The Billionaire's Stand-In Wife

ded her small, quiet life for one of constant scrutiny and expectation. Everywhere she went, she was introduced as "Mrs. Emily King," the

house was more like a museum than a home, with high ceilings, marble floors, and priceless

as an outsider, an imposter in this world of wealth and power. And Alexander... he was as distant as ever. They rarely spent time t

ined with paintings. They were different from the other artwork in the house-more personal, more emotional. She was drawn to one in particular

ht, she heard a voice behind her.

the house during the day-he was usually at the office, consumed by his work. But

, stepping into the room. "She painted that when

it in a new light. "It's beautiful," she sa

with a hint of nostalgia. "But that passion turned to bittern

r been with her, and she didn't want to push him away. "I didn't know you w

the few things I inherited from my mother. She taught me to appreci

was gone, replaced by someone who had known pain, who had been hurt by the people he loved. "I'd lik

Emily thought she saw a flicker of warmth there. "O

pression hardened again, and he turned to leave. "I have work to do," he sa

seen a glimpse of the man behind the mask, but he had retreate

ey danced together, their movements perfectly synchronized, as if they had been doing this for years. Bu

e had seen earlier in the gallery. But all she saw was the same cold, impenetrable façade. She knew this

eir vast bedroom. She sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the weight of her new life pressing down on her. She had everyt

eaving her to navigate this new world on her own. She tried to fill her days with activities-charity work, art classes, anything

ntered the room. The older woman had grown fond of Emily, seeing in her a kindred spirit. Despite her frail

g down beside her. "You've been awfull

't hide the truth from Eleanor. "I'm fine, re

expect, especially when it's built on a foundation of convenience rat

ow if Alexander will ever see me as anything more than a bus

rents' marriage was a disaster, and he swore he would never let himself be vulnerable like that. But

enough to wait for him to realize it. I feel like I'm losi

sometimes, it takes time for a person to open their heart, especially someone lik

anted to trust Eleanor's words, but every day that passed w