All Chapters of No Longer a Stand-In: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Sarah's POVFor eight years, I was James Carter's secretary and secret lover. Eight years of giving him my heart completely.I truly believed he loved me back - he was always tender and attentive when we were intimate, seemingly caring about my every need and desire.But then I overheard him telling others, "She's nothing but a stand-in, just someone to satisfy my physical needs when I'm bored. Did you really think I would marry her?"In that moment, I finally found the strength to let go and stop loving him."Honey, when are you coming home to meet the man your grandmother arranged for you?""The doctors say Gran's condition has worsened. She might only have a few months left, and her greatest wish is to see you married..."After my morning meeting, I received these texts from Mom.This was the eighth time this year they'd pressured me about marriage. Usually, I'd brush it off with vague excuses, but today, for some reason, I didn't want to refuse anymore.I typed back: "In ten days,

Sarah's POVThe next day, James didn't show up at the office. News of him refusing the arranged marriage spread like wildfire through the company.Everyone was whispering, "I heard Mr. Carter already has someone he loves - that's why he refused the arrangement.""I heard he's not at work today because he's preparing to propose to the person he loves!""Oh my God, that's so romantic..."Remembering James's words from yesterday, my heart started racing involuntarily.Could he be planning to surprise me today?I waited until evening when James finally called:"Sarah, I forgot some documents. Could you bring them to my house?""Of course, I'll be right there."After hanging up, I immediately took a taxi to James's villa.Standing before the familiar door, thinking about what might happen next, I couldn't help taking deep breaths to calm myself.If he opens the door and proposes, should I say yes immediately or play it cool...Ding dong~"Coming~"A familiar feminine voice an

Sarah's POVI bit my lip and switched to alcohol. James didn't know that in my eight years as his secretary, I'd developed a stomach ulcer and couldn't drink."I can't drink alcohol.""Emma, don't drink. Your stomach condition will act up tonight.""You're so caring, James. But that was eight years ago," Emma cooed.My heart felt like it was being stabbed repeatedly.He remembered Emma's stomach issues so clearly, yet when I was hospitalized for ulcers, he hadn't noticed at all - and now he was forcing me to drink.I grabbed the bottle and took large gulps.The alcohol burned my stomach, but I couldn't feel it. My heart hurt more."Such a good drinker, yet you claimed you couldn't drink. Sarah, do you have a problem with my girlfriend?" James watched me with a mocking smile.Suddenly, acid rushed up my throat. I rushed out, doubled over in the bathroom, violently sick.After finishing, I returned to the room.The party was still lively, with James holding Emma close, both l

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

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