Chapter 1: Heart Broken

“I’m letting you go, Emily,” he said, pulling her away from his chest and leaning her backward.

“Meaning?” She asked, staring at Edward in confusion.

For a moment, he was quiet then he spoke.

“My Ex-fiance, she's back,” he said, straightening his stance.

The word sounded vague for a moment; she tried to understand it, but she couldn't.

“I don't……could you come again?”

“The woman I was supposed to marry is back.” He spat out, then continued.

“Her name is Natasha Bale. We started dating two years ago, six months ago she left California without saying a word to me. I searched for her, but to no avail. I was supposed to introduce her to my grandparents the week she left. That was why, when your dad made the offer I accepted. I needed someone to replace her, then you came in. I saw her yesterday, and apparently she's pregnant with my child.” He explained without sparing her a glance.

“And you still want her?” Emily asked, her heart racing, scared of hearing the wrong answer.

“I do, I still want her.” He said in a strong voice, as his utterances confirmed her fears.

She pushed away from him, creating a distance between them. It was as if she couldn't breathe properly with the way her heart was palpitating.

“H…he still wants her,” she murmured, her lips slightly parted, as though the reality of the situation was sinking into her.

“I've always wanted her, now that she's expecting my child, I want her more.” He interrupted her.

Silence descended upon them, dragging for almost an eternity as Emily's heart thudded loudly, her stomach was filled with pain she couldn't explain. All along she thought she meant something to this man, only to be dragged to the reality that she was nothing more than a replacement. A face for his fantasies and obsession.

His solution to his family's problem.

How had she fallen into such a messy situation?

“I know you've been amazing, Emily, but right now the woman for me is back, and I'm sure you understand. What we'd was my plan to convince my grandparents that I was worthy to keep the family's legacy both in the business and social world. I needed my grandfather off my back. And so far things have been going well, but with Natasha's return, everything will be perfect. I am letting you go and I have an opportunity to cut the lie and actually get myself a wife and a child, who doesn't have to pretend. A complete family.”

These words struck her heart like daggers piercing into her heart mercilessly and ripping it hard to intensify her hurt. She still couldn't comprehend the fact that the same man she’d thought shared the same feelings and sentiments with her. Had only been using her for his selfish interest, until he could get rid of her.

Ignoring her current state, Edward continued.

“Though the contract stated, you'll be my servant for seven years. I'm ready to pay you for this entire year, even though we've been together for just four months. But on one condition?”

“W…what will that be?” She asked as her voice trembled.

“That you'll never show your face in this city again. I wouldn't want any disruption to the relationship I intend to build with Natasha. I also cannot risk my family finding out the truth about us. By tomorrow, I'll make arrangements to drive you to the airport, and for your payment, you will receive it before morning.”

As he spoke, Emily couldn't see the man she'd fallen in love with. She was confused, the only man she could see was the cold billionaire she'd met four months ago.

“You're paying me to move out of the city just to hide your dirty secret?” She spat in rage, allowing her anger to get the best of her but Edward wasn't moved.

“Yes Emily, I've got a reputation to protect, and I am not ready to lose this opportunity of getting a complete family.”

These words broke Emily more, her heart fell, and a gasp escaped her lips.

“W..why do…” she bit down her lips, swallowing her words, holding on to the last of pride.

Could she really blame him for it? She was the one who accepted being his slave to clear her father's debt, and they signed a contract. What was she expecting from it, after all he owned her. She was in debt settlement, and falling for him was never part of the contract. She should have known better.

Emily rose to her feet, deciding she wouldn't spend any more time with him.

“It's okay. I'll await the payment but I'm leaving tonight.”

Not that she expected a response but his silence hurt more than his words. She left the living room heading towards the bedroom, to pack her things. The urge to let the tears choking her fall was a lot to hold but she told herself he wasn't worth it.

As she stepped into the bedroom, she slammed the door behind her. Her back leaned against the door for a while, then she collapsed to the floor.

She couldn't hold her tears anymore.

“H....he said I was just a replacement,” she murmured to herself, sobbing.

“Just when I thought I was fortunate, fate proved me wrong,” she said, still muttering to herself.

After a while, she stood up from the floor and walked towards the closet. She opened the closet, staring at her clothes, shoes, and jewelry, and how neatly arranged they were. They were all expensive designers bought by Edward.

She stared at them for some time, then she chuckled bitterly. “So this was my price for being a dirty secret...wow,” she said to herself. She pulled out her suitcase and started to arrange her things.

As she packed each item, it took her down memory lane. The red body con sequin gown he insisted she wear to a dinner party. The peach gown was designed by Donna Karan herself. Her closets were all filled with dresses by top designers including Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren. Her shoes and bags were from Jimmy Choo, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and three Michael Kors bags sat pretty in her closet. Her jewelry was mostly Cartier and Tiffany & Co.

Immediately she was done packing, she wiped every trace of tears from her face.

If Edward wants her to leave the city, then she will. She stepped out of the bedroom and stepped down to the living room. “It's been four months and it seems like I've lived half of my life here,” she whispered to herself, staring at every corner.

Edward was sitting on the couch calm. He sat composed, as if the conversation they had just had meant nothing.

For a minute she thought he would stand up and stop her, but he was silent. This pierced Emily's heart again.

Emily tightened her hold on her suitcase handle, stepping towards the door.

That door was not just an exit to the house, it was also an exit to everything she foolishly believed in. As she got to the door, she held the handle about to open the door.

“Wait, don't leave!” Edward screamed abruptly.