All Chapters of From Their Stand-in to Center of His Universe: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

8 Chapters

Chapter 1

With a sharp crash, a gust of wind shattered a tiny attic window and rained glass panes near my feet.It was pitch-dark up here in the attic, while the air was damp and bitterly cold. Panic gripped me as I pounded my fists against the iron door."Cole, Finn! I can't stay here any longer, please… Please let me out… I'm going to die in here…"Shivering in the cold, I wore nothing but a thin party dress. The shards of glass scattered all around my feet cut into my skin.As I slammed on the cold iron door, my hands throbbed in pain, but my desperate, fearful pleas did nothing other than fuel waves of mocking laughter."She won't die! Three days won't kill her!""Say… How long will she last? Wanna place your bets?"The sound of footsteps faded away, and they took my last shred of hope with them. Through the only tiny window in the attic, I saw Zoey Hart's birthday party in full swing below. The two men who usually treated me like the apple of their eyes stood by her side. Cole Mitc

Chapter 2

Though the ward was warm and bright, just the thought of what I'd been through sent my body shaking and seeping cold sweat.There was a sudden commotion outside before Cole and Finn stepped in through the door.From behind them, Zoey peeked out and said, "I never knew you were so afraid of the dark, and was this weak, Ms. Fletcher. If I'd known, I would never have dragged them into that bet. "Now, I've arranged the best doctors for you and promise there won't be any complications!"My body was still weak from the fever. My head felt heavy, and even speaking felt like too much effort, so I turned my face away. To them, it looked like I refused to forgive her.Cole coldly said, "Don't throw a tantrum. Have you forgotten what I taught you?"Zoey has sincerely apologized, yet you haven't said a single word. Don't forget your place."What was my place, really? I'd almost frozen to death in that attic, and to him, it was nothing but me being difficult. Was this the same Cole I knew?

Chapter 3

Finn's expression was dark, and his voice sounded terrifyingly cold. Fighting back tears, I clenched my fingers tight around the bedsheet. My throat felt strangled, and I could barely get a word out.He frustratedly rubbed his temples and murmured, "I barely even recognize you anymore, Emma."How could he not?I remembered the first time I stepped into one of those grand ballrooms, and how Cole had formally introduced me as his sister to a hall of distinguished guests.The news that Cole, who was the CEO of Mitchell Corporation, suddenly had a mysterious new sister, erupted like a bombshell. Whispers drowned me, and I felt small and completely lost. That was until Finn took the first step forward to clink my glass amidst the hushed debates."Why does Cole get to have such a pretty, adorable little sister? Stick with me, Em. I'm way more fun to hang out with than Mr. Stoneface Cole!"He'd been the first elite to accept me, other than Cole, and the first guy to give me a nickname

Chapter 4

Cole and Finn's point-of-view.The day Emma Fletcher was discharged from the hospital, the butler said she'd come home briefly before leaving in a hurry. Cole and Finn had taken turns calling her all day, but none of their calls went through.As the two of them sat across from each other on the couch, Finn tossed his phone onto the table and snapped, "What's the point of having a phone if she never picks up? Did she learn that habit from you?"Cole lit a cigar and exhaled a thin trail of smoke. "We both know who spoiled her."Just then, Zoey urgently burst out of her room. "My emerald necklace and pink crystal tiara are missing!"She shot the housekeeper a look, and the latter stepped forward at once. "Mr. Mitchell, a few of your paintings in the study are gone, too. There are other valuables missing from the house as well."Upon hearing that, Cole frowned. "Why are we paying y'all if you can't even watch over the house? What happened?" Huffing, Zoey stepped forward. "This isn'

Chapter 5

Emma's point-of-view.After leaving Vallermoore, I found a front desk job at an inn in Reedybrook. The locals here were friendly, and the owner was kind. He provided free meals and lodging, so I had enough money to live and even saved up a little. That was more than I'd ever hoped for.Through this job, I got to meet people from everywhere and chat with every customer checking into the inn. For the quiet ones, I'd kindly slip them extra toiletries and hand them a guide I made myself.Slowly, I settled into this small, quiet place and soon forgot about the unpleasant memories in Vallermoore. But life never let me stay untouched for long. Every time I thought I was safe and just a step away from happiness, someone always came to break that fragile calm.…At dusk, the door to the inn swung open."Hello, are you looking for a room?" I called out.Then, a sharp wave of alcohol hit me. Wrinkling my nose, I looked up at the person who'd just entered, only to feel a cold, creeping

Chapter 6

Noticing how stiff I looked, Declan frowned. "Do you know each other?"Cole and I answered at the same time."No.""Of course."My cold denial clearly infuriated Cole because he stormed up to me and snapped, "You don't know me, Emma? The man who saved you from your abusive dad?"The scene felt so suffocating that I ignored the stares and bolted out the door. Cole tried to follow, but Declan stepped into his path.I thought I'd finally let go. But seeing Cole and Finn together sent memories of those three days in the attic rushing back into my mind.I reminded myself that all I felt for them now was the bitter sting and fear from when they'd left me trapped and unwanted in the attic. And soon, even those emotions would fade to nothing. When I returned to the inn, their meeting was over.Cole returned to his usual calmness and asked, "Shall we talk?"I glanced at Declan and gave him a small, reassuring nod. He hadn't left and stayed outside the door on a call, but his eyes staye

Chapter 7

That answer was obviously Zoey's final straw. Her resentful, vicious eyes scanned through the few people shielding me and locked onto me for a few seconds before she ran out, crying.Cole stayed where he was. "Alright, Emma. I choose you, and I love you. Now, come back with me."I almost laughed at his words. "Who you choose doesn't matter to me anymore, Cole. I'll say it one last time: we have nothing to do with each other. Now leave Reedybrook! You're not welcome here!"Declan pulled me behind him and coldly chimed in, "Didn't you hear what she said, Mr. Mitchell? Bothering a lovely lady isn't very gentlemanly."Cole's eyes flickered between me and Declan. "Are you refusing to come home for him?"I lifted Declan's hand in mine and gave him my silent answer. "The door's right there. Please help yourself out!"After Cole and Finn left, Declan and I were the only ones in the lobby. I was trying to find the right words when he spoke up. "Are you going to say thank you again?"I fi

Chapter 8

Just when I thought I'd be crushed under those tires, two figures appeared out of nowhere. Someone shoved me aside to safety, and I heard a terrible, gut-wrenching scream.Then, Cole's face entered my sight. He looked disheveled and battered as he asked, "Emma, are you okay?"I nodded, and behind him, I saw Declan rushing over with a group of men. He pulled me straight into his arms and repeatedly murmured, "I'm sorry I'm late, Emma."He had doctors and cops with him. One of the doctors started checking me from head to toe and made sure I was alright. Meanwhile, the cops arrested the driver without giving her a chance to resist.It was Zoey. Her hair was a mess as she was dragged out of the car, looking nothing like the elegant socialite she used to be."Emma, why didn't you die? If you were dead, Cole and Finn would only have me! They'd have no choice but to love only me! Why did you two stop me?"Finn, I didn't mean to hit you! It's all Emma's fault, that bitch!"I could feel

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