The Sleeping Beauty Was Just His Stand-In So I Let Her Go

Tess was just as stunned. "Ms. Stanwick, what are you doing here?"

Hayley hurried out to explain. "Ms. Lindell, this is my daughter. She's here to pick me up from work."

Holly finally found her breath and tightened her grip on Aaron's hand.

"Mom," he called softly, the quiet yelp of pain drawing Tess' attention.

"I didn't expect you to already be married, and even have a son." Tess stepped forward to pat Aaron's head, but he slipped away and hid behind Holly.

"Ms. Lindell, he's shy. Please don't mind him."

Tess narrowed her eyes, smiling as she looked at Aaron. "He's adorable. He looks a little familiar, though."

Holly's breath hitched. She offered a quick goodbye and left with Hayley and Aaron.

On the tram, Holly could barely process what she had just seen.

Shane had gotten Hayley a job as Tess' housekeeper. Tessmont Manor and the sea of Tess of the d'Urbervilles roses in the garden were proof of his love for Tess.

Holly was the other woman. Shane was cruel enough to make his own son illegitimate.

The vows he had whispered in her ear were now a brand of shame stamped into her life.

What had he ever given her? A cheap handmade ring? A marriage lived apart more often than not? Five years of silent treatment?

She had been foolish enough to wonder if it was her fault, if he was under too much financial pressure, or if distance had worn them down.

She had burned through years of savings to raise their child and fought her way into a judgeship in Havenport.

Just when she was ready to start a new life, Shane shattered her hopes.

She was nothing but a prop in his romance with Tess. Even the identity he'd given her had been a lie.

...

Holly buried the hurt and forced a smile as she took Hayley and Aaron out to dinner.

Havenport really was a small city. At the Riverside Bistro, a server wheeled 999 roses past their table.

A bright violin melody played, and the restaurant broke into cheers.

"Let's give a warm round of applause for Mr. Lockwood and Ms. Lindell on their sixth wedding anniversary!"

It was Tess again. She stood in the center like a pampered princess while the man, with his back to them, knelt on one knee.

The platinum wedding ring on his left hand stabbed at Holly's eyes. It matched the diamond ring on Tess' finger perfectly, making the knockoff on Holly's hand look even cheaper.

Her ring had been handmade by Shane. He had engraved "Holly" along the ring, saying it stood for "love her wholly".

She had polished that ring like a treasure. How ridiculous she had been!

Holly moved to take Hayley and Aaron somewhere else to eat, but it was too late. Shane's declaration rang through the restaurant.

"Tess, I'll love you forever. You're never leaving me!"

"Shane! Then, you'd better stay right under my heel," Tess said with a playful smile.

"Fine. I'll belong only to you..."

The Blue Heart diamond flashed as it slid onto her finger. Shane kissed the back of her hand and drew her into his arms.

Hayley stared at the spectacle, then caught the look in Holly's eyes and yanked her toward the restroom.

"Holly, was that Shane just now? He's already married? And his wife is my employer?"

Holly's mind was a mess. She lowered her head and told her everything.

Thankfully, Hayley had taken her blood pressure medicine before coming out, though she still shook with anger. "How dare he? I'm going to demand an explanation!"

"Mom!" Holly stopped her. "He's the heir to the Lockwood family. We can't afford to cross him. I just want to get through these ten days and then leave. Please!"

Hayley saw the tears welling in Holly's eyes and the heartbreak written all over her face. She let out a long, deep sigh.

They composed themselves and returned to the table, only to find Aaron gone.

Holly's heart leaped into her throat. She rushed to the staff. "Excuse me, have you seen a little boy?"

"The very cute one? He left with Ms. Lindell."

Holly blinked in disbelief. "What?"

Before that, Tess had run into a lost Aaron in the hallway and asked why he was alone.

Aaron scrunched up his face, on the verge of tears. "I can't find my mom. Can you help me find her?"

Tess took his hand. "Of course. Come to the private room with me, and we'll call her, alright?"

Aaron nodded hard and followed her.

Tess pushed open the door and said excitedly, "Shane, look what I found. This little boy looks exactly like you did when you were a kid."

When Shane saw Aaron's face, his eyes widened in shock. His friends, who knew the truth, fell silent.

Aaron broke the silence by toddling over to Shane and calling out in a bright voice, "Dad!"