10 Years a Stand-In, They Lost It After I Go

Chapter 7

The scorching sun beat down on the land, making everything feel like it was melting.

Alexander, who was used to the cushy life up North, clearly wasn't built for the heat here.

He squinted, his eyes briefly flicking to my dirt-smeared body, a flash of disgust crossing his face.

"I know you're upset, but there's no need to degrade yourself like this," he said, his voice dripping with a sense of superiority.

"We've lived together for ten years, Lily. If you want to come back, just say the word. I'll take you back without hesitation." His words were laced with the kind of condescension that came from someone used to having everything handed to them.

For someone like Alexander, born with a silver spoon and raised in luxury, humbling himself was a foreign concept. The fact that he'd even made the trek to this remote place was already a huge concession on his part. Even I was taken aback by it.

"Mr. Grant, you must be joking. I'm just a girl from a regular family. I could never measure up to your Grant family," I said calmly. "Besides, our agreement is over. What reason would I have to go back with you?"

For a moment, Alexander was silent, his jaw tightening as he pushed Oliver in front of me.

The little guy hesitated, looking between us, before mumbling, "I'm sorry, Nanny Lily."

As soon as the words left his lips, his face turned as red as a beet, and he scrambled back into the car, hiding himself from view.

Alexander flicked his hand, and several suited bodyguards marched forward, carrying heavy boxes that were clearly expensive.

A flash of bright red silk spilled out of the boxes, shimmering in the sunlight like a burning cloud.

"All these years, I've failed to give you the status you deserve," Alexander said solemnly, his gaze locked onto mine. "This time, if you come back with me, I'll make up for everything I've owed you."

He paused for a beat, his voice softening, as if he was finally being vulnerable. "Lily, I, Alexander Grant, am willing to marry you with the grandest ceremony, giving you a proper place in society. From now on, you'll be the legitimate mistress of the Grant family."

When Alexander married Emily all those years ago, it was the talk of the town.

Even though I was far away in the South, I'd heard all about their lavish wedding.

Back then, I had dreamed of a love like that. A man who would cherish me the way Alexander had cherished Emily.

I never cared about a fancy wedding or expensive gifts. I just wanted someone who would love me with unwavering devotion.

But that was something Alexander couldn't give me. His heart was already claimed by Emily, and there would always be a part of him that wasn't mine.

Rather than living in the shadow of someone else's love, I'd rather be free to live my life on my own terms.

"Lily! Don't be ungrateful!" Alexander's patience finally snapped, his voice turning hard. "I've been too lenient with you lately. You've forgotten your place."

"Come back with me. I'll make sure someone teaches you exactly where you belong."

He grabbed my wrist, his grip tight and unyielding, trying to drag me toward the car.

Oliver just stood there, silent, offering no help.

With the difference in strength between us, I had no chance of breaking free.

Just when I thought I was done for, someone stepped in, pushing Alexander away.

I lost my balance and would have fallen, but instead, I landed in a familiar, comforting embrace.

Boris.

He held me steady, coldly staring down at Alexander. "Alexander Grant, you can't force someone to love you."

Alexander's face darkened, fury flashing in his eyes. "Boris Brooks. What the hell are you doing here?"