No Longer a Stand-In

For 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.

I handed in my resignation and walked away from it all.

Yet after my whirlwind marriage to someone else, why did he suddenly start searching for me desperately across the city?

Now he's here with tears in his eyes, claiming I'm the one he truly loves? Wasn't I just his convenient replacement all along?

Sarah's POV

For 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, after I finish my resignation paperwork."

"You're finally quitting?"

"Yes."

Just as I was putting away my phone and about to shut down my computer to head home, my phone rang. "Come to the conference room."

When I pushed open the conference room door, I immediately saw James Carter standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Years of working out had given him an incredible physique - his abs visible through his crisp white dress shirt, his proportions more perfect than any runway model's.

That was one of the many reasons I was so captivated by him.

"You're here. I bought you new set of seducing lingerie. Wear it for me tonight,” he said, handing me a box.

James held me in his arms, his expensive cologne intoxicating. Memories of our intimate moments flashed through my mind.

I almost agreed, but in the next second, I came to my senses and pushed him away.

"Not tonight."

James hated being refused, whether in bed or boardroom negotiations. He forcefully backed me into a corner.

"Your period was just last week."

"I