Chapter 1 The Substitute
Athena Newton gasped for air, her body still humming from the passionate encounter in the secretary’s lounge. Byron Crawford clung to her from behind, unwilling to let go. They lingered in the afterglow of their intimacy, Byron placing soft kisses on her neck, savoring the moment.
Byron had been away on a 15-day business trip, leaving Athena, his personal secretary, behind. Surprisingly, she felt a sense of relief, almost as if she were free from the weight of their five-year-long affair. Deep down, she couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of joy that he might have finally grown tired of her.
Five years ago, everything had changed for Athena. The debt collector had come knocking, and her grandmother, Romy Lewis, had fallen gravely ill, needing urgent medical attention. Just as hope seemed lost, Byron entered the picture.
Rumor had it that Athena resembled his long-lost love, Freya Bates, who had gone abroad and married a European aristocrat after Byron’s accident left him in a coma. When Byron woke up, he found that Freya had cast him aside, leaving him unable to move on. Then, Athena appeared in his life. He helped her settle her family’s debts and ensured her grandmother received the best medical care.
It was then that Athena became Byron’s secretary—and, secretly, his lover.
For five years, Athena had been playing a role. She had molded herself into an image of Freya—submissive, patient, and ever-ready to please. But the act was draining, and the thought of Byron finally finding someone else to take her place was oddly comforting.
When Byron returned from his trip, instead of going home, he made a beeline for the office. Consumed by desire, he didn’t wait for her to finish her work and took what he wanted, leaving her feeling drained.
After a brief rest, Athena softly reminded him, “Mr. Crawford, the shareholders are waiting for you in the conference room.”
“Humph,” he grumbled, his tone suddenly flat. He released her and headed straight for the bathroom.
Athena sighed, a sense of relief washing over her. Ignoring the discomfort in her lower body, she made her way to the lounge to fetch Byron’s spare suit.
Byron emerged from the bathroom after his shower and changed into his suit. Athena gently helped him tie his necktie, her fingers trembling slightly. As he looked down at her, he couldn’t help but notice how composed and obedient she seemed. He was pleased.
“There’s a check on the table—twenty million dollars,” he said calmly. “And the villa in Lakin will be transferred to your name.” Athena blinked, stunned. What was this? Some kind of compensation? A severance fee for her to leave? “Mr. Crawford, why would you…?”
Byron touched her chin, the self-satisfaction in his gaze unmistakable. “Consider it a reward.” A reward? For what? The twenty million dollars was a fortune, and the villa in Lakin alone was worth five times more. Though Byron had always been generous, he had never offered her such a substantial sum all at once. He caressed her slightly swollen lips with his thumb, his voice cold and smooth. “If you do as I say, there will be more where that came from.” Athena could hardly believe her ears. Was he not planning to break up with her after all? She forced her gaze away, maintaining her sweet, patient exterior. “Yes, Mr. Crawford,” she murmured, though her mind was reeling. Byron’s shoulders seemed to relax slightly, as if a weight had been lifted.
“Great. There’s nothing else for you to do this afternoon. You can go home.” Athena nodded again, and with that, Byron left the office. Frowning, she picked up the check from the table. Over the past six months, she had convinced herself that Byron had grown tired of her. Just a while ago, she had even spotted him talking to a girl who looked strikingly like Freya. “This can’t be…” She muttered to herself, her heart pounding in her chest. Suddenly, her phone buzzed from under the bed, where it had fallen during their session. She grabbed it and opened the notification. Breaking News: Imbe Group President to Marry Youngest Daughter of Ross Family, Forging Powerful Alliance.
Her heart skipped a beat as she looked between the phone screen and the check. The president of Imbe Group was none other than Byron. The lounge was a mess—her skirt and Byron’s suit scattered across the floor. Athena couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. So, this was why he had suddenly showered her with money and a house—he wanted to buy her off, to keep her as his obedient lover, even while he prepared to marry someone else. She rushed to the bathroom, feeling nauseous. After vomiting, she stared at her pale reflection in the mirror, her stomach churning with disgust.
There was no one more despicable than Byron. He was on the verge of marriage, yet he couldn’t let go of Freya and refused to end things with her. “Damn it! Does he think I enjoy being a replacement?” she spat, her hands curling into tight fists. “I quit.” Determined, she dressed quickly, wrote her resignation letter, and made her way to the President’s office as Byron’s meeting with the shareholders was winding down. She reached his door just as she heard the sound of Gideon Hale’s voice, Byron’s friend from Hutchin City. “Now that you’re tying the knot, what’s your deal with Athena?” Gideon asked, clearly teasing.
Byron’s voice was icy. “Nothing. I’m keeping her as usual.”” Is she up for being a mistress?” Gideon asked, almost gleeful. “She’ll do anything for the right price,” Byron replied, his tone dripping with mockery. Athena froze, the words slicing through her heart. Their “relationship” had always been transactional.
After five years, she was nothing more than a commodity to him, to be played with and discarded when the price was right. “Really?” Gideon’s voice was eager now. “If I offer her a higher price, will she accept my proposal?” Before Byron could respond, Liam Carson, Byron’s assistant, appeared at the door. “Are you alright, Miss Newton?” he asked gently.
Athena snapped out of her daze, nodding quickly before she knocked and entered the office. Gideon’s face flushed with embarrassment, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Hello, Miss Newton,” he greeted, as if nothing had happened. Athena ignored him, walking straight to Byron, who still wore his usual cold expression. “Didn’t I tell you to go home?”
Byron asked, his voice sharp. “Mr. Crawford,” Athena said, her tone steady but firm. “I’m quitting.” Byron’s face darkened instantly. “What do you mean?” “When we were together, we agreed that I would never be your mistress, and that I would leave once you married.” Athena placed the resignation letter on his desk. “I will finish up my current tasks and unfinished projects as soon as possible.
Sorry to interrupt your conversation with Mr. Hale.” With that, she turned and walked out. As she passed Gideon, she couldn’t help but glare at him—her disgust clear. His lewd comments had only strengthened her resolve. She would never sell herself out to be someone’s mistress, no matter the price.