A stand-in...

Emma chuckled bitterly. Was there any doubt about who he was referring to? It was clearly her.

It was evident that Michael was justifying his decision to marry her to his ideal woman.
Emma felt like a fool, awkwardly wedged between the perfect couple.

She had once wondered why Michael had chosen her, but now, everything made sense!

No wonder...

No wonder Michael had said she was the perfect fit! After all, finding someone who resembled his ideal woman, without any blood relation, was no easy task. She was practically a born stand-in for Jasmine.

Emma was torn between loathing this coincidence and being grateful for it. After all, without this stand-in role, her mother would not have had the money for her treatment.

Seeing Emma's conflicted expression, Jasmine knew that Emma did not recognize her. Also... she must have misunderstood her relationship with Michael.

She

With a heavy heart, Emma hailed a cab to Orient Oasis Bay right after work.

She had just started to input the door lock's password when she abruptly stopped. A sudden feeling of impropriety washed over her. What if she accidentally stumbled upon an awkward scene? 

Thus, she quickly rang the doorbell instead.

In no time, the door swung open.

Michael had already changed out of his daytime suit. His usually impeccably groomed hair was slightly disheveled. Dressed in white loungewear, his tall figure appeared less like a business tycoon and more like a laid-back teenager.

He looked as if he had just finished a game of basketball. He was slightly weary, ready to retreat to his room for some rest.

Emma, intimidated by his striking presence, chose not to enter. She stood her ground, maintaining a professional demeanor. "Mr. Brown, about the MystiCorp project you mentioned—"

"Emma, I'm of

His harsh reminder jolted Emma back to reality.

Why was she so certain that Michael would pass the application? Just because they had shared a bed?

She should not forget that he had paid for it. It was a transaction, after all. Bringing emotions into it was an overstep on her part.

"That's all. Sorry for the disturbance, Mr. Brown."

Emma did not wait for his response and quickly ended the call. The phrase 'biting off more than you can chew' seemed to hit her hard at this moment!

Outside, Mr. Taylor had also received the news and stormed in, fuming. "I told you it wouldn't work, didn't I? Emma, who do you think you are, telling me to trust you again? 

"I did, and look where we are now!"

Upon hearing his tirade, Isabella rushed over with a stack of files and positioned herself in front of Emma to defend her. She said, "Mr. Taylor, Emma's mother just had an accident. Can't you show a little compassion?"

"Compassion? Who's going to show me compassion, then?!" Mr. Taylor slammed his hand on the table. 

"Emma, you can't say that I'm picking on you. You begged me for the MystiCorp project. If it doesn't get off the ground, you can pack your things and leave!"

Just as Isabella was gearing up to continue their heated exchange, Emma suddenly reached out and gently restrained her. She signaled for Isabella to stop, then stood up herself as she apologized personally.

"I apologize, Mr. Taylor. Also, I have no intention of abandoning the MystiCorp project."

"You'd better not be all talk and no action!"

Mr. Taylor left a biting remark before storming out. He slammed the door with a force that echoed through the room.

Isabella seemed even more incensed than Mr. Taylor. "Emma, don't let him intimidate you! If it comes to it, just quit. I'll be right there with you!"

"I'm okay." Emma took a deep, steadying breath to regain her composure. She turned her gaze to the computer, determination etched on her face. "I have to secure the MystiCorp project."

She was intent on reclaiming the respect she had lost that day.

"Alright, I'll help you."

Before Isabella could go on, the office phone suddenly rang.

Emma picked it up and recognized the somewhat familiar voice on the other end.

"Ms. Wilson? Mr. Brown requests your presence in the main office."

Had he returned from his business trip?

…

With a poker face, Emma ascended the stairs, her high heels clicking against the floor. She soon arrived at the door of the CEO's office.

She knew that Michael was under no obligation to do her any favors at work, so she had no right to harbor any resentment toward him.

Emma rapped on the door, and to her surprise, a woman's voice answered from within!

"Come in."

She pushed the door open and stepped inside. There was no sign of Michael, only a woman holding a wine glass.

Upon recognizing the woman's face, Emma froze.

She was stunningly beautiful, radiating a truly captivating confidence. Dressed in a custom-made light purple dress, her figure was elegant and poised. Every move she made exuded the same air of sophistication and class that Michael possessed.

The shock that held Emma in place was not just because of the situation but also due to the striking resemblance between her face and the woman's.

"Who are you?" the woman asked, clearly taken aback upon seeing her.

"I'm Emma, from Team Three of Colossus Corporation. Mr. Brown asked for me." Emma averted her gaze and stood politely in place.

"Oh." Jasmine regained her composure, gesturing toward the lounge in the office. "Michael is changing. Please wait a moment."

Emma nodded, and in the next instant, she heard Michael's voice that was as cold as an iceberg.

"She's only fit to be a stand-in."



A stand-in...

Emma chuckled bitterly. Was there any doubt about who he was referring to? It was clearly her.

It was evident that Michael was justifying his decision to marry her to his ideal woman.
Emma felt like a fool, awkwardly wedged between the perfect couple.

She had once wondered why Michael had chosen her, but now, everything made sense!

No wonder...

No wonder Michael had said she was the perfect fit! After all, finding someone who resembled his ideal woman, without any blood relation, was no easy task. She was practically a born stand-in for Jasmine.

Emma was torn between loathing this coincidence and being grateful for it. After all, without this stand-in role, her mother would not have had the money for her treatment.

Seeing Emma's conflicted expression, Jasmine knew that Emma did not recognize her. Also... she must have misunderstood her relationship with Michael.

She found this misunderstanding amusing, though.

Her gaze lingered for a moment before she set down th

Chapter 20 What About Your Wife?