Sinful Shelter

The Placeholder Bride's Secret Billionaire Revenge

Luo Ye

For two years, I was the invisible force behind tech billionaire Kieran Douglas, convinced that our "private" romance was his way of protecting us from the tabloid spotlight. I managed his mergers, warmed his bed, and waited for a future that didn't exist. The illusion shattered at 6:00 AM when a Page Six alert debuted Kieran's "real" romance with socialite Aspen Schneider. Before I could even process the betrayal, Kieran sent me a cold, professional text: "Order flowers for Aspen. Pink peonies. Her favorite." When I tried to walk away, my own mother called me a disgrace and threatened to lock my inheritance forever unless I married a sixty-year-old businessman to save her failing estate. At a high-society gala that same night, Aspen intentionally crushed my burned hand in front of the cameras, while Kieran stood by and dismissed me as a "mediocre assistant" who had overstayed her welcome. I stood in the cold New York rain, drenched in champagne and humiliation, realizing that every sacrifice I made for Kieran was a joke. I was a ghost in a penthouse that was never mine, discarded the moment his "soulmate" returned. To the world, I was just a placeholder whose time had run out. But Kieran forgot one thing: my father's multi-million dollar trust fund unlocks the moment I legally marry. I didn't need love; I needed a signature and a shield. I walked into a discreet law firm and signed a marriage contract with a man I believed was the city's most notorious, scandal-ridden playboy. I thought I was marrying a degenerate "beard" to buy my freedom and secure my revenge. I didn't realize the man who signed that paper wasn't a playboy at all, but Gaston Collins-the most powerful and dangerous man on Wall Street-and he had no intention of letting our fake marriage stay fake.

Modern Playboy Billionaires

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"Get out," I spat; my voice shook with rage as I stepped back, creating a distance between my boyfriend and me.

Mike hesitated, his voice pleading. "Please Christine-"

"Hurt me? You cheated on me with your secretary." A lump formed in my throat, and tears spilled down my cheeks.

Mike's hands rose, palms up, in a defense gesture. "She came onto me," holding my shoulders, he continued. "You caught us at the wrong moment. Look, I swear to you, Christine, I would never dream of hurting you."

I stepped away from him and wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. "You have hurt me for the last time, Mike Russo."

Mike licked his lips with resigned expression. "I love you, but you need to trust me on this one, baby."

"Love?" I burst into a bitter laugh. "The only person you love is yourself. I never want to see you again."

Then I slammed my front door shut and leaned by it, my body shaking as I broke into a sob, feeling my heart shatter to a million pieces.

A year later, I clipped my ID badge to my jacket. I took a deep breath, pushing away thoughts of Mike's betrayal from my mind.

I stepped onto the porch and rang the doorbell to Mrs. Smith's Group Home, in the suburbs of Seattle. I loved my job as a social worker, and inspections like this one were my favorite part. I got to see the kids and ensure they received the best care possible.

When the door opened, Mrs. Gladys Smith, the manager, greeted me without her usual warm smile. "Hi, Christine. Right on time, as always."

I creased my brows together, pulling out my clipboard and my pen. "Let's get started, shall we?"

The living room space was tidy, and Kimiko, aged six, was sitting in front of the TV watching a popular preschool cartoon.

She turned to face me with a bright gap-toothed grin. "Hi, Ms. Frank."

"Miko, ah, enjoying the fine entertainment TV has to offer, I see?" I asked.

Kimiko shot me a confused look and shrugged. "I guess."

Gladys led me through the usual routine: medication, security alarm, food plan. I checked through my list as I glanced through the fridge contents. The sound of a ball bouncing echoed through the walls as Jayden and Tommy burst through the kitchen back door.

I lifted a warning finger as they froze. "Uh-uh, take it outside, boys. No dunking in the kitchen."

Jayden frowned. "Aw man."

Tommy snatched the ball and ran out the door, followed closely by Jay. Annabeth played hula hoops with Daphne and Millie in the backyard. Meanwhile, Noah was likely playing video games in his room.

"And another perfect record, Gladys, as usual. Thank you for making my job easier." I turned to face her.

Her expression turned serious. "Christine, can I talk to you for a minute in my office?"

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