The Unwanted Substitute: Watch Me Shine Now

Chapter 3

Word Count: 585 | Released on: Today at 19:43

notorious for his insatiable appetite for high-society gossip. Blessed with a refreshingly uncomplicated family background,

lub, surrounded by the low hum of power and old money. "She's throwing a tantrum." He placed the glass down with a co

the velvet couch, raised a perfectly sculpted eyeb

et's make a bet. I say a week. My vintag

thout hesitation, his eyes glinti

brick building with no doorman. She dragge

more than a single room. It was

washed over her that she hadn't fd more imelt in years: peace.

read: Zoe Sterling-Julian's sister,

party," Zoe's voice crackled, a welcome storm of warmth and

he genuine concern,

ght. You are not hiding away and letting him think you're heartbr

The woman looking back was a stranger. Pale, subdued, e

bottom was a dress she hadn't worn in y

the bathroom sink, she gathered her long hair in one hand and, without a second's hesitation

lips a bold, u

nt woman stared back. Her eyes weren't sad anymore.

ubstitute was dead. Th

alked out to Zoe's sleek black

ed. "Julian is going to

r moved to stop them, his expression dismi

k Sterling family card. "Ri

, the atmosphere shifted. Ever

wasn't a plus-one. S

Chapter End

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The Unwanted Substitute: Watch Me Shine Now

Rafaela Kokkotou Romance

“When the anonymous photo arrived on our fourth anniversary, I found out my life as Julian Sterling's perfect fiancée was just a lie. The first thing he did when he got home was casually shatter my entire world. Julian stood in our penthouse, looking at me with absolute coldness. "Seraphina is back. She's the one I'll be marrying." He was going to throw me aside, claiming I was nothing more than a convenient substitute for the press and his powerful family. He watched me pack with a smirk, mocking my dependence on his wealth. He even made a bet with his billionaire friends, gambling a vintage Porsche that I would be back crying at his door within three days. For four years, I gave up my acting career and molded myself into his ideal, quiet companion, believing my daily devotion could melt his frozen heart. But my love was just a joke to him, a simple line item in an arrangement I had never seen. I didn't understand how he could be so casually cruel, or why my entire identity over these years had to be a meticulously crafted fraud. This time, I didn't shed a single tear or beg him to stay. I left behind every designer gown and black card, packed my old suitcase, and went straight to the clinic to burn the tattoo of his name off my skin. From now on, I am living for myself.”