The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 18

As if perfectly timing her entrance with their gossip, Amara glided into the room like a goddess surrounded by her devoted worshippers. Behind her marched a line of security guards carrying luxurious gifts, followed by a horde of sycophantic socialites and wealthy heirs.

"Amara, I'm so insanely jealous of you... having a boyfriend as generous as Jonah."

"I heard that last time, the moment Jonah found out you liked a certain designer bag, he had it flown in immediately. He dropped millions of dollars just like that! He really loves you so much!"

"Seriously, tell us! How did you and Jonah even meet? He's in Northside, and you're here in Southampton. Is it a long-distance romance?"

Amara's cheeks flushed a delicate peach pink, the picture of perfect, bashful innocence.

"Stop talking nonsense, guys. Jonah and I aren't dating."

"No way! Don't be shy, Amara." The crowd obviously didn't buy it for a second.

Amara touched her burning cheeks, her voice soft and sweet. "Why would I lie to you? Jonah and I haven't even met in person yet."

Hearing that, the crowd's thirst for gossip reached a fever pitch.

"Does that mean it's a completely one-sided, secret obsession?"

"It has to be! He knows every single detail of your life. He must be watching over you every second of the day."

As the endless wave of teasing washed over her, Amara shyly lowered her head.

But the smug, triumphant superiority flickering in her eyes was angled just right so people could see it—calculated to absolute perfection.

Vivian took another lazy bite of her apple, shifting her gaze back to Jonah.

He stood just a few feet away, watching over her like a loyal knight protecting his princess.

His eyes never left Amara, overflowing with an intoxicating, boundless tenderness.

Tsk... how absolutely revolting.

A sickening knot tightened in Vivian's chest. Suddenly, the apple in her hand tasted like ash. She paused mid-bite, then casually tossed it straight into the nearest trash can.

Just as she stood up to leave, Amara locked eyes with her.

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