The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 1

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In their three years together, Jonah Granger had never slept with Vivian Fairchild.

While out with friends, Vivian brought this up and casually sent him a text on a dare.

[Man, having a stunner like Vivian by your side is a complete waste if you aren't going to touch her. Why don't you break up with her and pass her to me? The scent of her is driving me crazy.]

Almost immediately, Jonah called.

"Vivian, where are you?"

"I've been busy contacting a top reconstruction specialist in Switzerland for you over the last couple of days, which is why I haven't checked in. Send me your location, and I'll come pick you up, okay?"

His coaxing voice echoed from the receiver.

Vivian smirked, raising a triumphant brow at her two friends across the table. "No need, I'm with Chloe. I'll head back on my own later."

Ending the call, she looked up. "Any further questions?"

"It sounds perfectly fine, but..."

Chloe Jones crossed her arms. "It still feels wrong. What normal man could resist you for three years?" She nudged Weston Yates beside her. "Could you hold back?"

Weston blinked, seemingly lost in thought for a second, before blurting out, "Of course not!"

"See?"

Chloe concluded firmly, "Jonah has a problem."

Whether he had a problem or not, Vivian knew better than anyone that for the past three years, this man had loved her with his entire heart.

Three years ago, a car accident nearly cost Vivian her leg. Unable to accept her new reality, her temper became volatile and vicious. Through it all, Jonah stayed by her side, caring for her relentlessly.

Even when she broke down and screamed at him to get the hell out, he would simply step outside, take a deep breath, and walk back in with a smile, announcing he had rolled right back.

This man was her private doctor, but more importantly, he was the center of her world.

Thinking about all of this, a sudden, desperate urge to see him washed over Vivian.

"You guys have fun. I'm heading home."

She grabbed her purse and stood. The tight black slip dress hugged her stunning curves, highlighting her long, slender legs. Aside from a slight weakness in her left leg when she walked, there was no obvious sign of her injury.

On the drive back, Vivian stopped to buy a bouquet of flowers.

He had performed well today; he deserved a little reward.

Buzzing with excitement, she deliberately softened her footsteps as she approached the front door, hoping to give Jonah a surprise.

As she drew closer, the muffled sound of a conversation drifted from inside.

Vivian paused.

Did they have guests?

"I just don't understand. Since the one you truly love is our Amara, why not confess to her directly? Why... string Vivian along for so long?"

Inside, Dominic Fairchild looked at Jonah with a hesitant expression.

"If you don't want to talk about it, that's perfectly fine. I was just asking."

The man ran his long fingers thoughtfully along the edge of his teacup before finally speaking in a low, measured tone. "Mr. Fairchild, you know Amara grew up struggling financially with her mother. She might look fragile, but underneath, she's fiercely sensitive and proud. With my status... I was worried a direct confession would scare her away. It was better to take it slow. Please make sure you don't let it slip."