His Stand-In Ex-Girlfriend Is Done Playing Nice

In high school, when vicious rumors destroyed Elena Vance's reputation, Julian Sterling was the only one who defended her. She gave him her devotion in return, until she overheard him admit he had only spoken up because she resembled Victoria Ross. Her idol shattered, so when Victoria slid a check across the table, Elena accepted the deal: she would become Victoria's stand-in, keeping Julian on a leash while Victoria lived abroad.

For three years Elena played the obedient proxy, knowing Julian looked through her only to remember another woman. Now Victoria is returning, the final payment has cleared, and Elena must end things within three days. When Julian summons her at one in the morning and threatens her mother's care facility to keep her in line, Elena finally refuses to play nice.

A black dress, a sharp question at a business dinner, and a breakup said out loud. Julian calls her bluff, certain she cannot walk away. But Elena's love has already expired, and she is done living as someone else's shadow.