The Substitute Groom Refuses to Leave novel · Chapter 24 of 24
Chapter 24: The Shoes Stayed
Shuqiao wore his departure shoes to his anniversary feast.
They had new soles and the same plain blue toes.
Yunting had asked the cobbler to repair them instead of replacing anything.
He'd presented them after the relatives' visit without suggesting a destination.
Now Shuqiao could cross the courtyard without the heel slipping.
He tested that advantage by stealing a cake from the serving tray.
Mingzhong moved the tray farther away.
"There are guests," the steward said.
"I'm checking the filling."
"The filling hasn't changed since breakfast."
Shuqiao ate the cake and declined to be ashamed of his thoroughness.
The general came through the kitchen doorway carrying a pot of tea.
He wore red, plainly cut, with a brass clasp Shuqiao had fastened for him upstairs.
Shuqiao wanted to touch the clasp again.
The rest of this chapter is part of the paid portion of the series. Chapters 1–12 of The Substitute Groom Refuses to Leave are free to read — start from the beginning, then unlock the rest with coins in the app.
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