The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 46

The tension between us was thick enough to sever with a knife and the dining room was eerily quiet. Alexander let out a deep breath and rubbed his temples as though he was trying to collect his thoughts while I stood motionless my hands clenched at my sides. His normally unreadable face was marked with something that nearly looked like regret and his jaw was clenched.

“Ava… “he said at last in a firm but low voice. “I have to share something with you.”

I squinted. “Whats it?.“After a moments hesitation he went on. “I offered to help you because I also needed your assistance.”

He combed his hair with his hand. “You must behave like Fiona for me…”

Perplexed I blinked. “What?”

He took a deep breath and continued. “Those who own stock in our business the shareholders are unaware that Fiona is in a coma. They will destroy everything we created together if they find out. All of the things she strived for. At least temporarily I needed someone to replace her.”

I stepped back and shook my head. “So this was your plan all along? You wanted me to pose as Fiona?” I asked incredulously.

“Yes.” He spoke in a low firm voice. “That was the only reason I had at first. However it developed into something more..

I crossed my arms across my chest and scoffed. “You expect me to believe that? More than that?”

* Hear me out Ava.” He became urgent in his voice. “It wasnt solely about the business. Additionally it was about identifying those who had harmed Fiona. those who attempted to murder her. I couldnt have done that without you…”

My heart pounded in my ears as I gazed at him. “And you werent thinking about telling me this earlier?.”

* While you were still getting better I didnt want to put you through that.” He approached cautiously something unreadable in his eyes. “Initially I wanted to

assist you..

I laughed sharply but none of this was funny. “Help me? You were just taking advantage of me all this time even though you seemed to care about me.”

Feelings darkened his eyes. “Ava I wasnt acting.”

So why didnt you tell me the truth right away?” I demanded raising my voice.

Before I could say something stupid I stopped myself and asked “Why let me believe-“He seemed to genuinely care about me for example.

A sigh went through him. “Because I was unsure of how to tell you.. “He paused “And because.. Something changed along the way.”

Tears were stinging my eyes as I shook my head. “Has anything changed?” I repeated sourly. “So you just decided you were interested in me?”

He clenched his jaw. “I do have feelings for you.”

“Then you ought to have told me the truth!” I yelled my anger exploding.

He moved forward to grab my hand and said “Ava please” but I resisted.

“No.” I inhaled nervously. “I am unable to do this. This is not how I will be used.”

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11:38 am

Chapter 46

With my emotions churning in a storm of betrayal anger and something else I wouldnt name my chest felt constricted. Alexander gave a headthake. Using you was never the goal Ava. I wouldn’t have given a damn about your memories your suffering or your feelings about anything if I had wanted to use you. I would not have hesitated to coerce you into it.”

I scowled at him. The fact that you deceived me into thinking I was safe here and that you were assisting me out of altruism is unaffected by that. Bot Fiona was the main focus wasnt she?

Yes thats how it began” he acknowledged. ‘But dont you see Ava? I didnt think 1d feel he stopped suddenly.

I mocked. What to feel? Guilt?. Something untamed and desperate flashed in his eyes as they met mine. To feel anything at all he whispered. You meant something to me which I didnt anticipate.”

My hands were shaking as I swallowed hard. “Nevertheless you continued to choose to lie…”

With a softer tone he remarked “I was trying to protect you.”

“Keep me safe?” I laughed sourly. “From what? The truth?.”

He looked tired as he wiped his face. “From those who if they discovered who you truly are would pursue you. Youre involved in this whether you want to be or not Ava. Do you think Liam simply let you go? Do you think the people who attempted to kill Fiona wont try to silence anyone who gets in their way?”

I shook my head. “I didnt ask to get involved… But you are!” he said his voice rising a little as his frustration showed. “Theres a reason you were in that collision. There was a reason why you lost your memory. Furthermore I will not watch helplessly as you put yourself in danger.”

My whole body shook in rage as I balled my fists. “You chose to dictate my choices for me? To trick me into playing your little game?. That wasnt the case.

Sure enough it was!” I yelled. “You never offered me an option.”

His breath came out sharply. “You’re correct.”

It surprised me. I blinked at him. “You’re correct” he said once more. “I ought to have informed you earlier. You ought to have had a choice. I was scared

though..”

I frowned. “What am I scared of?.”

That you would go..” His tone was hardly audible above a whisper.

I had to push down a lump that had formed in my throat. I muttered “Then you ought to have trusted me.”

Alexander moved forward slowly. “Would you agree to help me if I asked you right now Ava not because I was trying to con you but because I need you?”

I held back. My mind begged me not to believe what he was saying even though my heart was racing in my chest. I had already allowed myself to approach

him too closely.

I shook my head and said “I dont know.. Im not sure if I can put my trust in you…”

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