Chapter 4 

Zachary frowned, and after a moment of silence, he finally spoke, “Secretary Brooks, do you 

have anything you’d like to explain?” 

I wasn’t surprised by Zachary’s attitude. Gianna was his first love, and I was just a bought substitute. From the beginning, he saw me as a money–driven woman. I felt too exhausted 

defend myself and could only repeat, “I didn’t take it. If you don’t believe me, feel free to call the police.” 

Gianna stepped in with an air of magnanimity. “Forget it. Since we found it, I won’t pursue it any further. But people who can’t keep their hands clean shouldn’t stay in the company.” 

Zachary glanced at me silently and left a cold remark: “Secretary Brooks, you’re suspended for a month with a pay cut.” 

After they left, everyone in the office looked at me with judgmental eyes and, as if on cue, locked away their valuable items in their drawers. 

Back at my apartment, I took a shower and then opened my laptop to write a resignation letter. Just as I was about to fall asleep in the early hours, I groggily noticed Zachary standing by my bed, loosening his tie. I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of surprise. His true 

love had returned–what was he doing here with me, the stand–in? 

“Still angry?” His question was strange. What grounds did I have to be angry? I shook my head, replying, “No.” 

He frowned slightly, his lips moving as he haltingly explained, “Today, I knew you didn’t 

take it, but Gianna needed to save face. If I exposed her in public, she would’ve been 

humiliated.” 

“As for Evelynn, I’ll see to it that she’s gone. Take this month off and rest at home. I’ll arrange a different position for you afterward.” 

I found it almost amusing. Was Zachary actually explaining himself to me? Gianna needed to save face, so it was just natural for me to be humiliated in public? But I’d accepted his money, so respecting the benefactor was simply part of my job as a stand–in. I gave him a light smile and replied understandingly, “Mr. Cooper, it’s fine. I don’t mind.” 

14:31 

Fake Wedding. True Pain 

$0.2% 

Chapter 4 

For some reason, his face seemed even more displeased after I said that. 

The next day, I received a call from the hospital and remembered that I’d had a health 

checkup a few days ago. The results were finally in. The moment I read the report, my 

mind went blank, like a clock whose gears had suddenly stopped. Never in my wildest 

dreams did I think I’d ever be linked to the word *leukemia.* After the shock, a sense of 

relief washed over me. Maybe heaven had no intention of letting me live too well; after all, 

the one who should’ve died back then was me. 

he doctor looked at me with regret. “Late–stage leukemia. With aggressive treatment, 

there’s still a chance.” 

I smiled faintly, without replying. 

Back at the apartment, I tossed the report into a drawer and lay on my bed, staring blankly 

at the ceiling. Suddenly, my phone chimed with a message from Zachary. 

“Come to Mount Villa now.” 

Zachary always summoned me at his whim. I should’ve been used to it by now, but at this 

moment, I could barely muster the energy to respond. I closed my eyes in exhaustion, but 

three minutes later, I dragged myself up, called a cab, and went to the address Zachary had 

sent. 

The villa was bustling with a lively party. Voices and laughter filled the air, and nearly everyone there was a friend of Zachary and Gianna. Gianna wore a low–cut dress, leaning into Zachary as if she were made of silk. The moment I appeared, the lively atmosphere 

seemed to freeze for a split second. 

Zachary’s brows furrowed, and his tone was laced with displeasure, “What are you doing 

here?” 

Only then did I realize I’d been played.