Contract Marriage: The President's Stand-in Lover - Chapter 15:

The Shadow of the Ex-Girlfriend

The peaceful days between Vivian and Gu Chen passed like grains of

sand slipping through her fingers quiet, warm, and heartbreakingly brief.

Just as she began to grow used to, even secretly addicted to,

the subtle closeness blooming between them, an uninvited guest

shattered the fragile calm they had built.

That afternoon, Vivian was in the Gu Foundation’s office,

discussing the budget details of the Qingyuan heritage project with Secretary Chen.

A knock came at the door. Linda, Gu Chen’s executive assistant,

stepped in with her usual professional smile, though her eyes held something unreadable.

Mrs. Gu, Secretary Chen, sorry to interrupt, she said politely.

The president asked me to inform you that the group’s newly appointed art investment consultant,

Ms. Elizabeth Martin, has officially joined. He hopes the foundation will maintain close

collaboration with her team, especially in the assessment of cultural and art-related projects.

The name Elizabeth Martin exploded in Vivian’s ears like thunder.

Her hand tightened around the report until her knuckles turned white.

So she was back. And now, she had entered Gu Corporation.

That dazzling woman from the Paris gala the blonde with the challenging words and the easy

confidence, the one who had made Gu Chen lose his composure in front of everyone was back,

and her shadow spread across Vivian’s heart like frost.

Secretary Chen’s expression flickered. She, too, had heard the rumors.

She quickly nodded. Understood. We’ll fully cooperate with Ms. Martin’s work.

Linda gave a polite smile, her gaze briefly lingering on Vivian’s pale face before turning to leave.

Silence fell over the office. Secretary Chen cleared her throat, attempting to ease the tension.

Mrs. Gu, shall we continue.

I’m sorry, Sister Chen. Vivian rose abruptly, her voice trembling ever so slightly.

I’m not feeling well. Let’s talk about this tomorrow.

Before the older woman could reply, Vivian was already gone, her steps unsteady.

She wandered onto the terrace, where the cold wind whipped across her face,

doing nothing to cool the storm in her chest.

Elizabeth Martin wasn’t just part of Gu Chen’s past anymore

she had returned to claim a place in his present, and perhaps even his future.

Art investment consultant. What a perfectly noble title.

Was this fate’s cruel coincidence or Gu Chen’s choice?

Calm down, Lin Vivian, she told herself fiercely. It’s only a work arrangement.

It doesn’t mean anything.

But then another voice whispered, soft and poisonous. Really?

Have you forgotten Paris? The way he looked at her?

The two voices clashed violently in her head, leaving her breathless,

tangled in a creeping bitterness that choked her chest.

When she returned to the villa that evening, her mood was heavy.

Gu Chen was already home, sitting in the living room as though waiting for her.

You’re back, he said evenly.

Mm. Vivian answered quietly, changing her shoes, intending to go straight upstairs.

Linda should have informed you today. Gu Chen’s tone was calm, almost indifferent.

Elizabeth Martin has joined the group’s Art Investment Department.

Some of the foundation’s future projects may require her professional input.

He mentioned it so casually, as though discussing a new hire.

Vivian froze mid-step. She inhaled slowly, forcing her voice to remain calm.

I know. Secretary Chen told me.

She didn’t turn around. She didn’t ask him anything. What right did she have?

She was just a wife on paper bound by a contract, not love.

Gu Chen frowned slightly as he studied her stiff back. He rose and walked toward her.

Her professional expertise is exceptional. She’ll be an asset to the company, he said,

perhaps trying to explain. But to Vivian, it sounded more like a reminder of

how important that woman was.

She turned suddenly, meeting his eyes. They were as deep and unreadable as always,

but there was something in them she couldn’t decipher. She forced a faint smile.

Of course. Gu Corporation hires based on ability. I understand.

Before he could respond, she turned and hurried upstairs.

She couldn’t let him see her composure cracking.

Gu Chen stood motionless, watching her retreating figure, his expression darkening.

He knew something was wrong he could guess why but he said nothing.

Some things from the past still lay buried, things he wasn’t ready to unearth.

The next day, Vivian tried to convince herself to act normal.

She went to work at the foundation, composed and focused or at least she appeared to be.

But at lunchtime, when she saw Gu Chen walking side by side with

Elizabeth Martin in the cafeteria, speaking in low tones, that composure crumbled.

Elizabeth’s golden hair caught the light, her confident smile effortless,

her gestures animated as she explained something. Gu Chen listened quietly,

his expression unreadable yet attentive.

They looked… right together. Both elegant, both radiant,

both belonging to a world she would never truly enter.

Look at them, whispered that cruel voice in her heart.

That’s the kind of woman who stands beside him.

Vivian finished her meal without tasting it and fled the cafeteria.

That afternoon, she had to deliver some project materials to the Art Investment Department.

As she approached the door, she heard Elizabeth’s melodic laugh drifting through the air.

Arthur, I knew you’d agree! Remember when we were at university and

we discussed the same concept? You said

Vivian’s hand froze on the door handle. Through the glass,

she saw Elizabeth leaning casually against Gu Chen’s desk, too close, too comfortable

. He sat facing her, his back to the door, not moving away, not interrupting just listening.

Something inside Vivian shattered. The fragile trust she had begun to build,

the warmth that had been quietly taking root, all crumbled to dust in an instant.

She didn’t go in. She handed the documents to the assistant outside and

turned away without a word.

Walking back down the hall, her vision blurred. Elizabeth’s voice echoed in her mind,

that soft, intimate Arthur, and Gu Chen’s silent silhouette burned behind her eyes.

So it’s true, she thought bitterly. I’m just a substitute. Now that the original has returned,

maybe it’s time for the imitation to step aside.

Despair flooded through her, cold and relentless, dragging her back to

that night before the contract was signed lost, helpless, standing in the rain.

What she didn’t see was what happened after she left.

Gu Chen shifted in his seat, putting a deliberate space between himself and Elizabeth.

His tone turned cold. Ms. Martin, please mind your words and your professionalism.

This is a workplace. We’re here to discuss business.

Elizabeth’s smile faltered, though only for a second. Then she straightened,

brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Of course, President Gu. My mistake.

I suppose I was just… caught up in old memories.

Gu Chen didn’t reply. His gaze had already drifted toward the door

toward the faint glimpse of movement he’d caught a moment ago.

A familiar figure leaving too quickly.

His brow tightened ever so slightly.

And somewhere else in the building, in a deserted stairwell,

Vivian sank down against the cold wall, burying her face in

her knees as silent tears soaked through her sleeves.

The shadow of the ex-girlfriend had returned dark and suffocating casting itself over the fragile

light of a marriage that had only just begun to warm.