His Stand-In, the Don’s Queen

Back at the apartment, I poured a glass of red wine and sat on the balcony, staring out at the Manhattan skyline.

The words of Marcus’s best friend echoed in my head. At a party three months ago, he’d gotten drunk and let it slip. "You know why Marcus went after you, Isabella? 'Cause you have the same air as Victoria. He was a wreck after she left him…"

I’d dismissed it as drunken rambling then. Now, it all made sense.

No wonder he always said ponytails looked best on me—Victoria’s signature hairstyle.

No wonder he bought me jasmine perfume—Victoria’s favorite.

No wonder he stared at me so intensely the first time we met, like he’d seen a ghost.

I was a replacement. A stand-in from the very beginning.

I put down my glass and started packing. The apartment was Marcus’s, but over six years, my things had seeped into every corner. From the skincare in the bathroom to the clothes in the closet, the art books on the shelves, and our photos on the fridge.

I packed them all into boxes.

As I was clearing my vanity, my phone lit up. A new Instagram post from Victoria: a photo of a delicate hand wearing a limited-edition Tiffany ring, an exclusive Hermès bag in the background.

The caption was simple: Some things are worth waiting for. ??

Marcus’s account was the first "like."

I zoomed in. I recognized the ring. Marcus had bought it three years ago. Said he was waiting for a special occasion to give it to me. Guess that occasion was never coming. Not for me, anyway.

I pulled open the vanity drawer and took out our matching rings. Simple platinum bands, engraved with our initials on the inside.

Marcus’s had been missing for a while.

I placed mine in the very back of the drawer.

The next morning, I went to the gallery to handle my resignation.

Amy, at the front desk, looked surprised. "Isabella, isn't this your day off? Oh, are these white roses a surprise from Mr. Marcus?"

I followed her gaze. A huge bouquet of white roses sat on the counter, a fancy gift box beside it.

I remembered him telling me that white roses were Victoria’s favorite. The adoring look on his face when he said it was burned into my memory.

No mystery who those were for.

"They must be!" Amy said, beaming. "You and Marcus are so perfect together. I'm so jealous!"

I didn't correct her. Better they think that. At least no one would ask why my boyfriend was sending flowers to another woman.

"Amy, I need you to process something for me." I handed her the resignation papers I'd prepared. "Can you put your stamp on this?"

Amy took the folder and gave it a quick glance. "Sure, but this needs Mr. Marcus’s signature…"

"I know," I said, pointing to the form. "You sign first. I'll get it to him later."

She didn't read the document closely, assuming it was just routine paperwork. She signed and stamped it without another thought.

"By the way, Isabella, aren't you taking the roses?"

"No. You guys can split them up for the vases."

I took the folder and walked toward Marcus's office. One last signature, and I would be free.

The office door was ajar. As I raised my hand to knock, I heard Victoria's soft, cloying voice. "Marcus, I think I'm a little dizzy…"

"What?" His voice was instantly sharp with worry. "Is it your anemia acting up again? I'll take you to the hospital!"

I pushed the door open. Marcus was helping Victoria up, about to lead her out. Her face was pale, and she was leaning limply in his arms.

He froze when he saw me. "Isabella? What are you doing here?"

"I need your signature," I said, holding up the folder.

"Not now, I have to get Victoria to the hospital," he said, his voice tight with urgency. "We'll deal with it when I get back."

"It'll take a second." I stood in the doorway, blocking their path. "Sign it, and you can go."

"Isabella!" he snapped. "Can't you see she's not well?"

In his arms, Victoria looked at me with pitiful eyes. "Isabella, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt…"

"It's fine." I held the folder and a pen out to Marcus, my voice so steady it scared me. "Just a signature. It won't take a second of your time."

Marcus scowled and snatched the folder. "What's so damn urgent?"

Just as he bent down to sign, Victoria’s body went slack, as if she were about to collapse.

"Victoria!" Marcus dropped everything and held her tight.

I bent down and picked up the folder. It was stained with one of her tears.

Pathetic. I had to fight her for even a signature.