Chapter 1

After I spent a year as a substitute for Lucas Grant's first love, Janet Hayes, the award-winning actress finally returned.

Lucas told me to vanish from his life forever, but Janet wouldn't have it.

So, instead of being Lucas's lover, I ended up as their "personal maid".

At night, because Janet claimed she was afraid of ghosts, Lucas had me stay outside their door and keep watch till morning.

During the day, while Lucas and Janet were celebrating their anniversary, he made me do Janet's stunt—jumping off the twentieth floor for a movie shoot.

Three months later, when they finally got tired of me, they tossed me an unlimited credit card.

I sobbed uncontrollably. At last, I had enough money to fulfill the dream of studying abroad for my first love, who left this world too soon.

*****

Lucas sat across from me, his cold eyes making him look a lot like Adam Rivers.

"You did well. Janet's no longer upset. Take your payment and disappear," he said coldly.

I didn't even feel embarrassed and respectfully took the money.

Lucas was momentarily stunned.

After all, he was the most powerful heir in Metropia. No woman could walk away from a cash cow like him so decisively.

"Don't even think about playing tricks with me. If you dare show up in front of Janet again, I'll make sure you never set foot outside Metropia," he warned.

I gave him a meek smile. "You said from the very beginning this was just a transaction. Now that everything's settled, I can disappear whenever you want."

Lucas's eyes flickered with a trace of disdain at how submissive I was.

Just as Lucas was about to say something, Janet came bouncing over, practically glowing with excitement.

She spun around and wrapped her arms around Lucas's neck, cooing, "You have no idea how obedient Monica is now. Even a dog raised from a pup wouldn't be this well-behaved."

Her drink was empty, and she gave me a dismissive glance. "The waitress has a lot of work to do. Go get me some hot coffee, will you?"

After all, Janet was pretty much my benefactor. Before I left the country, I had to follow her every command.

I stood up immediately, poured her a cup of hot coffee, and gave it to her.

The steaming hot coffee stung my hand, but Janet just let me stand there and didn't take it at once.

She giggled and turned to Lucas. "Look, I've got her so well-behaved now. Can I get a reward for that, honey?"

Lucas gave Janet a fond smile. "Your favorite pink diamonds have a new collection out. Let's go pick one out later, okay?"

When Lucas and I first started seeing each other, he took me to the mall. A jewelry salesperson insisted I try on the newest pink diamond ring.

Lucas spotted us and lost it. The ring was already too tight, and when he yanked it off my finger, it tore my skin open.

"This is Janet's favorite brand. You think you deserve it?" he snapped.

From then on, everyone in our circle knew I was nothing but the lowest substitute at Lucas's side.

My hand was already numb from the heat by the time Janet finally, with exaggerated theatrics, took the cup from me.

She made a show of fumbling, and the cup slipped from her grasp, smashing right at my feet.

Hot coffee poured all over my calves, and Janet shrieked, "Are you insane? How could you hand me coffee this hot?"

Before I could even say sorry, Lucas suddenly stood up and dragged me over to the sink.

He crouched down himself, soaked a towel in cold water, and pressed it against the burn on my leg, snapping at me, "You're grown. How can you still be so careless? Is there anything you can actually do right?"

I apologized promptly. "Sorry. Next time, I'll let the coffee cool a bit before giving it to Ms. Hayes.

"I'm not sure if she got burned. If necessary, I can go buy some burn ointment right now."

Lucas was momentarily at a loss for words. His lips moved, but no word came out.

Janet finally came running over, pouted and pointed at a blister no bigger than a strand of hair on her hand. "Lucas, it really hurts."

Lucas pulled Janet's hand toward him, and then his gaze turned piercing as he shot me a warning look.

Then he took the burn ointment from the apologetic restaurant manager and tenderly dabbed it onto Janet's finger.

My calf somehow burned, the pain crawling over my skin like a swarm of ants.

After he finished, Lucas finally turned to me. "Janet is precious, and you hurt her. Apologize, now."

I bowed my head. "I'm sorry."

Lucas was speechless. He let out a cold snort. "Smart move."

I kept my head down and didn't meet Lucas's eyes. Last time, on the anniversary of Adam's death, I stared at Lucas's eyes for a few seconds.

Then Janet said I'd forgotten my place and punished me by banning me from eating for three days.

"Alright," Lucas said again, tossing the ointment to me, his tone harsh. "Go put some on. I don't want you to embarrass me when you wear a dress again."

I took the ointment and explained politely, "You don't have to worry, sir. With Ms. Hayes around, I won't be tagging along with you.

"Besides, everyone in our circle knows you can't stand me. No one would ever mistake me for someone important to you."

Lucas paused, and then smirked coldly. "I hope so."

Then he left with Janet.