HER FACE, MY WIFE'S SHADOW

Chapter 31: A Compromise

Aria's POV

I lifted the delicate cup to my lips and took a slow sip of chamomile tea while scrolling through the laptop with my free hand.

Satisfaction warmed my chest as I smiled.

The dashboard was overflowing with notifications.

One email after another continued to arrive.

“Congratulations.”

“We would be honored to have you join our firm.”

“Please contact us regarding an executive interview.”

“Your portfolio is exceptional.”

Fifteen prestigious companies had already extended formal employment offers. The comments sections beneath my uploaded projects were flooded with admiration, congratulations, and eager requests for interviews.

After completing Mr. Sterling’s commercial project yesterday, I decided to upload several of my architectural designs online under a different identity. No photographs and personal information.

Nothing that could expose who I truly was.

I refused to spend the next two months imprisoned inside this house like some ornament. I needed my own career and my own income.

I still had a family to support, and I wasn't prepared to depend on Alexander Sterling's money.

After all… I wasn't really his wife.

Setting my teacup down, I stood and walked towards the spacious walk-in closet to retrieve one of my project files. Only to find someone standing at the doorway.

My steps halted as I stared at the tall figure leaning on the door silently.

Mila must have forgotten to close the door after breakfast because I hadn't heard anyone enter.

Or perhaps he simply moved that quietly.

His broad shoulders nearly filled the doorway. His dark suit looked flawless as always, but the storm brewing behind his eyes was anything but controlled.

“I didn't come home last night." His deep voice remained calm, yet irritation lingered beneath every syllable.

“And you didn't bother checking whether I was alive.”

I held his gaze.

That wasn't entirely true.

I had questioned his driver yesterday evening about where he had gone and whether he planned to return.

But I certainly wasn't going to admit that.

“And why exactly should I care, Mr. Sterling?” I asked coolly, turning to the wardrobe. I pretended to organize the files. “It's not as though I'm responsible for your schedules.

I slid another file neatly into place before looking back at him.

“Face reality, Mr. Sterling. This is Aria Bennett standing in front of you, not your wife, Isabella.”

His eyes narrowed as he stepped inside. “Are you the mysterious architect hiding behind the name ‘Miss Star’ who uploaded those designs online this morning?”

I folded my arms. “And if I said no…” I raised an eyebrow. “Would you actually believe me?”

His jaw flexed. “What do you need a job for, Aria?” This time his voice rose slightly. “I've given you everything you could possibly need."

“No, Mr. Sterling!” The sharpness in my tone surprised me.

“Our agreement says I'll act as your wife in public. It doesn't give you control over my career or my life.”

A flash of anger crossed his face. “Your life changed the second you inherited Isabella's face!”

“You can't work for another company. Have you forgotten what the world sees whenever they look at you? They see Alexander Sterling's wife.”

“I can work remotely.”

I refused to back down. Even if he's right.

If I can't work in person, I can still work online.

“My designs can be completed from home.”

Alexander gave a short, humorless laugh. “And what happens when a client wants the lead architect on-site? What happens when major decisions need immediate approval? Architecture isn't managed through emails and video conferences.”

Again… he wasn't wrong.

“Another architect can supervise the construction phase,” I replied.

“Aria.”

My name rolled from his lips like a warning.

“Why are you making this so difficult?”

“You better log in and reject every one of them.”

I lifted my chin. “No!”

His expression darkened.

“I want to earn a living for myself without your help. You have done enough in my life.”

He stared at me for several seconds before releasing a slow breath.

“Fine.”

“I'll make one compromise.”

“A compromise?” I nearly laughed.

“You can continue working as an architect, but…” his gaze locked onto mine. “Only under Sterling Global.”

“I will appoint you Head of the Architectural Department for our international division…”

“Absolutely not!”

The answer escaped before he had fully finished speaking.

There was no way I could accept that, knowing the fact Isabella had worked there.

Is this guy dumb? Didn't he realize if I go there, our secret will be exposed?

“What possible objections do you have?” He asked.

"Everything." I moved closer to him. “Firstly, Isabella was never an architect. If I suddenly become head of architecture, don't you think people will start asking questions?"

He didn't hesitate. “You were planning to apply elsewhere. Didn't that possibility occur to you then?”

I opened my mouth…

Then closed it again.

He had found the one flaw in my argument.

I drew a breath. “I'm still not working in your company, and that is final."

I barely made it two steps to leave. Suddenly, a strong hand wrapped around my waist.

My breath caught. Before I could react, he gently pulled me against his body. My palm instinctively landed on his chest.