The Billionaire's Replacement Wif

na'

ded by so much beauty and

lings, chandeliers like frozen waterfalls, and antique furniture that probably bel

surface felt co

ay, and the weight of this l

g. An entire spread of fresh fruit, flaky pastries, poach

of the dining room bringi

cup of tea in front of me. She blinked like I'd spoken a langu

ce but the sameness. They all moved the same way.

en he

ack double-breasted suit w

I finally understand why most girls would swoon a

ment as he gazed at me. He didn't s

oured himself a cup, and leaned aga

throat. "Go

dn't

e if you'd be

th

nore how tense my hands felt w

llowing me to stay here. I

t do it

is voice was

ierced my green ones. Or should I say my grey o

alk or ask questions. You're here to do exactly what you were pai

spond , but he raised a

't a favour. It's a transaction," he said, walking toward me sl

hat doesn't have to

ued. "You'll speak only what's rehearsed. You'

as just a breath away from my face. His

of turn, I'll make sure your ne

. Way too close. And for a terrifying moment, I coul

tea I was holding. "Cami

hat, he turned

e. No gla

*

o remain in my room too embar

fruit arranged like sculpture, eggs I

or even bothere

thm here. Contro

room, the one where the no

was no trace of it. N

ching for anyone to tell. I found a staff in the hallway and

the girl had said to me, her brow

aybe I didn't. I didn't have

ade no sound on the marble floor, but her

es that were lined up in the closet. "Cam

dress code," I muttered, the words s

viduality, Elena. You're here to disappear," she sa

lessons. Pacing exercis

ers not knowing whet

vast halls, "Camila was crafted. People studied her posture, the way s

to pretend like I

t me. "Your job is to make others

on the walls. Their eyes followed me, staring

e living ones

lighting and older architecture. I still couldn't believe I

different. It was way less c

uddenly appeared in front of me. I recognized her immed

ine

ther. The mistre

blonde hair pulled into a soft twist. She looked like someo

like my name tasted

fr

her hand to

he actually wan

e her knuckles instead. I glanced back up

le that didn't reach her ey

itation, disappearing out of t

g area draped in velvet and whispers. I f

drink of green tea, and gesture

said suddenly, sipping her tea. "Chemistry.

nd said nothing. Words we

er," she mused. "You'

n adj

ard with a smile that threatened to slice th

e. "I... I don

the sofa. "Camila was a darling in public, but privately? She had edges. People

e to my ear, her bre

what we let t

ou're not Camila," she whispered. "Bu

oat we

queen with a pet. "I don't need you to like me. But I need you not t

ne said quietly. "Now I wonder if she simpl

h satin. "Be careful what truths you learn here, E

smiled and

hell just

*

into the courtyard that faced my window

I th

s suit jacket was off, sleeves rolled, a single earpiece tucked discre

sed to be unaccom

eded

reathing on schedule," he said, h

as even speaking to me at all.

because he was the only one who didn't pretend. Or maybe be

ard too?" I asked him, fi

a bit then

t first, but I am Cassia

e trust

he said, maintaining

something cold se

g his expression. "Did the doctors sa

ithout returning it, he said, "You h

confused. "What

. You're clever but desperate. Desperate eno

t all surprised he kne

ng questions," he said, his voice final and

ew. He had a perfect view of my room window. I sud

indeed bei

o chase the thought away,

tside felt..

ored out of my mind, trying to memorize t

shelves like her life depended on it. I slowly walked to

offered.

quickly, not making

forcing a smile.

don't speak unles

," I said to her, a littl

he didn'

rned, and walked straight out of

use moved like shad

ead back to my room

*

enough, I missed the boutique. I felt cold and unfamiliar with this n

. I stood up from my bed suddenly craving the milk an

g I could remember my way back. My feet kept walking till I met a dark wood door. I was curious becau

a securi

all the doors, this w

me, so I bent closer towards

hind the door. At first I thought it could just

d. It sounded too heavy to be a

another thud. He

, heart hammering rapidly against my che

I heard a thundering voice

do you think