleep."

"Huh?" Sven's face instantly turned red. "I... I didn't say anything weird, did I?"

"Well..." Marie started with an exaggerated seriousness. "You did say..."

Marie then slowly leaned closer to Sven.

"I'm not telling you!"

"What-" Sven's face turned even redder as Marie teased him.

Looking at the flustered man in front of her, Marie could not help but feel a hint of affection.

"So, you haven't told me about your sister yet."

At first, Sven was a bit embarrassed, but he could not fight against Marie's persistent coaxing. Eventually, he shared his sister's plight and his own experiences

leading up to his net

game.

in the

"Well..."

Marie seemed to realize then that she might have misspoke.

"Sorry, I... shouldn't have..."

Sven interrupted, "It's okay. I've come to terms with it now, which is why I'm telling you about it. I should be thanking you, really, for listening to my ramblings. Truly, I..." Despite saying he had accepted it, Sven still could not help the tears welling up in his eyes. Noticing Marie staring at him, Sven smiled awkwardly.

"It's not your fault I'm a boring conversationalist. Sorry about that. So, Marie, what about you? Why did you join this game?"

"Me?"

Marie seemed to steel herself, her brows furrowing together. She quickly relaxed and pressed her lips together before smiling as if she had come to terms with something. "Actually, it wasn't my choice. Or rather, I didn't have a choice."

"You didn't have a choice?" Sven

looked at the girl in front of him in surprise. Noticing her unease, he

replied gently and earnestly, "If it et

makes you sad and you don't want to talk about it, that's okay. You don't have to."

Marie turned to look at Sven. His handsome face was illuminated in the firelight. He was so steadfast and gentle. She had not met someone like him before. This man was different from anyone she had ever met. At that moment, she suddenly remembered what her mother had told her.

"If one day, you meet someone who understands, knows, and loves you, don't ever give up. Steel yourself and make your choice."