Chapter 1

In my tenth year with Julian Sterling, I had mastered three golden rules:

First, never ask where he spent the night.

Second, never turn down the jewelry or luxury penthouses he threw at me.

Third, after cleaning up his public scandals, always invoice him at market rate.

Everyone in high society mocked me for having no spine.

When Julian got blackout drunk at 3:00 AM, I was the one who drove out to pick him up.

When his latest fling made a fool of herself at a press conference, I stepped in to smooth it over.

Even when he brought other women into the home we'd shared for a decade, all I did was tell the housekeeper to set an extra plate.

Everyone assumed I was desperately in love, willing to swallow any humiliation just to stay by his side.

Only I knew what I was really waiting for.

I was waiting for his final compensation wire to clear into my bank account.

After ten years as his stand-in lover, the second that money cleared, I was out!

When Julian proposed to Chloe Bennett, I was curled up on the couch in my hillside villa, watching the live stream.

Julian had signed the deed over to me not long ago, my bonus for cleaning up Chloe's PR disaster at a recent product launch.

On screen, Julian dropped to one knee, sliding a massive diamond ring onto Chloe's finger.

The camera zoomed in. The venue erupted into deafening cheers.

I leaned back into the cushions, lifting my wine glass.

On screen, the host beamed at the newly engaged couple.

"Mr. Sterling, rumor has it you spent months planning this proposal. Could you tell us why you chose today to ask Miss Bennett to marry you?"

Julian looked down at Chloe, a rare, tender smile softening his sharp features.

"Because I wanted to give her a real commitment."

The host seized the moment.

"And what about Natalie Vance? The public has always wondered about your relationship with her..."

A dead silence fell over the hall.

I gently swirled the cabernet in my glass.

On screen, Julian's expression turned instantly frostbite-cold.

"Today, I'm only answering questions regarding my wedding."

Watching that familiar, handsome profile, I let out a quiet laugh.

Then I took another slow, unbothered sip.

Before the broadcast ended, the front door clicked open. Julian walked in.

Seeing the wine glass in my hand, his brow furrowed deep.

"Natalie, why are you hiding in here drinking in the middle of the day?"

As a seasoned stand-in, offering emotional comfort and playing the obedient angel was second nature.

I immediately slipped into my sweet, docile expression.

"I know. I just thought you wouldn't be coming back today."

Julian stopped in his tracks.

His expression softened considerably.

"I just came back to grab a few files."

"You haven't fully recovered yet, so go easy on the alcohol."

"Chloe needs Maggie to look after her right now. If you're short on help, I'll hire another maid for you."

I shook my head right away.

"No need."

Lowering my eyelashes, I put on a deliberately fragile, pitiful look.

"The doctor said my body still needs a lot of rest. There are plenty of checkups and therapies coming up... It's probably going to cost quite a fortune."

I looked up at him, my eyes wide and hesitant.

"Julian... that money you promised me before..."

Then, as if terrified of crossing a line, I quickly backtracked.

"Never mind. Pretend I said nothing."

I dropped my gaze, my fingers anxiously tugging at the hem of my sweater.

"You're getting married now. I don't want to cause you any more trouble."

Julian was caught off guard.

"What did you just call me?"

I kept my eyes down and stayed silent.

He let out a heavy sigh and reached out, his warm fingers brushing against my cheek.

"Natalie, don't overthink things."

"You've stayed with me for so many years. I would never shortchange you."

His touch was gentle.

Yet, the moment his fingertips brushed the faint laugh lines near the corners of my eyes, he pulled his hand back in silence.

"I'm staying at the family estate for a few days. I won't be coming around for a while."

"Take care of yourself."

The family estate?

I raised an eyebrow in surprise.

It seemed Julian was head-over-heels for Chloe Bennett. He was already bringing her home to meet the family patriarch.

I hadn't expected them to move this fast.

After all, the Sterling estate was Julian's deepest trauma, a place he never let anyone touch.