Stand-in groom
Chapter 1
My wedding day. My husband, Mark Gregory, sprung a last-minute “business trip” on me. When I finally got back, the reception hall was deserted, save for a single, stark poster. The woman in the photo? Mark’s personal assistant, Sarah Miller.
I headed home, intending a showdown, only to find Mark and Sarah canoodling on the sofa. Sarah, far from being flustered, sneered.
“Isabelle, your inferior genes don’t deserve Mark. Tonight, I’ll be taking your place.”
I stared, then smiled. “The sofa’s cramped. Maybe you two should move to the bedroom?”
01
Mark shot up. “Isabelle! You’re just my kept woman! You’re threatening me?”
“I could sleep with someone else right in front of you, and what would you do?”
“Don’t think getting that ring means you own me. You’ll never get into my bed.”
I shrugged. “Fine by me. But…,” I drew out the word, “I should remind you, we’re still legally married. This gets out, the Gregory family’s reputation is toast.”
My attempt at reason fell flat.
“Isabelle, don’t try to use my dad. If it weren’t for him, I never would’ve married you, a total airhead.”
“I’ve taken over Gregory Industries. As CEO, I get to choose my wife.”
My anger simmered. “Mark, if that’s the misunderstanding, I can explain. But you sent me away, replaced the bride… don’t you see what you did?”
He exploded. “Wrong? What’s wrong?”
“You’ve been sponging off me for years, contributing nothing! Why should I marry you?”
“If it weren’t for my father, I would’ve divorced you years ago!”
“Enough!” I roared, “I don’t care about the past. You wouldn’t believe me anyway. I want an explanation! Why is she here?” I pointed at Sarah, who was grinning smugly.
Mark laughed. “An explanation? For what? This is my house, and you’re my kept woman. Sarah is young, educated, a perfect match for me!”
I fought back the urge to punch him. “Mark, you think I’m not good enough?”
Before he could answer, Sarah stepped forward.
“Honey, let’s be real. You’re just a housekeeper. I’m educated, accomplished. You can’t control your husband. Whose fault is that?”
She laughed, defiant. “Isabelle, how about this? You can watch Mark and me consummate our marriage. Won’t be a wasted trip for you, huh?”
Mark’s eyes lit up. They started kissing right there.
I suppressed my nausea. “Enough!”
“Mark’s found his ‘true love.’ I won’t beg. But this affair… the Gregories might not be able to handle the consequences.”
02
My words enraged the arriving wedding guests.
“Little tramp, who do you think you’re threatening? The Gregories are one of the top families in the city! Who are you?”
“Yeah, if she was so capable, why would she be a housewife?”
“Exactly! A woman who can’t keep her husband is worse than a dog!”
The insults rained down, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t exaggerating. Gregory Industries, from a small company three years ago to a thriving corporation today, was my doing, or rather, the doing of the people backing me. Not these clueless Gregories.
Three years ago, Mark’s father, Richard Gregory, came begging to my family, desperate to save his failing business. He knelt for three days and nights, pleading for my hand. I took pity and agreed. But to be called a “trophy wife” after single-handedly saving his company? And now, he’s run off with someone else?
I decided to confront Richard. Was the Gregory family planning on turning their backs? If he let Mark continue as CEO, I’d happily undo three years of hard work.
“Isabelle, stop!” Mark yelled. “You’re just leaving?”
I paused. “What? Need a cheerleader for your little romp?”
He glared. “Isabelle, let me warn you. Leave this house, and I’ll divorce you right now!”
I sighed. “You probably want that anyway.” I scanned the room.
“Everyone here who’s living off Gregory Industries, listen up. Anyone who stops me, faces the consequences!”
The room erupted. They were all angry, ready to fight. Even people I considered friendly distanced themselves. This was their idea of family? My efforts were too rapid for them to appreciate.
Seeing my isolation, Sarah was ecstatic.
“Isabelle, are you crazy? The Gregories are top-tier. You, a nothing, think you can bring them down? You’re dreaming!”
I smiled calmly. “What if I’m not?”
Sarah scoffed. “Mark’s dumped you. What right do you have to act tough?”
I shook my head. “Unlike you, Sarah, I don’t need a man.”
03
The room exploded.
“Isabelle, who do you think you are, threatening the shareholders?”
“Yeah, you act like you’re so powerful, but you’re just a gold digger!”
“Apologize, or you won’t leave here alive!”
Their taunts were exhilarating. As a businesswoman, I’m perceptive. From the start, I noticed some shareholders whispering with Sarah, stirring things up. They were working together to oust me, replacing me with Sarah for their own gain. Mark, the new CEO, was clueless.
This was too much even for me, the mastermind behind it all.
“If I’m right, some of you know Sarah, correct?”
Several instantly denied it.
“You’re lying! We don’t know her!”
“We just think you’re not good enough for Mark!”
“That’s right, a freeloader like you should not stay in this family!”
I surveyed them, a cold smile spreading across my face.
“I understand you all want me gone, but…” I raised my voice, my expression hardening. “I respond to strength, not weakness. If you kneel and beg, maybe I’ll consider it.”
This stunned them into silence. Only Sarah, emboldened by Mark’s affections, stepped forward.
“Isabelle, are you insane?”
“You’re a nobody, lecturing our shareholders! You want to die?”
She turned to Mark, her eyes gleaming.
“Mark, if you love me, divorce her! I’ll help you grow Gregory Industries!”
I didn’t intervene; I let her perform. If Mark refused, I’d let the Gregories off the hook. But if she persisted…
After a moment, Mark slapped his knee.
“Done! With everyone here, I’ll end this!”
04
Before anyone could react, Mark turned to me.
“Isabelle, we’re divorced!”
I looked at him, emotionless. “Mark, are you sure?”
I’d endured his taunts, not out of affection, but because I’d promised Richard I wouldn’t abandon the family. My patience had been met with only more scorn.
He scoffed, disdain lacing his voice.
“Isabelle, you’re clinging to me for money, right? Name your price. Divorce is a done deal.”
I sighed. “No need. Gregory Industries will be bankrupt soon enough. I don’t want your begging later.”
I shifted my gaze, fixing him with a steady stare.
“Mark, Sarah’s not what she seems. She’s using you.”
He thought I was trying to sow discord, his face darkening.
“Isabelle, I know what I’m doing. My woman is none of your business.”
My remaining goodwill towards the Gregories vanished. I was curious to see her reaction when the truth came out.
“Fine. If you’re so certain, I won’t argue. I’ll divorce you, but I need to call your father first.”
He thought I was trying to stall, smug in his certainty.
“Isabelle, it doesn’t matter who you call. We’re divorced today.”
Before he finished, I raised my hand. “Good. That’s all I need.”
I pulled out my phone and called Richard.
“Mr. Gregory, it’s Isabelle.”
His voice was cautious; he was the only one who knew my true power.
“Ms. James, what can I do for you?”
I glanced at the couple, their hands intertwined.
“Mr. Gregory, you and the Gregories are finished with me.”
A crash sounded on the other end.
“Is… Isabelle, is it… Mark?”
Before I could answer, Sarah snatched the phone.
“Mr. Gregory, I’m Mark’s assistant. Isabelle’s unfit for him. Don’t be stubborn. If you agree to Mark and me, I’ll take Gregory Industries to new heights.”
I could practically hear Richard’s fury.
“You forced Mark to divorce her?”
Sarah, still oblivious, remained arrogant.
“Yes, I did. In all of the city, only I am worthy of Mark. Isabelle is nothing. Without her, Gregory Industries will thrive.”
She slammed the phone down, even stomping on it. I’d seen many mistresses, but none as reckless as this.
“Now that you’ve called, sign the papers.”
She produced a pre-signed divorce agreement.
“It’s all ready. Sign here.”
The papers confirmed my suspicions. She was using me as a stepping stone.
Before I could react, Mark eagerly took the agreement. My excitement at seeing him sign was almost overwhelming.
Just then, the door burst open. A distinguished, middle-aged man hurried in.
Silence fell over the room. Everyone was petrified.
The instant he appeared, Mark rushed to meet him.
“Dad, you’re here! I want to introduce you to my new girlfriend…”
