5 Years with The City's Crown Prince

: Substitute

I'd been with Julian Sterling, the City's Crown Prince, for five years. But his heart still belonged to his untouchable memory, and he left me all alone in the deep mountain forests.

I never imagined that after all this time, I'd still just be a stand-in.

What I expected even less was to fall into a deliberately set animal trap, struggling fruitlessly.

In the end, it was a rugged, muscular Forester who saved me.

In his simple wooden cabin, I faced Zane Rhodes, who had just stepped out of the shower. I stared at the water droplets clinging to his abs and the smooth, perfect lines of his Adonis belt, swallowing involuntarily.

"I'm hungry. For $500 a month, can I hire you to... keep me fed?"

Later, Julian Sterling frantically led a search and rescue team to find me. After three days and three nights, he stood before me, his eyes bloodshot, demanding I go with him.

But I just draped my arm around Zane Rhodes's broad shoulders and narrow waist, my eyes narrowed as I purred, "I have you to thank for abandoning me. It's the only reason I'm eating so well now."

1

I sat in the vast, empty mansion, a hollow feeling in my heart.

I'd been married to Julian Sterling for years, but he had never loved me. He never even touched me. He would just visit for dinner on a few set days each month.

He transferred money to my account on time every month, and my walk-in closet was lined with walls of every luxury good imaginable.

Sometimes, when he drank too much, he would call out another woman's name. I knew it was his untouchable memory.

After all these years, I was still just a stand-in.

Today was another one of those days he was scheduled to come to this cold, sterile villa for dinner.

I sank limply onto the sofa and picked up a mirror.

I looked at my reflection, slowly stroking my cheek as I studied my face from every angle.

The woman in the mirror had rosy lips and pearly teeth. Even without a trace of makeup, she was beautiful enough to earn praise. I was an undeniable beauty, so why couldn't I find a way into his heart?

I put the mirror down, murmuring to myself, "Just being by his side is enough, isn't it? Isn't this what you wanted?"

'Don't ask for too much. Just let things go on peacefully.'

The door opened. A man in a black suit walked in, still on the phone. His volume was a bit loud, and a soft, gentle voice could be heard from the other end.

The moment he saw me, his expression turned stern, revealing a hint of disgust.

Every time I saw him like this, I found it almost laughable. He was unwilling to be with me properly, yet he wouldn't make a clean break either. We'd been tangled up like this for so many years.

I slowly walked toward him, intending to take his briefcase.

He sidestepped me, his voice so cold it could freeze the entire room.

"Don't bother!"

He moved past me, as if disgusted by my touch.

He never once looked me straight in the eye, but I was already used to it.

He walked to the sofa, took off his watch, and sank onto it lazily, closing his eyes to rest.

I lowered my head, composed myself, and spoke slowly. "Dinner is ready. Come and eat."

"Why aren't you wearing the clothes I bought for you?"

He ignored my words and changed the subject. He didn't even open his eyes to look at me as he spoke, his tone utterly indifferent.

Throughout our marriage, he'd always arranged for exquisite clothes to be sent to me, but I never wore them.

"I don't like them, so I won't wear them!" My voice was cold, numb from countless disappointments.

"Hah. You don't like them? What right do you have to not like them? You'd better get a clear picture of your situation..."

As he said this, he stood up and slowly walked over to me.

He grabbed my throat, glaring at me as he spoke with vicious cruelty, "Having a slight resemblance to her is your good fortune. If you didn't have this face, do you really think you would have everything you do now?"

He abruptly released his grip. I stumbled back a few steps, gasping for air.

The corner of my mouth twitched. I pressed my lips together and stared out the window, trying my best to control my emotions and stop the tears from falling.

But it was no use. My eyes grew moist anyway.

"Julian Sterling! I'm not her, and I can never become her! Wake up!"

My eyes glistened with unshed tears. I looked at him, my gaze filled with a helpless and furious accusation.

I once thought I could slowly move him, that I could find a way into his heart.

But as time went on, I realized that no matter how hard I tried, he would never give me a second glance. In his eyes, I was nothing more than a stand-in.