Chapter 4
A stand-in would always just be a stand-in. Never the real thing.
I met Julian during my freshman year of college. The moment he saw me, he claimed it was love at first sight. I thought he was just another smooth-talking player.
Yet he pursued me relentlessly for over a year before I finally caved and said yes.
He treated me with incredible tenderness.
He took care of every little detail of my life.
In our junior year, his first business venture failed. I stayed by his side, helping him get back on his feet.
He would cup my face in his hands, softly whispering, "Anne, my sweet Anne..."
He swore he would cherish me forever, that we would never part.
Looking back now, every time he drunkenly whispered that name into my ear, staring at my face, he wasn't looking at me at all.
He was looking for Anna Vance.
Later, he was scouted by a talent agency.
With his stunning looks and undeniable talent, he skyrocketed into stardom, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after leading men in the country.
He kept using his rising career as an excuse to keep me hidden in the shadows, never introducing me to anyone.
Only now did I realize it wasn't that his inner circle didn't know about me.
They all knew. They just pretended not to.
Everyone knew he had an unforgettable first love, and that I was merely her cheaper replica.
In the end, I was just an idiot.
But thankfully, it wasn't too late to walk away.
The moment my car pulled out of the driveway, my phone chimed with a text from Julian.
[Babe, I know you feel wronged. But there might be press or industry people around, so I had to let her talk like that.]
[I'll arrange a new luxury villa for you right away. I'll pick you up tonight, okay?]
I could practically see his face as he typed those words.
Did he really take me for a brainless fool?
Someone who would swallow his pathetic, insulting lies forever?
I blocked his number and deleted him from every platform, then instructed the driver to take me to my own villa.
It was a property my parents had bought for me years ago. I rarely stayed there because I had chosen to live with Julian.
The housekeeper and staff kept it immaculate, so I could move in immediately without lifting a finger.
The very next day after my return, my parents introduced me to my arranged marriage partner.
His name was Vincent Sterling.
Tall, poised, and devastatingly handsome, he possessed a pair of deep, captivating eyes that looked like they held endless devotion for whatever caught his gaze.
He was an absolute gentleman. Every interaction with him was effortless and comfortable, and I found myself genuinely enjoying his company.
My parents, terrified that I was unhappy, handed me an unlimited black card, begging me to buy whatever my heart desired.
To them, I had suffered nine years of deprivation living in hiding. They wanted to shower me with every luxury to make up for lost time.
I was happy to be back in their warm embrace.
Over the next three months, Vincent and I grew closer. Eventually, he made his intentions clear—he wanted to build a real future together and marry me.
I said yes.
He was kind, attentive, and leagues better than Julian in every conceivable way. I had zero reasons to refuse.
So, we threw an extravagant engagement gala.
Vincent had an internationally renowned designer tailor a one-of-a-kind gown just for me, and he booked an entire five-star private resort for the occasion.
The official Sterling Group Ins account even posted a formal announcement about our upcoming nuptials.
The news of the billionaire CEO of Sterling Group marrying the heiress of the Hayes family exploded across social media.
It instantly overshadowed the PR buzz surrounding Julian Chase and Anna Vance’s rumored engagement.
Vincent even launched a five-million-dollar celebratory giveaway on Ins.
Anyone who left a congratulatory message was entered to win.
Within hours, the internet went into a complete frenzy!
Meanwhile, Julian, staring at his phone screen on the other side of town, went completely pale.
"What?! How could Anne be marrying someone else?!"