Chapter 2

Realizing my lapse, I immediately apologized.

Looking up into Alexander's uncomfortable eyes, I stiffly controlled my inexpressible emotions.

"Anya, about what happened before, I apologize to you."

"I should find another law firm for this case. I've bothered you enough."

He stood up, just about to reach for the documents on the table.

Quick as a flash, I pressed down on them.

"Oh, don't be silly, Mr. Blackwood."

"Didn't you used to tell me often not to let emotions affect work? I'm sure you've researched it; my firm is the top in the industry. Entrusting it to us is the most reliable choice."

"Don't worry, I'll handle this strictly professionally for you."

I stared directly into Alexander's eyes.

These eyes, now tired, withered, even utterly defeated.

But eight years ago, it was these same eyes, sharp as blades, that flayed me alive.

My relationship with him, actually, I had pursued it.

For a girl from a small town with nothing but her looks, landing a wealthy, eligible bachelor like him was the best possible outcome.

Not to mention, Alexander had a handsome face and a great physique. Noble and reserved, he was even more attractive than a movie star.

In the private club room, one girl after another was sent in and then dismissed. Only I, he chose me to stay.

The reason was simple: I was the most like Seraphina.

I had done my homework long ago – the same mole, the same hairstyle, the same white dress.

Even the curve of my smile, I practiced it again and again, mimicking Seraphina's photos.

He took me home and methodically signed a contract with me.

A three-year term. I would be his secret lover, and he would pay me a monthly salary.

He told me I was just his distraction, warning me not to harbor any ulterior motives, just to stay by his side obediently.

I looked at that long string of zeros on the contract, so delighted I could barely hold the pen steady.

Three years. With that much money, I would have enough to start a new life.

I was too naive then, not understanding what kind of nightmare awaited me.

From that day on, I began diligently acting as a stand-in.

Seraphina, at the time, was dead set on pursuing her art and wandering the world with a painter.

She promised Alexander that if things didn't work out after three years, she would return and marry him.

So Alexander signed the contract with me, knowing that after three years, he wouldn't need my comfort anymore.

I thought, "Isn't it just learning to impersonate someone?" It seemed so straightforward.

But I never expected the first thing Alexander made me learn was being sent to a private cosmetic surgery clinic.

"To be like her, it couldn't just be about external appearances."

"You're my lover, you have your purpose. I want you to be like her in every aspect."

The anesthesia took effect. I could only feel the knife moving back and forth over my body.

I shouldn't have felt pain, yet tears kept falling.

Humiliation, pain, helplessness, until after the surgery, Alexander meticulously inspected and compared.

"It's perfect."

From then on, he became increasingly obsessed with me. Often, I wouldn't leave the bed for days and nights.

I told myself repeatedly that he and I were just a contract.

But so many years have passed, and those marks are like brands, indelible on my skin.

It took me five years to truly let go.

Sitting here now, with such a brilliant life, I think perhaps I should thank him.

He stood frozen, as if unsure how to react, the thick stack of documents still pinned to the table by my hand.

I tilted my head slightly.

"Mr. Blackwood, my being here today owes something to your support as well."

"I will do my utmost to win this case for you. Trust me."