Book2Chapter 3
He walked out to the balcony and made a phone call.
When I heard him get up, I quietly moved closer to the balcony and eavesdropped
on
the conversation.
“Mr. Harris, please make sure the items I bought at the auction today are delivered
to the estate.”
“Keep a close eye on the company for me over the next few days.”
“Some employees are getting a bit restless. My grandfather’s 70th birthday is
coming
up–make sure you get a suitable gift ready for the party the day after tomorrow.
“Make sure to find me a stunning date–I need someone impressive to take to the
birthday party.”
He gave a few more instructions and then started talking about business.
Hundreds of thousands, even millions, rolled off his tongue as if they were just
numbers. Nothing like the frugal man he pretended to be around me.
My heart sank.
Then I heard a cautious voice on the other end of the line.
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Book2Chapter 3
“Mr. Carter, are you really not going to bring your wife back to meet your
grandfather?”
“You’ve been married for three years, and you still haven’t told him or Mr. and
Mrs.
White. They’ve been worrying about your marriage.”
“I heard they’ve arranged for you to meet a few women from well–established, upper class families at the birthday party.
Hearing this, my husband let out a cold laugh.
“I’m not going to let them push me into some business marriage.”
“As for Emma, she’s so unrefined and comes from a poor background. How could
my
parents or grandfather ever approve of her?”
“Bringing her back would only embarrass me.”
“Besides, her parents are just money–hungry nobodies who even asked me and
Emma to buy them a house in their hometown for their retirement.”
“I’m still testing Emma.”
“Even if I’m worth billions, I won’t marry a lazy, selfish woman who spends
money
recklessly.”
“A woman needs to be trained. Once she learns to endure hardships and appreciates
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Book2Chapter 3
a good life, she’ll be grateful to me.”
Hearing this, I clenched my fists.
We’ve been together for six years, and he still doesn’t trust me?
Is this really how he sees me?
The secretary, Mr. Harris, on the other end of the line, tried to flatter him:
“Mr. Carter, you’re very thorough.”
“But you and your wife have been married for quite some time. What if she
doesn’t
pass your test in the end?”
My husband replied casually,
“Then we’ll get a divorce, of course.”
“I’ve already had all my premarital assets notarized, and I even advanced my
salary
for five years.”
“Even if we divorce, she won’t get a dime from me.”
“But I’m not heartless–I’ll give her a decent settlement so we can part on good
terms.
Η
Mr. Harris chuckled awkwardly before adding cautiously,
“I heard that Miss Lane is coming back from abroad soon and specifically asked to
Book2Chapter 1
see you, Mr. Carter. Are you planning to catch up with her?”
“You and Miss Lane dated for many years.”
“Even your wife resembles her a bit. You haven’t forgotten her, have you?”
My husband was silent for a moment before replying,
“Emma is just a stand–in. How could she compare to even a fraction of Miss Lane?
If
it weren’t for what happened back then…”
“Forget it. I’ll avoid seeing her.”
They hung up shortly after.
I went back to bed, tears streaming down my face.
Just moments before, I had been filled with joy, thinking we were working toward
a
bright future together.
We trusted each other, loved each other for years–we were the picture of a loving
couple.
But that phone call shattered all my illusions.
Lies, deceit, tests, a stand–in…
All of it seemed so absurd when pieced together!
I thought we were in love, but all this time, he was still thinking abo his first
love.
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Book?Chapter 3
I was nothing but a pathetic stand–in!
Who is Miss Lane?
My husband actually sees me as her substit
