The CEO’s stand-in girlfriend

What he think he needs

3 years ago

*Lucas*

The night air feels somehow special as I walk home from the gallery. I replay the moments with Ashley in my mind, her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled with curiosity and defiance, all reminding me of Helen. She’s different from most… sharp, engaging, and somehow untouched by the chaos that surrounds me, that is where she is different from Helen. That’s what I need, someone who can play the part of the perfect girlfriend, someone who can distract me from the mess my life has become and makes others see me as a man in control.

I step into my apartment, the familiar scent of leather and whiskey greeting me. The walls feel like they’re closing in, reminders of a life I once dreamed of building… a life that fell apart when my family blocked my attempts at starting my own business and then Helen walked away, leaving me with nothing but a bitter taste of betrayal. And my brother died, even if we where not super close after we grew up it still hurt a lot.

I pour myself a drink, the amber liquid sloshing in the glass as I try to drown the memories. But tonight, it’s different. Tonight, there’s a glimmer of something I haven’t felt in a long time… hope, perhaps? Or is it just the thrill of this reckless plan with Ashley?

I’ve spent too long wallowing in self-pity and anger, but now the pieces are starting to fall into place. This arrangement is more than just revenge; it’s a chance to reclaim my narrative. To show my family, Helen… and myself… that I’m not just the man they think I am, that I can move on. Maybe I can even convince myself that Ashley is a reflection of Helen, that she can fill the void left in my heart. But I have to keep my distance, to remind myself that this is just a game… a performance.

The clock ticks loudly in the silence of my apartment as I consider the terms of our arrangement. I shake my head at the absurdity of it all. A contractual relationship? It feels like I’m setting the stage for a twisted play. I need to be reminded of what I lost without letting myself fall into the trap of real emotions. I can’t afford to be vulnerable again and I need the perfect submissive girlfriend on my arm.

As I sit on the edge of my couch, I can’t shake the image of Ashley from my mind. The way she held her own in our conversation, how she didn’t flinch when I laid out my proposition. It’s a gamble, but one I’m willing to take. The thought of her there, standing beside me at events, looking stunning and composed, feeds a part of me that’s been starved for too long.

I remember the night I first saw her. I was drowning my sorrows in whiskey at a bar, trying to forget the sting of rejection and the ache of loneliness. And then I saw her… her profile illuminated by the dim light, and for a moment, I thought I was looking at Helen. The same delicate features, the same intensity in her eyes. It was a cruel trick of fate, but it ignited something within me. The thought of revenge blossomed, and I became consumed with the idea of using Ashley as a stand-in, a way to reclaim power over my own life.

I chuckle bitterly to myself. How twisted is that? To use someone who reminds me of what I once cherished, to manipulate her into playing a role that I know will never be real? But I’m not a monster; I’ll make sure she benefits from the arrangement. I can offer her connections, a taste of the life she might dream of, even if it’s built on a foundation of deception. And money that will make her life easier.

The next day arrives, and I find myself anxiously waiting for our meeting. I review the terms of the contract in my mind, mentally preparing for every possible scenario. I need to be clear about the boundaries: no real feelings, just the act. I’m not ready to let anyone in, and I won’t allow myself to forget the pain of losing Helen.

When Ashley walks into my office, it feels like a breath of fresh air. Her presence is magnetic, and for a moment, I can’t help but admire her. She’s dressed simply yet elegantly, and I feel an unexpected rush of pride that she’s chosen to stand by my side, even if it’s just for show. I can’t let my guard down, though. I need to keep this professional, to keep the walls between us firmly in place.

“Are you ready?” I ask, my voice steadier than I feel.

Her eyes meet mine, and I see a flicker of uncertainty there, but it’s quickly masked by determination. “I am.”

“I know some of these things might seem odd,” I say. I have put up a list of rules and demands that will have her act like Helen. “But this is what I need.”

As we go over the contract, I can’t help but notice the way her brows furrow in concentration, how she leans in slightly as she reads. She’s engaged, and that intrigues me. I think she will make a great girlfriend if she knows when to speak and when not to..

“Remember,” I say, keeping my tone firm, “this is strictly professional. No real feelings. I can’t afford to get attached, and I am sure that neither can you.”

She nods, and I see a flicker of understanding pass between us, but I push the thought aside, burying it beneath layers of indifference. This is what I wanted, wasn’t it? A distraction. An escape from the pain. To recreate Helen.

The contract is signed, and with that simple stroke of a pen, our lives become intertwined in a way that’s both exhilarating and terrifying. I’m not just using her; we’re partners now. I can feel the tension in the air, a charged energy that buzzes between us. But I refuse to read too much into it. I can’t allow myself to.

As we step out into the hallway, side by side, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. This could be the beginning of something powerful… if I can keep my heart locked away.

But as I glance at Ashley, walking confidently beside me, I wonder if I’m already losing the battle I thought I’d won.