The Savage Heiress Quits as the CEO’s Stand-In Wife

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Only one week left, Dad, until the three-year mark. Ill have Larkin sign the papers soon. Once were divorced, Ill be gone.

Dionne had known since the moment she married Larkin Jablonski three years ago that this day would come. She just didnt expect it to come so soon.

Then again, he had never loved her, even just once. The woman he truly loved was Farrah Willoughbyher sister.

Foster, her father, glanced at the divorce agreement. The corners of his mouth curled in satisfaction as he sneered.

Larkin was always meant to be with Farrah. She just left for Melbourne a few years ago, and we let you take her place to avoid unnecessary trouble. Now, shes back, and its time you step aside.

Hearing those cruel words from her fathers mouth made her heart cold.

Apparently, that was what real family meant. Just because Farrah was the biological daughter, they used Dionne until they no longer needed her.

That gap between the two had never been clearer than it was a month agowhen Larkins fiercest rival kidnapped the two Willoughbys daughters.

Up in the sky, thirty-three thousand feet above the ground, there was only one parachute.

Without hesitation, Larkin gave it to Farrah.

And Dionne? She was thrown straight into the sea.

She wouldve died if not for Brixton Hemsley, the wealthiest man in Vermont, who happened to rescue her at the last moment.

It was from that moment on that she truly woke up.

A man who didnt even care whether she lived or diedwhat was the point in holding onto him?

Seeing her not reacting, Foster frowned. Despite everything, Ive raised you like my own, Dionne. To compensate you, once you leave, Ill give you a modest flat in the suburbs and ten grand.

He said it as though bestowing great charity, as if those meager offerings were some grand reward.

Dionnes reply came out flat. Keep it. I wont take a single thing from the Willoughbys.

I know youve always been proud, but youre not my real daughter, Dionne. The fact that Im even offering you this much is already generous. You shouldnt be greedy.

Her father narrowed his eyes. Not a hint of fatherly love could be seen in his gaze, only unwavering calculation.

Dont worry, Dad, she said calmly. The day I leave Larkin will also be the day I cut all ties with all of you.

She had always been just the adopted daughter, anyway.

Back when Farrah disappeared, her mother fell into depression. The family only adopted Dionne to give Fosters wife something to cling to.

At first, the foster parents treated Dionne kindly, pouring all their guilt for losing their biological daughter into her.

But that changed a year after she was adopted; the real daughter came back.

For the sake of their reputation, the family didnt send Dionne away.

The first few years passed in relative peace. But starting in the third year, Farrah began to bully her in every way possible, even going so far as to frame her for theft.

In the grandest villa, Dionne lived yet did the lowest of chores.

More than an adopted daughter, she was treated like an unpaid maid.

Seeing her stand so firm, Foster scoffed. Fine. Lets see if you survive once youre out of my villa!

Hearing those words, Dionne let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Six months ago, her birth parents had found her. They were from the most powerful family in Montpelierand she was their only heir.

Back then, shed turned them down.

It wasnt until half a month ago that she finally contacted them, agreeing to come home and inherit the family legacy.

Compared to what they owned, the Willoughbys so-called wealth wasnt even worth mentioning.

Finally, Dionne stood and walked toward the door, leaving just one line before heading downstairs.

Dont worry, Dad. Ill live a life far better than yours.

But just as she reached the staircase, she heard faint sounds coming from the guest bedroom next door. The door was slightly ajar, and from within came the muffled gasps of a woman and the low grunts of a man.

Dionne had already guessed the truth, but seeing it with her own eyes still made her chest tighten with pain.

Larkin, for you, who makes you happierme or my sister? came a coy, flirtatious voice.

His voice was rough and breathless. Of course, its you. This kind of thing only feels right with the one I truly love.

You know Ive only ever loved you, Farrah, he reassured the woman on top of him. Your sisters always been just your stand-in.

Each word from him was like a blade stabbing into her heart.

They didnt kill her, but they cut deep.

Her blood seemed to freeze. She nearly stumbled where she stood until Farrahs voice came out.

Oh no My sisters outside. Ill never be able to face her again!

Larkin yanked the sheets around Farrah and snarled toward the doorway, Get lost!

Eyes red, Dionne turned and ran into the back garden.

She had loved Larkin for ten years.

Even knowing he didnt love her back, she had still been willing to marry him.

Even when he proposed a secret marriage, she had agreed.

For three years, she was his secretary by day and his hidden wife by night, living entirely in the shadows.

As long as I give enough of my love she convinced herself for three years, hell love me back one day.

But after three years of silent devotion, all she got from him was the label stand-in.

She sat down on the ground, crying and laughing at the same time, completely drained.

She laughed at her younger selffor being so painfully naive.

She laughed at Larkinfor being an even bigger fool. Farrah had only come back to him because shed had her fun and needed someone to pick up the pieces. Yet he thought she was a treasure.

Dionne didnt know how long she slumped there. At some point, she just pulled out her phone and dialed the number of the man who had once saved her life.

Mr. Hemsley, she said calmly, didnt you say back then that you liked me? Well, Im getting divorced in seven days. Do you have the guts to marry me then?

There was a pause on the other endlong enough to tell Dionne Brixton was caught off guard.

Thinking shed crossed a line, she offered a polite apology. That was presumptuous of me. If youre not interested, Mr. Hemsley, forget I said anything.

His voice came through after a few seconds, low and hoarse. What made you suddenly change your mind, Dionne? You turned me down just two weeks ago.

She drew in a deep breath, her eyes drifting toward the bedroom on the second floor.

I couldnt tell the difference between a man and an asshole back then. Well, now I can.

The sound of a lighter flicking was clearly audible from the phone, followed by a soft chuckle from Brixton.

All right. Ill pick you up in a week. Once you get the divorce certificate, well get married.

Dionne hummed in agreement, then added calmly, I heard you own fifty percent of the Jablonski Holdings. I want that fifty percent stake.

She had just opened her mouth to say she could offer something in return when the man agreed without hesitation.

Deal. In fact, you can have not just fifty percent of that. Ill give you full control over half of everything else I own.

She hadnt expected him to be so generous. Before she could even recover from the surprise, he had already hung up.

Around midnight, just as she had fallen asleep, Larkin came home.

The overpowering scent of perfume hit her before he did, making her stomach churn with nausea.

Frowning, she tried to push him away, but he only tightened his grip and softened his tone.

Come on, dont be mad anymore. I lost control earlier, thats all.

He paused then reasoned, You know how it is. Ive loved Farrah for years. We almost got married, remember? Theres just always something inexplicable between a man and his first love.

Yeah, I slept with her, he admitted. Then, he coaxed her, But youre still my wife.

Still, she wouldnt look at him. When he spoke again, his voice was tightened with a hint of impatience.

Come on, Dionne. You love me. Youll understand. Wont you?

Dionne felt her heart freeze, inch by inch.

Her husband had slept with her own sister. And now he expected her to understand. Understand his affair?

She swallowed her disgust and pushed him away, her face devoid of emotion.

I dont mind.

After all, she didnt love him anymore. Nothing he did could hurt her now.

Those two words stunned Larkin.

He knew how absurd his excuse was and had already prepared several justifications.

But all of them were rendered useless by that one lineI dont mind.

Facing Dionnes indifferent gaze, Larkin quickly gave himself an answer.

Shes head over heels for me. No matter what I do, she will always forgive me.

Relief softened his features. He smiled at her, and then he said, I knew you were the most understanding one.

As if remembering an errand, he added, Oh, and tomorrows Farrahs birthday. Make sure to come. Cant have people talking.

At that, Dionne gave a cold laugh, only on the inside.

She had been an orphan, her birthdate unknown, so the family had assigned her the same birthday as Farrah.

But in all these years, not once had she truly celebrated it.

She was ready to refuse, but seeing her open her lips, Larkin added, Its your dads request.

The next day, at the birthday party, the entire villa was lit up like daylight. The guests in attendance were all elite figures in the business world.

With Jablonski Holdings now at its prime in Manchester, everyone raised their wine glass and greeted Larkin.

Having been his secretary for three years, Dionne had no choice but to stand by his side.

A wealthy oil magnate passed by toasting his glass with Larkin. Congratulations, Mr. Jablonski. I heard about the good newsyoure marrying the Willoughbys daughter. But they have two daughters, so which ones the lucky bride?

Suddenly, Dionnes heart leapt into her throat. In all our years of marriage, hes never once acknowledged me in public. Would he now?

Everyone turned to look at Larkin, waiting.

Before Larkin could speak, Farrah stepped forward, linking her arm through his and smiling sweetly.

Larkin and I grew up together. Some things dont need to be spelled out, right?

Larkin smiled and agreed, Of course. Whatever Farrah says is right.

He didnt deny it.

A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd, with a few voices laced with mockery.

Dang, the real daughter and the adopted one really are worlds apart. Look at Dionneshe worked for free as his secretary for three years, and she still doesnt get to be his wife.

What do you expect? Shes just an adopted girl. If the Willoughbys hadnt taken her in, who knows where shed beprobably begging on the street!

Every word cut into Dionne like ice, chilling her to the bone.

But maybe shed heard it all too many timesshe didnt even feel sad anymore.

The guests surrounded Farrah, showering her with birthday gifts and attention, making her the star of the night.

Meanwhile, Dionne slipped away to the rooftop to get some air.

Just hang in there a little longer, she told herself. Once everything is settled, I can leave for good.

She was so lost in thought she didnt hear the clunk of heels approaching from behind her.

Dionne, Farrah called sweetly, holding a gift box. You havent gotten anything tonight, have you? Here. Let me give you something special.

Dionne opened her mouth to refuse, but Farrah had already lifted the lid.

What lay inside made Dionnes face go pale instantly.

It was a pair of lacy lingerie and a used box of condoms Farrah and Larkin had used from the night before.

Try wearing my lingerie, girl. Maybe then Larkin will love you a little more.

Farrah taunted Dionne with a smirk.

Honestly, I do feel sorry for you. In this family, youre just my stand-in. And to Larkin?

She gave a cruel laugh. You dont really even count as that. If I were you, I wouldve left a long time ago.

Did you know? She leaned in, as if to share a secret. Larkin never runs out of energy when hes with me. But

Dionne couldnt take it anymore. Her hand shot out, knocking the gift box clean from Farrahs hands.

Thats enough. Know your place, Farrah. Im still Larkins wife. And if you provoke me again, she warned, Ill take that trash downstairs and show all those guests exactly what kind of woman you areflirting with your sisters husband!

The words had barely left her lips when Farrah suddenly stumbled back, falling to the stairs and dramatically sobbing.

Im sorry, Dionne! she wailed. I wont go near Larkin again! If you really hate me that much, Ill buy a plane ticket right now and leave the states. Ill never come back and bother you again!

Footsteps pounded toward them. Larkin arrived first, barely sparing Dionne a glance before dropping to his knees and gathering Farrah into his arms.

Seconds later, Foster burst in. He didnt ask a single question. The slap came fast and hard.

Dionne! he roared. Farrah is my real daughter! You better remember your place! Touch her again, and Ill pretend I never adopted you!

Her ears were ringing from the blow. She turned to look at her father, and with trembling lips, she said, word by word, She started it. She was the one who

Thats enough, Larkin interrupted with a frown. We all know what kind of person Farrah is. Shed never pick a fight with you without a reason. You mustve done something!

I know youre upset because I didnt acknowledge you publicly tonight, he added. But we agreed to a secret marriage from the start, so why are you making a scene now?

He shook his head. Youve really disappointed me, Dionne.

Youre not going home tonight, he said with finality. Stay here. Reflect on your actions.

With that, Larkin left the rooftop, still carrying Farrah in his arms.

Dionne clutched her chest tightly, fighting back tears. She rushed after them, desperate to explain. But just as she reached the door, it was slammed shut with a loud bang.

The edge caught her hand.

A white-hot flash of pain exploded through her body. The force dropped her to her knees.

Blood streamed freely from a deep gash across the back of her hand, pooling fast on the tiled floor. Her entire body trembled, her muscles seizing from the pain.

It was at that moment she realizedwhen pain reached its peak, a person couldnt even scream.

She slumped against the wall, tears streaming down her face as she whispered over and over, Larkin This time, were really done.

Seeing the pool of blood, the housekeeper took Dionne to the hospital.

The doctor offered anesthesia before stitching her hand up, but she refused.

She needed to remember this painonly then would she truly learn her lesson.

It took more than a dozen stitches to close the wound. The doctor warned her to rest or risk permanent scarring.

Since there was already a sign of infection, they advised her to stay overnight for observation.

At 11:55 that night, her phone rang.

It was Brixton.

Hey, happy birthday.

At once, her nose stung and her voice went hoarse.

Thanks. Youre the only one who remembered to greet me.

You sound off. Were you crying? Brixton asked, the concern evident in his tone. Did someone hurt you? Tell me who.

Hearing his words warmed Dionnes heart. He was the only one who cared about her that night.

Forcing her emotions down, she replied, No, I was just watching a sad movie. Got emotional.

There was a short silence on the line, like he didnt quite believe her, but he didnt press further.

Alright. Try not to stay up watching stuff like that. Its bad for your eyes.

I got you a birthday gift, he added. Ill bring it when I come to pick you up.

And hey, remember, if someones hurting you, you dont have to endure it. Tell me. Ill get revenge for you, he promised.

For a brief moment, she recalled how Larkin used to say the same thing to her.

But that was long forgotten now.

She forced a smile. Alright. Its getting late. You should get some rest.

After the call ended, for reasons she couldnt explain, she fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

It was as if the pain wasnt so unbearable anymore.

The next morning, the first thing she did after waking up was to find a lawyer to draft the divorce papers.

Dionne brought two documents with her to the company.

Larkins gaze dropped to her hand, gripped tight around her bag. His brows drew together.

What happened to your hand? He barely waited before letting out a scoff. You hurt yourself? Just because I said a few words to you last night, youre using self-harm to go against me?

So he didnt even know its his fault, Dionne realized. Of course, its not surprising. As long as Farrahs around, hell never pay me attention.

Dionne didnt want to explain. Its nothing. I just accidentally cut myself, she said casually.

Larkin wasnt stupid. How could such a deep wound be just an accident?

Before he could question her further, she pulled out two documents.

There are two contracts. Please sign them, President Jablonski.

His frown deepened.

When it was the only two of them, she never called him so formally like President Jablonski.

Annoyance flickered in his eyes as he reached for the papers, but before he could even read through the content, his phone lit up. It was Farrah.

He answered, exchanged a few words, then grabbed his coat and stood. Ive got something to do. Well talk about the contracts later.

But Dionne wouldnt let him go. She pressed a pen into his palm, insisting, These are urgent. They need to be signed now.

She flipped straight to the last page and laid them out in front of him.

When Farrahs call came through again, Dionnes fist clenched slightly. Sign them, then you can leave.

Larkin thought that Dionne was being a little unreasonable, but with a frown, he still signed his name. Happy now? he said sarcastically.

With both copies now signed by him, Dionne took a deep breath and nodded. Yes.

He turned to leave but paused at the doorway, announcing, Farrahs coming home for dinner. Shes very picky, so make sure you make a few of her favorite dishes.

He didnt look at her as he continued, I talked to her about last night. Shes kind enough not to hold it against you anymore. Dont keep dragging things out.

Youre the older sister, Dionne, he reminded her. Making a meal can count as an apology.

With that, he walked out of the office without looking back.

Dionne lowered her eyes to her hand wrapped thickly in gauze and let out a self-mocking smile.

Even when the damage was staring him in the face, she thought, he still expected me to compromise for Farrahs sake.

That evening, Larkin came home with Farrah.

As soon as they entered, he smelled something burning and rushed to the backyard, where he found Dionne setting things on fire.

What are you burning?

As he got closer, he recognized themgifts he had given her over the years.

Dionne had treasured those things.

Once, a maid had damaged one by accident during cleaning, and she had thrown a huge fit about it.

Now, she was setting them all on fire.

His composure cracked. He kicked the firepit, his voice cold. What is the meaning of this?

Dionne calmly replied, Theres no space left in the house anymore, so Im burning a few things.

Did you forget? she continued. You called earlier, saying Farrah was moving in. You told me to clear out a room.

All the accusations he was about to hurl got stuck in his throat.

The excuse sounded perfectly reasonable, but Larkin still felt stifled in his chest.

Farrah clung to his arm and said sweetly, Larkin, I really do have a lot of stuff. Its just some old clothes anyway. If theyre burned, theyre burned.

Larkins eyes flickered. Fine. Burned or not, theyre nothing important anyway.

And with that, he turned and walked back inside the villa.

Dionne looked at the ashes of what used to be her memories and curled her lips into a faint smile.

Right. They werent anything important. If theyre gone, then theyre gone.

In the dining room, Larkin frowned again when he saw no food on the table.

Didnt I tell you Farrah would be home for dinner? Why didnt you make anything?

Dionne met his gaze, then slowly raised her hand wrapped in thick gauze. I cant, she said flatly.

For a brief second, Larkin actually felt a flicker of guilt.

He had forgotten that she was injured.

Before that guilt could settle, Farrah tugged on his arm and suggested, Larkin, since my sister didnt make anything, why dont we eat out instead?

Dionne didnt want to see them flaunting their intimacy in front of her any longer; she turned and went upstairs.

After a shower, she got a call from Brixton.

He was planning aheadfinalizing wedding arrangementsand wanted to know what kind of venue she preferred.

After spending three years with Larkin being the wife nobody knew about, she had never dared to even dream of a wedding.

She had always thought she wasnt worthy of one.

But Brixton so easily gave her the sense of security shed longed for.

Dionne paused, contemplating. After a moment, she answered, By the beach. I want a beach wedding.

Just then, Larkin happened to pass by her door. He barged straight in.

What wedding?

Dionne hung up the phone and acted as if nothing had happened.

A friends wedding, she lied.

Larkin felt she had been acting strangely lately. Narrowing his eyes, he questioned her, Which friend is getting married? How come I havent heard anything about it?

Dionne met his gaze head-on and raised an eyebrow. Since when have you ever cared about anything going on in my life?

For a moment, Larkin was left speechless by her retort.

Seeing him at a loss for words, Dionne sneered inwardly and said calmly, Its getting late. You should get some rest now.

Normally, Larkin wouldve left it at that. But this time, he didnt go.

Instead, he stepped closer, trapping her by the waist. His tone was unreadable when he said, Didnt you always want a child? Ill make it up to you this time.

There had been a time when those words wouldve made her heart race because she used to want to tie him down with a child.

But now, all she wanted was to leave him and take nothing that tied her to him.

Lets talk about it another time. Im not in the mood for that tonight.

Larkin had already lowered himself to say this much for her, and her coldness enraged him even more.

In his eyes, she was just making a fuss.

He let go of her with a scoff. Suit yourself.

After he left, Dionne took another shower, scrubbing every spot he had touched.

The next day, she went to the company; there was still a lot of stuff she needed to take care of.

But she hadnt even stepped into the building when a crowd suddenly swarmed her, throwing eggs and vegetable leaves at her.

Thats her! Dionnethe adopted daughter who dared to plagiarize the real heiresss work! She even signed her own name! How shameless!

And thats not all! Shes also a homewrecker! Everyone knows the Jablonski CEO is going to marry Miss Farrah, but this woman keeps clinging to him like a leech! If thats not seduction, what is?

Ive got a juicy scoop! This morning, I saw her walking out of the Jablonskis family villa. She definitely is the other woman! What a slut!

You filthy bitch! The Willoughbys took you in, and this is how you repay them? Seducing the real daughters fianc? You deserve to be beaten to death!

Covered in eggs and filth, Dionne screamed, I didnt plagiarize anything! Im not a homewrecker either!

Just then, the screen on the building across the street lit up, playing a video of the CEO.

The artwork in question was indeed plagiarized by Dionne from her sister Farrah. But this is her first offense, so I hope the public can forgive her just this once.

The words echoed like a death sentence.

In an instant, every word of defense Dionne had tried to utter collapsed into meaningless noiseshe had no way to defend her name.

When she went back home, Larkin frowned at the state she was in.

Why were those people so brutal? What happened to your hand? Did someone splash acid on you?

For the first time ever, he looked genuinely concerned.

But Dionne just yanked her arm away and sneered, Isnt this exactly what you shouldve expected?

She laughed bitterly. Youre the one who publicly told the world I plagiarized Farrah.

I spent three years painting that piece, Larkin. Three years. The inspiration behind it came from my love for you. And you her voice cracked. Did you feel no guilt at all, standing there on that screen and telling that lie?

Larkin. Her gaze locked on him. When you called me a plagiarist, did your heart ache even a little?

Every word struck hard and Larkins fists clenched tighter and tighter.

But he tried to console her.

I know youve been wronged, Dionne. But Farrah is the Willoughbys rightful daughter. She cant let a scandal like plagiarism to stain her name.

Dont worry. Just give it time, he advised, trying to sound reassuring. The internet will forget about all of this eventually. And with me supporting you, you dont even need to go to work.

Dionne, Ill make it up to you, he promised, his voice edged with a condition. But tonight is Farrahs award ceremony. Its the most important moment of her life. I cant miss it.

He stepped toward the door then glanced back. Stay home like a good girl, alright? Ill come make it up to you later.

With that, the door closed behind him.

Dionne sank to the floor, laughing and crying at the same time.

That was the man she had loved for so many years?!

With unsteady hands, she dialed Brixtons number.

Forget waiting a week, she said. I want you to come pick me up right now.

There wasnt a moment of hesitation on the other end. Alright.

Half an hour later, Dionne placed the divorce papers and resignation letter right on the center of the dining table.

She took nothing but her ID, along with years worth of sketches.

Neither Larkin nor Farrah knew that each of her paintings had gone through hundreds of drafts.

Those drafts were enough to crush them both.

With that, she tossed away the keys to the villa and, without glancing back, she stepped outside.

On the runway nearby, the helicopter slowly landed.

Backlit by the sunset, Brixton walked toward her.

Im here to take you away, Dionne. Every injustice youve suffered Ill make sure theyll pay for it.