Chapter 1
On the day the stand-in agreement expired, Alexander Ford told me to move out of the master bedroom so his first love could have it.
When the maid wheeled my suitcase out to the hallway, the wall clock had just passed ten.
The master bedroom door was half open, and Charlotte Quinn stood there in my robe. The sleeves draped over her hands, like it was finally back where it belonged.
She smiled and said, "Emma, don't take it the wrong way. Alex said I'm a light sleeper, so he's letting me stay in the master bedroom for a few days."
Footsteps sounded upstairs. Alexander came down from the second floor. He wore a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his wrists. His face showed not a trace of hesitation.
He glanced at the suitcase by my feet, then looked at Charlotte. He said in a cold voice, "Go stay in the guest room. Don't make things difficult for her."
He was talking to me. Three years ago, I signed an agreement to pay for my dad's surgery. I had to play the role of his wife in front of the public and Charlotte's shadow in Ford Manor until Charlotte got divorced.
For three years, I drank alcohol for him, cared for Alexander's grandmother, Sophie Ford, and acted like I never noticed any of the photos Charlotte sent him.
Tonight, the agreement ended, and Charlotte had come back.
She moved into the master bedroom, put on my robe, and all he wanted was for me to be reasonable.
My phone lit up with a reminder that the marriage contract ended today.
I took out the divorce agreement I'd prepared long ago and pushed it right in front of Alexander.
"No need for the guest room. I'm leaving. Just sign the agreement."
Alexander looked down for a few seconds, a faint crease forming between his brows.
Charlotte let out a soft laugh.
"Emma, it's late. Don't make things awkward for everyone. I'm just staying here for a few days, and that doesn't mean Alex is forcing you to leave," she said.
She made the word "staying" sound so casual, but her gaze landed right on my suitcase.
The maid kept her head down, not daring to meet my eyes.
Alexander picked up the divorce agreement and flipped through it. When he saw the asset list, he finally looked up.
"Emma, do you have to make a fuss tonight?" he asked.
I looked at the paper in his hand. It was drafted by his lawyer three years ago.
Once the contract expired, the marriage would be automatically ended. Ford Enterprises would pay the final payment, and neither of us could claim any assets from the other.
Every page bore his company seal, and every clause was spelled out clearly.
He was so sure I'd never have the heart to walk away.
I set the pen down on the agreement. "I'm not making a fuss. Alexander, our time's up."
His face finally darkened.
"Your father's ongoing medical bills haven't been fully paid yet. The Harper family doesn't want you back. Where will you go once you leave the Ford family?" Alexander said coldly.
Charlotte sighed softly, like she was being considerate.
"Emma, I know you're upset, but you can't hold divorce over his head. You've played the stand-in long enough, and it's time to let the real one take the place, " she said.
A hush fell over the room for a moment.
Alexander didn't correct Charlotte.
He just looked at me, like he was waiting for me to give in.
Three years ago, when I woke up for the first time in the master bedroom of this house, I saw the same look in his eyes that taught me to bow my head.
Back then, Sophie held my hand, mistaking me for Charlotte, and said Alexander was finally willing to start a family. Alexander stood at the bedside, and after Sophie fell asleep, he handed me a card.
He said, "Remember your place. What she needs is peace of mind, not your personal feelings." I remembered.
The nights grew long, and the parties cold. But Sophie's last words, "Emma, you're a good girl", were so full of kindness that in the end, I ended up falling for him.
I originally thought one could slowly warm up what lay beyond the contract.