Alle Kapitel von Fake Death of the Stand-In Ex-Wife : Kapitel 11 – Kapitel 20

TobiasThe heavy navy-blue folder lay on the polished mahogany surface between us, framed by the warm, flickering light of the dining room chandelier. It contained a comprehensive breakdown from my personal attorney regarding our prenuptial agreement, asset divisions, and the legal framework for a formal, quiet marital separation.They weren't divorce papers. Not yet. I had instructed my lawyer to prepare the terms for a trial separation—a controlled, dignified arrangement that would give us space without creating an immediate media spectacle or destroying the Hayes family standing.I looked at Valeria. She sat perfectly still, her small hands folded tightly in her lap, her dark eyes reflecting the silent glow of the candles."Our marriage has clearly become unbearable for you, Valeria," I said, my voice measured, holding the firm, even tone I used when delivering board decisions. "You're unhappy. You're physically exhausted, you've moved into the guest wing, and you refuse to wear yo

ValeriaThe ballroom of the Grand St. Regis was bathed in soft, golden light, filtered through towering crystal chandeliers and massive floral arrangements of fresh white lilies—Serena’s favorite flowers. The heavy scent of pollen filled the air, so sweet it made a faint wave of nausea rise in the back of my throat.I walked beside Tobias, my hand resting lightly over the black wool sleeve of his tuxedo jacket. I didn't hold his hand, nor did I lean into his warmth. I simply kept pace, my head held high, the vibrant emerald silk of my dress rustling softly against my legs.The moment we entered, heads turned. The soft murmur of low conversations faltered for a fraction of a second as high-society guests nudged one another, their sharp eyes taking in the striking contrast of my bold green dress against Tobias’s classic black tailcoat."Tobias, darling," Mrs. Vale, Serena's mother, called out softly. She hurried over to us, wearing a high-necked navy gown, a delicate lace handkerchief h

TobiasThe cool night air was sharp after the suffocating warmth of the ballroom. I found Valeria standing alone near the stone steps of the St. Regis entrance, framed by the towering marble pillars. The wind whipped her emerald dress around her ankles and pulled stray dark wisps from her sleek high knot.She looked breathtaking. And utterly exhausted.I stepped beside her, my hands thrust deep into the pockets of my trousers. "The car is around the front," I said quietly.Valeria didn't turn her head. She just looked out at the long line of black town cars waiting along the curb, her face smooth and unreadable under the streetlights."I want to go home, Tobias," she murmured. Her voice was flat, carrying a heavy, bone-deep tiredness that made my chest tighten."Alright," I said. "We'll leave now."The drive back to the mansion was completely silent. The heavy rain from earlier had cleared, leaving the city streets wet and glistening like black oil under the amber traffic lights. Besi

ValeriaThe cold bathroom tiles pressed through the thin fabric of my nightshirt, but the chill was nothing compared to the sudden, icy dread paralyzing my chest.Tobias was still kneeling beside me. His hand, usually so distant and controlled, remained resting against the small of my back—a heavy, warm anchor that felt entirely out of place. His dark eyes searched my pale face with an intensity that made it impossible to breathe."I told you, it was just food poisoning," I rasped, leaning my head back against the edge of the vanity, trying to pull away from his touch. "I’m fine now.""You aren't fine," Tobias said firmly. His voice had lost its harsh, defensive edge from our argument upstairs; in its place was a sharp, quiet focus. "You’ve collapsed once this week, you aren't eating, and now this. I’m calling Dr. Vance.""No!" The word burst from my throat faster than I intended, high and frantic.Tobias’s brows pulled together into a tight, questioning line. "Valeria, he’s our famil

ValeriaThe air inside Maya’s small apartment was thick with the scent of brewing chamomile, but my cup remained untouched on the low wooden coffee table."She had you followed?" Maya's voice cracked, rising an octave as she set the porcelain kettle down with a sharp clatter. Her eyes were wide, flashing with a mixture of disbelief and genuine terror. "Val, that isn't just meddling. That isn't normal in-law interference. That is stalking. It’s calculated surveillance!""She knew the clinic name, Maya," I whispered, pulling my knees up against my chest on the sofa, wrapping my arms tightly around them. I felt cold from the inside out, the ghost of Eleanor’s hand still lingering like a burn against the fabric of my sweater. "She gave me until nine this morning to tell Tobias, or she was going to drop Harrison's report on his desk herself.""Did she?""I don't know," I said, burying my face in my hands. "Tobias was gone before seven. Harrison's car wasn't in the driveway when I left to m