Chapter 1

I'd liked Peter Moore for three years when he died on the yacht of the powerful and wealthy Grady Wilson.

The official story said Peter had argued with someone, slipped, and fallen into the sea.

But I knew the truth.

Peter had been beaten to death because Grady's unattainable crush had flirted with Peter. Grady got wildly jealous, and ordered his men to beat Peter until he died, then dumped him into the freezing ocean in the middle of the night.

Grady had said to Peter right before he died, "Didn't Erica say your voice is nice? Let me hear it then."

These very words echoed in every nightmare I had after.

When the news of Peter's death reached me, I'd been in Strand City prepping for my graduation show. I stared at my phone as the warmth drained from my fingers, then bolted into the bathroom and threw up until my throat burned raw.

I didn't cry. I packed up mechanically, dropped out, and tore up the top-tier offer I'd been about to get.

I was willing to do whatever it took. I flew back home and became Grady's most obedient kept lover. I was always quiet, sensible, and never caused trouble. Even my tears were right on point.

Grady would often pinch my chin, thumb brushing away the tear at the corner of my eye, speaking to me like he was soothing a pet. "Zoe, I can give you anything except my love."

I'd tilt my face up, blinking my clear, innocent eyes, and asked softly, "Really?"

But inside, my heart was cold and silent.

What good was your love to me when all I wanted was you dead?

*****

Everyone in Strand City knew I was nothing but Erica Torres's replacement.

Three years ago, after Erica had a blowout fight with Grady Wilson and ran off to Aclaria, cutting all ties, I took her place. I looked enough like her from the side to become the best substitute he could find.

I played the perfect good girl, doing everything Grady told me to.

Eventually, I became the woman who'd remained in his life the longest, except for Erica herself.

Sometimes he'd stare at me, his fingers tracing my profile as he murmured, "Your eyes are the most similar to hers, but she never looked at me the way you do." I knew he was looking right through me, searching for another.

But lately, rumors started swirling that Erica was coming back.

The day Erica landed, Grady had tens of thousands of roses covering the airport terminal, making a huge show of it. And of course, I became the talk of the town all over again.

People said, "The real deal's back. Time for the stand-in to leave."

"If Erica hadn't gone abroad, someone like her wouldn't even be fit to shine Mr. Wilson's shoes."

"Just look at her, putting on that act. It's disgusting."

In the limo, I scrolled through my phone, my eyes red and tears threatening to spill. "Not happy?" Grady pulled me close, his tone unreadable.

I leaned against his shoulder, my voice soft and sweet. "Grady, I know Miss Torres means a lot to you. I won't compete with her for you. It's enough that you sent me home today." With that, I tilted my head up and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.

Grady clearly enjoyed it, giving my chin a playful scratch like I was his favorite pet. I snuggled up to his shoulder, staying close until the car finally stopped in front of his private villa.

When we got out of the car, I was still hanging onto his arm, reluctant to let go.

"Good girl. Let Mila bring you some supplements and get some rest, okay?" he said, his gaze shamelessly roaming over my body. It was clear what was on his mind.

Smirking, I leaned in, my breath tickling his ear. "I've got a surprise for you tonight."

Grady's ears flushed red, and he yanked me into his arms. "You vixen." His kiss crashed down on me, wild and possessive, like he wanted to swallow me whole.

My hand started to wander, but he caught them. "Don't get naughty," he teased, flicking my nose and biting my ear. "Wait for me."

I finally let go, melting into his arms, panting. "Grady, I won't fight for you. I just want you." My voice filled with sobs. "It's just that sometimes I feel so insecure."

As soon as my tears fell, Grady's eyes gentled, his warm palm soothing my shoulder. "Zoe, I won't leave you."

We hugged a little longer, and then I brushed off my tears and turned away.

"Zoe," he called out suddenly. I turned back, hope flickering in my chest. "Your bag," he said, handing me the new Chanel bag.

Any spark in my eyes died right then. Playing the good girl, I took it, watching his car disappear down the drive.

It was time, Erica. I wondered if she was prepared for what was to come.

Inside the villa, Mila greeted me with supplements. Mascara streaked down my cheeks as I took them and hurried upstairs, slamming the door and locking myself in.

The moment the door clicked shut, I crumpled to the floor like a deflated balloon, all strength gone.

I rushed into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and let the water pour over my face. I scrubbed every inch of my skin, desperate to wash away the taint he'd left on me.

It wasn't until the warm water stung my eyes, and my skin started to ache that I returned to reality.

I stared at the woman in the mirror. She was pale, eyes hollow, hiding a madness deep inside. She looked so unfamiliar it sent a chill down my spine.

My right hand shook on its own. I gripped my wrist tight, digging my nails in just to keep it steady.

I had a relapse again. My body, my soul, every part of me hated every second of this three-year charade.