Stand-in Novels & Stories

she blotted out. With that, I stood up to where she was seated, and I lifted her jaw, which resulted in her looking me in the eyes, So I said, "Whether you like it or not, the night we had will be repeated countless times, and there is nothing, I mean nothing you can do about it, and never let it out of your head that I, Dante Blaze is the man you had a one night stand with and trust me, I will make you mine," Saying this, I saw the fear in her face, and then I freed her jaw from my hand.

Because she knew that if not today, then tomorrow she would have to face it all. Shame she cared no more and perception would not be her consideration. Julia gingerly stepped forward to where Stacy and Timothy were standing. Though she felt nothing, except the goosebumps all over her body because the eyes of people are stinging her skin. Stacey was given a mic by Carol, who was next to her, and the chief culpable eyes who alerted Stacey to Julia's presence. “Ladies and gentlemen, a big round of applause for my lovely sister Julia, who is the star of the event along with me and my fiancee,” Stacy shouted into the mic that echoed across the room.

Zayne I adjusted the cuffs of my black suit and leaned against the banister at the top of the staircase, forcing myself to stay still. The tie felt a little too tight around my neck, but maybe that was just nerves. I hadn’t felt this kind of anticipation in years. Everything about tonight had to be right. I stood there, straightening my posture, trying to look the part—a gentleman waiting for his wife. My wife. And then I heard it. The faint sound of heels against polished wood.

“Stella blocked me.” Dominic said quietly, his brows drawn into a deep, tight knot. He drew a deep breath, struggling to control his racing thoughts. “She’s out of control.” He said coldly. He tried calling her. “Stella, what exactly do you—” Before he could finish, an automated voice came through the line. “The number you have reached is not in service.” Dominic fought down a wave of unease and embarrassment welling up inside him.

Harmony I was trying to prevent myself from shaking while I was staring at my laptop. I don’t know what to feel about a post on Friendbook related to me. While I was trying to calm down, I continued to stare at a photo posted with a mocking caption. It was me, standing on a stage while in the midst of holding back my tears. The caption says, "Wow, look at your dumb rich girl stuttering through a debate. Is that all you can do? "

I got up slowly and walked to the door. My hand was on the doorknob. I stopped. I knew that the moment I opened this door and went down those stairs, I would see them. I didn't have the courage for it. I couldn't bear to see his face when he looked at her. I couldn't bear to see how well they fit together. I didn't want to remind myself, again, that I was the stand-in. I still loved him. That was why this hurt so much. That was why I was such a coward.

Another replied, "Exactly. You're pretending to be someone else's husband. Where does that leave Tiff and Natalie?" Joshua turned to look at me. He solemnly asked, "You'll be understanding about this, right, Tiff?" I pursed my lips and remained silent. I knew that these village elders would definitely leave once I agreed to him. At the end of the day, one person's strength could only go so far, especially when I still had Natalie to protect. The light in my eyes dimmed. But strangely enough, just as I was about to speak again, Natalie started squirming in my arms, insisting on getting down.

Ashley I froze where I stood. My legs turned to roots, joined to the ground, and unable to move as I continued to watch Zane and Zanzi's conversation from a safe distance. “I don't understand, what do you mean Zanzi?” His shoulders became a little squarer, and his voice found a low, almost menacing timbre.

“He’s exposing them.” Back on the walkway, an official finally approached. “You need to move along,” the man said, voice calm, rehearsed. Aiden met his eyes. “Why?” The official hesitated—just a fraction too long. There it was. The pause. The cost of standing was no longer theoretical. Aiden felt the bond pulse—steady, unwavering. “I’m not obstructing,” Aiden continued quietly. “I’m standing.” The official glanced around. Too many eyes now. Too much attention.

A horizontal kick hit him in the stomach! Stanley stood up after much difficulty but was sent flying again. He crashed into a two-meter tall wall that separated the stage from the stands!