Chapter 1

After I landed Miles Farleyin,one of the most powerful men in Manhattan and became a kept woman, I made being the perfect, dutiful woman my full-time job.

When Miles took a young model as his mistress, I was the one who personally took her to get a physical.

When Miles got cornered by reporters at a hotel, I was the one who called the right people and made sure the whole thing was handled.

Even when his new mistress showed up at my door to gloat, I could still smile and tell her exactly what Miles liked and disliked.

Everyone said I loved Miles so much I'd lost every last shred of self-respect.

They thought I'd do anything to stay by his side.

But what they didn't know was that Emma Pruitt was someone I had deliberately brought into Miles's life.

And what they knew even less was just how generous Miles got after he cheated.

Five hundred thousand dollars for the physical. Two million for damage control.

As for the jewelry he gave me to make up for what he'd done, there was too much to count.

Over the years, I hadn't just saved more than a hundred million dollars.

I also owned property in cities around the world.

Ten years as a mistress, and now I could finally walk away for good.

……

While Miles was proposing to Emma, I was curled up in the hillside villa, binge-watching a TV show.

Miles had signed this villa over to me just recently.

I considered it compensation for Emma shoving me down the stairs and causing me to lose my baby.

I tore open a bag of chips, watching the messages pile up in the group chat.

"Miles really went all out for Emma."

"The wedding of the century. Maggie Henson never got anything like this when she was with him."

"Looks like Miles has actually fallen for her this time."

"Emma bullied Maggie half to death and he couldn't bring himself to say a single harsh word to her."

"Think Miles will kick Maggie to the curb? She loves him so much, if he dumps her, she'll probably just throw herself off a building."

The chip cracked between my teeth.

The junk food gave me a little rush of satisfaction, and I couldn't stop the corner of my mouth from curling up.

I was about to keep reading when Miles suddenly pushed the door open.

He glanced at the chips in my hand, his brow furrowing.

"Maggie, I don't like the smell of junk food."

As a mistrress, keeping your man happy and maintaining your figure were the bare minimum.

I instantly put on my most understanding expression and answered sweetly.

"I know."

"I just thought you weren't coming back…"

Miles's steps faltered.

His expression softened considerably.

"I came back for the keys to the old estate."

"You're not fully recovered yet. Cut back on junk food from now on."

"Emma can't do without Delilah Lambert looking after her, so take this money and get yourself a new housekeeper."

After transferring the money, he walked over to the safe and entered the code.

Along with the keys, he took out the Farley family heirloom jade bracelet.

Before Mrs. Farley passed, she had left instructions that the bracelet was to go to the true lady of the Farley family.

It seemed Miles had already chosen who would wear it.

I felt a small pang of regret, but I still managed to put on a smile, playing the understanding woman I'd always been.

"That won't be necessary, Mr. Farley."

"What you've given me over these years is already more than enough."

Miles paused, caught off guard.

"What did you just call me?"

I lowered my eyes and said nothing more.

He sighed and reached up to brush my cheek.

"Maggie, don't read too much into this."

"You've been with me all these years. I won't shortchange you."

His touch was gentle.

But the moment his fingers brushed the faint crow's-feet at the corner of my eye, he quietly drew his hand back.

"I'm taking Emma to stay at the old estate for a few days. I won't be coming by during that time."

"Take care of yourself."

The old estate?

I raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised.

I knew Miles was very fond of Emma.

But I hadn't imagined their relationship had progressed this far.