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Chapter 6
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No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 7
James's POVNo, this can't be happening...My hands trembled as I leaned against the wall, barely able to keep standing.How could someone I talked to yesterday just be dead today?I refuse to believe it!Wasn't Sarah just trying to get sympathy? How could she actually be dead?I rushed to the police station, where they handed me Sarah's belongings.Her purse, phone... and a blood-stained shoe.Seeing that shoe, my mind went blank.I remembered - it was the first gift I ever gave Sarah.She was overjoyed when she received it, almost too happy to wear it.I had to insist that she only wear shoes I gave her when meeting me.Even when the shoe got old and lost some rhinestones, she never replaced it.Though I gave her new shoes later, I never saw her that happy again.Remembering her words from before, my heart ached unbearably.She could be made so happy by just a pair of shoes, yet I couldn't even be bothered to choose different styles...The shoe was covered in blood. M
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 8
James's POVAfter learning Sarah might be alive, I instructed my assistant to search for her while I returned to work as usual.That morning in my office, after signing some documents, I called out instinctively, "Sarah, take this to..."I caught myself mid-sentence, remembering Sarah wasn't here anymore.My assistant opened the door, "Mr. Carter, did you need something?""No." I rubbed my temples in frustration.Without Sarah, everything felt more complicated than before.Previously, I just had to review and sign the reports she prepared.Now I had to handle everything personally, drowning in mountains of paperwork.Had she really managed all of this by herself?"Wait, what's this?" My eye caught a document in the corner, and I stopped my assistant.I picked up the thin paper - it was a resignation letter.With Sarah's signature at the bottom.When had she resigned? Why didn't I know?Anger flared inside me as I threw the paper to the floor."Who approved her resignatio
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 9
James's POVThat afternoon, Emma eagerly moved her belongings to Sarah's former desk.As I watched her placing her things one by one on Sarah's desk, I felt an inexplicable irritation."Emma, take a different desk. Not this one."She paused, then broke into a delighted smile. "I get it! You want me in your office, right?"Perfect! Now we can work together!"I remained silent, letting her assume what she wanted.What no one knew was that I didn’t care where Emma sat, as long as it wasn’t Sarah’s desk.Every time I saw Sarah's empty workstation, I couldn't help but hope that one day she might return and sit there again.Emma wasted no time ordering my assistant, Calvin,set up a desk in my office."James, what does this number mean?"James, I don't understand this report. Can you explain it?"James, how do I calculate this economic indicator?"Emma bombarded me with questions all afternoon, and my irritation grew.If it were Sarah, she wouldn’t ask me meaningless questions l
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 10
Sarah's POVWhen I opened my eyes, I saw a pure white ceiling.Where was I? Was I dead?Pain shot through my entire body, making me cry out."Don't move." A gentle voice spoke as a warm hand carefully pressed against me."Take it easy. Stay still, or you'll reopen your wounds."I looked up in surprise to see a man in a white coat standing by my window, watching me with concern.Looking around at the hospital bed and IV drip, I realized I must be in a hospital."Why am I in the hospital?" I mumbled. “Wasn’t I…”Memories of last night's horror flooded back, the terror and despair still lingering. I winced involuntarily."Don't worry, you're safe now," the man said gently. "I found you just in time. Apart from losing a lot of blood, you'll be fine."I studied the man before me. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties, with handsome features and a tall build. His demeanor was warm and soothing.I vaguely remembered last night - when I was struggling, one of the m
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 11
Sarah's POVHe looked at me, "Do you have any concerns?"He handed me a bank statement. "This is all my savings from years of work - it's all yours."My house, my car - they can all be yours, to do with as you please.""No, no!" I was startled by his generosity. "It's not about that! You're already wonderful!""It's about me." I gave a bitter smile.He said he knew about my situation, but did he know I'd been James's sex partner for eight years while working as his secretary?If he knew, how could he accept me so easily?"Dr. Williams, my past... isn't something I'm proud of."Looking into his sincere eyes, I couldn't deceive him. "I was with another man for eight years. I wasn't even his girlfriend. How could someone like me deserve you?""It doesn't matter."To my surprise, Daniel nodded firmly. "The past is the past. As long as your present and future include me, that's enough.""Besides," he smiled, "didn't you say you wanted to repay me?"I stared at him, stunned, lik
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 12
Sarah's POVEarly the next morning, I received a call from Daniel."Hello?" I answered groggily. "Who is it?""It's me." His voice came through, deep and gentle like a cello. "Sorry, did I wake you?"My sleepiness vanished instantly as I sat up. "No, not at all!""Is there something you need?”“It’s nothing urgent,” his tone was as casual as discussing the weather. "Since we're married now, I realized my place is too far from your workplace."I thought we could look at some places today, find somewhere we can live together.""Oh, right." It suddenly hit me that as a married couple, we should be living together."Are you free now? I'm waiting downstairs."I peered out the window to see him standing by his car, tall and handsome."I'll be right down!"I got ready in record time and rushed downstairs."Sorry, were you waiting long?""Not at all." He smiled, opening the car door for me. "I looked at some nice neighborhoods last night. We can check them out together and decide
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 13
Sarah's POVThat weekend, I returned to my old apartment to pack for the move to my new home with Daniel.To my surprise, everything was exactly as I'd left it, even the potted plants on the balcony were still alive.I packed the essentials for the moving company to take, leaving only the cabinet full of designer heels.With a sigh, I sold them all to a secondhand dealer.As I watched the truck drive away, I was about to leave when I heard someone call my name.“Sarah?"I turned to see James standing there unexpectedly.His eyes lit up with joy when he saw me."Sarah! It really is you! You're alive!"I frowned as I studied him.The once-powerful man looked completely worn down.He'd lost weight, and his usually immaculate suit was wrinkled, as if it hadn't been pressed in days.He rushed forward and pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice full of relief."I knew it, I knew you weren't dead..."Where have you been? Why didn't you come find me? Do you know how worried I'
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 14
Sarah's POVJust before the wedding, Daniel took me to meet his parents.The Williams family was prominent, so I spent hours getting ready, anxious to make a good impression."Does this coat look okay?" I nervously asked Daniel. "Does it suit me?"He smiled gently, taking my hand. "It's perfect. You look beautiful."Finally reassured, I followed him into the Williams family mansion."Daniel and Sarah are here?"As we entered, a woman in an elegant dress warmly took my hand. "You must be Sarah! Even prettier than your photos!"The middle-aged man beside her gave me a kind smile. "Come in, come in. It's windy by the door.""Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Williams.”They looked like Daniel, clearly his parents. I greeted them politely, handing our gifts to the housekeeper.They led us to the living room, where I saw an elderly woman sitting."Grandmother," Daniel spoke first. "I've brought Sarah."I bowed respectfully. "Hello, Grandmother. I'm Sarah."The elderly woman in the carved wo
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No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 20
James's POVI went to Sarah's wedding after all.I wanted to see the happiness I failed to give her.The venue was lively, filled with both families' guests. Everyone wore joyful expressions, offering their blessings to the couple.My chest ached as I wondered - if I had kept Sarah, would we be the ones receiving these blessings?When the music started, flower petals fell from above as Sarah walked toward Daniel in her white wedding dress.Her eyes were full of tender love. She was breathtakingly beautiful.Finally, they kissed amid thunderous applause. Everyone celebrated as they held each other tight, as if nothing could separate them."Mr. Carter, are you alright?" Calvin asked worriedly.Only then did I realize I was crying."I'm fine. You can go."I dismissed my assistant and fled the wedding. Back in my car, looking at the red invitation on the seat, my heart felt like it was being torn apart.Sarah, Sarah... I finally broke down sobbing into my knees.I loved her so
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 19
Sarah's POVOn my wedding day, I sat in the bridal suite, clutching my bouquet tightly.This was the most important day of my life.Soon, Daniel and I would exchange our lifelong vows in front of everyone.The thought filled me with both sweetness and nervousness."You need to take good care of each other," Mom said tearfully while adjusting my dress."You're a married woman now. Make sure you live well together, okay?""I sent photos to your grandmother. She's so happy."My eyes welled up at her words. "I know, Mom.""Even married, I'm still your daughter. Now you'll have both Daniel and me to take care of you.""Yes, yes." Dad turned away emotional, then smiled and offered his arm. "Come, let Dad walk you down the aisle."Under everyone's gaze, I walked slowly toward Daniel in my white wedding dress.He looked incredibly handsome in his white suit, his hair neatly swept to one side.He watched me approach, his eyes so tender they almost brimmed with tears."You may now
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 18
Sarah's POVOne Friday evening after work, I unexpectedly saw James waiting outside my office building.My first reaction was caution.His recent outrageous behavior was still fresh in my mind. Afraid he might try to force me to go with him again, I instinctively turned to leave."Wait, Sarah!"Seeing my reaction, he quickly called out, giving a bitter smile. "Don't... don't be afraid. I just want to talk."I studied him from several feet away.He looked thinner than before, and his usual arrogant demeanor was gone, replaced by a gloomy, cold air.Seeing no hostility, I stopped reluctantly. "What do you want to say?""I..." his voice was unexpectedly hoarse. "I want to apologize.""All those years together, you were the only one giving. I never cared enough to even know what you liked.""That night I didn't save you - I'm so sorry for that.""Emma's been arrested. I know now that she planned everything.""Don't worry! I'll make sure she pays for what she did!""I know you
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 17
James's POV"Sir," my bodyguard approached with a team. "Your parents want you home immediately."The row of men behind him made it clear they'd drag me back if necessary.Back home, my father greeted me by throwing a teacup. I dodged instinctively as it shattered against the wall."Ungrateful son!"His finger trembled as he pointed at me. "Kneel!"I knelt before him expressionless. Since childhood, his word had been law in our house.Any hint of defiance would send him into a rage.My knees ached, but not as much as my heart."What have you been doing? Neglecting the company, losing your mind over some woman. What have you become!"Growing angrier, he raised his hand to slap me."Richard!" My mother, who'd been silent until now, rushed to shield me. "Talk to him if you must, but don't hit him!""You! You've spoiled him rotten!"Dad glared at us both, his voice full of disappointment. "You've coddled him since childhood, and look at him now!""A grown man in his twenties,
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 16
James's POVI stood frozen, hardly believing my eyes.Sarah... got married?That marriage certificate felt like it was burning my eyes.How was this possible? We'd been apart less than a month, and she was already married?"Look into this immediately!" I called my assistant. "Find out exactly when Sarah got married!"I couldn't believe she could marry someone else so easily!Afterward, I returned to Sarah's old apartment.I'd been living there since she left.Only here could I find any sense of peace anymore.Lying on the couch, remembering our time together, my chest ached constantly.Before, after business dinners, she would tenderly wipe my face and bring me hangover soup.I took her kindness for granted back then, never appreciating what I had.I forgot she was human too - that my coldness could hurt her.Suddenly my phone rang - some old friends."James, come drink with us!""Yeah, it's been ages since we hung out."Maybe hoping alcohol would numb my pain, I grabb
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 15
Sarah's POVAfter leaving Carter Corp, I found a new job. Though it paid less, it was stable and comfortable.Free from James's control, I finally realized life could be enjoyable and peaceful."Sarah, we have a meeting with a big client. Please prepare.""Of course."I gathered my files and walked into the conference room, only to find a familiar face."This is Mr. Carter," my boss introduced. "And this is our new executive director, Sarah Garnett.”Taking a deep breath, I extended my hand calmly. "Mr. Carter, nice to meet you.” Despite our complicated history, work was work. I wouldn't let personal feelings interfere.Throughout the meeting, James stared at me constantly, but I ignored it and delivered my presentation normally."Mr. Carter, what do you think of the project?""Proceed with it."He answered dismissively, still watching me. "Let's have dinner together to celebrate our partnership. Miss Garnett, you’ll join us, right?”I wanted to refuse but knew I couldn't
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 14
Sarah's POVJust before the wedding, Daniel took me to meet his parents.The Williams family was prominent, so I spent hours getting ready, anxious to make a good impression."Does this coat look okay?" I nervously asked Daniel. "Does it suit me?"He smiled gently, taking my hand. "It's perfect. You look beautiful."Finally reassured, I followed him into the Williams family mansion."Daniel and Sarah are here?"As we entered, a woman in an elegant dress warmly took my hand. "You must be Sarah! Even prettier than your photos!"The middle-aged man beside her gave me a kind smile. "Come in, come in. It's windy by the door.""Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Williams.”They looked like Daniel, clearly his parents. I greeted them politely, handing our gifts to the housekeeper.They led us to the living room, where I saw an elderly woman sitting."Grandmother," Daniel spoke first. "I've brought Sarah."I bowed respectfully. "Hello, Grandmother. I'm Sarah."The elderly woman in the carved wo
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 13
Sarah's POVThat weekend, I returned to my old apartment to pack for the move to my new home with Daniel.To my surprise, everything was exactly as I'd left it, even the potted plants on the balcony were still alive.I packed the essentials for the moving company to take, leaving only the cabinet full of designer heels.With a sigh, I sold them all to a secondhand dealer.As I watched the truck drive away, I was about to leave when I heard someone call my name.“Sarah?"I turned to see James standing there unexpectedly.His eyes lit up with joy when he saw me."Sarah! It really is you! You're alive!"I frowned as I studied him.The once-powerful man looked completely worn down.He'd lost weight, and his usually immaculate suit was wrinkled, as if it hadn't been pressed in days.He rushed forward and pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice full of relief."I knew it, I knew you weren't dead..."Where have you been? Why didn't you come find me? Do you know how worried I'
No Longer a Stand-In Chapter 12
Sarah's POVEarly the next morning, I received a call from Daniel."Hello?" I answered groggily. "Who is it?""It's me." His voice came through, deep and gentle like a cello. "Sorry, did I wake you?"My sleepiness vanished instantly as I sat up. "No, not at all!""Is there something you need?”“It’s nothing urgent,” his tone was as casual as discussing the weather. "Since we're married now, I realized my place is too far from your workplace."I thought we could look at some places today, find somewhere we can live together.""Oh, right." It suddenly hit me that as a married couple, we should be living together."Are you free now? I'm waiting downstairs."I peered out the window to see him standing by his car, tall and handsome."I'll be right down!"I got ready in record time and rushed downstairs."Sorry, were you waiting long?""Not at all." He smiled, opening the car door for me. "I looked at some nice neighborhoods last night. We can check them out together and decide
