All Chapters of No Longer a Stand-In: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

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

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'

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

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,

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