Chapter 1

Standing at the window, Emma Young scrolled through her phone and finally made the call she had been avoiding for three years.

Her voice was soft, but every word came through crystal clear. "Officer 0719, Emma, speaking. Mission complete. Requesting return to duty."

A loud thud erupted through the phone, as if someone had just shot to their feet. A voice on the other end shouted, "You're still alive, Emma?"

Emma cracked a smile. "Yes, I'm alive."

A trembling voice came through the line. "We haven't heard from you since the last undercover mission. We thought you were dead, and we even had a memorial service for you. Where have you been these past three years?"

Emma shut her eyes, her voice steady. "I lost my memory, and I've been working as a bodyguard."

She was a police officer who went undercover and helped take down a major drug ring three years ago. But during the final bust, her cover got blown, and the remnants of the drug ring came after her with a vengeance.

On that stormy night, Emma tore through the ambush with them hot on her heels. Just when she was cornered and desperate, she found herself in front of a black Maybach.

The window rolled down, revealing a face so striking that it made her heart skip a beat. It was Tyler Manning.

He was a well-known heir in Fraegan's elite circles and was the man in charge of Aurelian Group. People said he was cold and heartless, but that didn't stop the women in high society from chasing after him.

Emma's bloody fingers left a jarring streak on the car door. She murmured before blacking out, "Save me."

When she came to, she was in an unfamiliar hospital room, and her memory was wiped clean. She only knew her name was Emma. Everything else—her past, her home, her family—was a blank.

Tyler loomed over Emma at her bedside. "You've got nowhere to go?"

She nodded.

His tone brooked no argument when he said, "Stay with me."

She subconsciously replied, "I'm not freeloading. I can be your bodyguard."

From then on, Emma became Tyler's bodyguard, sticking to him like a shadow.

But things changed when she was drunk one night. Tyler locked eyes with her for a long moment, then suddenly pinned her to the wall and kissed her.

Emma's heart was pounding, but she couldn't bring herself to push him away. "Mr. Manning."

Tyler nipped at her earlobe, his voice low and husky. "Don't move. I want you tonight."

Emma had a feeling she had never experienced love, but she didn't flinch at Tyler's touch. That night, she gave herself completely to him. After that first time, the rest came naturally.

In the top-floor office of Aurelian Tower, he often backed her against the window. In the private jet's washroom, he held her by the waist and claimed her relentlessly. Even in the basement parking lot, he would push her against the car door and take her without restraint.

Everyone in the industry claimed that Aurelian Tower was the place to pick up scandalous moves. After all, Tyler always found a way to trap Emma in a corner and try something new.

Emma sank deeper into this twisted dynamic, mistaking it for love. But that illusion was shattered the moment Janice Garner returned.

Janice, who bore a striking resemblance to Emma, was the one Tyler truly cared about. And that was when Emma realized that she was just a substitute.

Later, she recovered all her memories—her name, her past, and the place she called home.

She had every reason to leave right then and there, but her upbringing compelled her to repay Tyler's kindness before she cut all ties. Since she owed him her life, she decided to do 100 things for him in return.

At the moment, she was already at 96. Just four more things, and she could finally walk away for good.

Emma took a deep breath, like she was trying to clear all the emotions she had buried over the years. "I'm in Fraegan at the moment. Give me about two weeks to wrap things up, and I'll be back." With that, she ended the call.

Two weeks were more than enough time for her to do four more things for Tyler.

A deep, icy voice suddenly came from behind her. "What's happening in two weeks?"

Emma's fingers trembled. She turned around and saw Tyler standing in the doorway.

He was dressed in a tailored black suit, with an intricately patterned tie knotted to perfection. An unlit cigarette rested between his fingers. His narrowed eyes exuded the commanding air of someone used to power.

Emma put away her phone. "It's nothing. I got a check-up scheduled."

Tyler didn't pry further and grabbed her wrist. "Come with me."

Janice stood in the villa's courtyard, clutching a rope in her hand with teary eyes. Seeing Tyler and Emma show up, she hurried toward them.

She softly pleaded, "My cat fell into the sewer, but the opening is too narrow, Emma. Only a woman can fit. Could you help me?"

Emma tensed up. The sewer was dark and narrow, making her claustrophobic.

She was instantly pulled back to memories of the basement where the drug ring had locked her up. Darkness swallowed her vision, and the air was so thin that it was suffocating.

All she could hear was her own heartbeat, growing faster with every beat. It felt like the final struggle of someone barely hanging on.

Her hands trembled, but she kept her cool. "I'll find someone else to help."

Tears streamed down Janice's cheeks as she choked out, "But by the time we find someone, my cat might not make it."

She bit her lower lip, her eyes rimmed with red. "You're refusing to help because you hate me, aren't you? Fine. If you won't do it, I'll go down there myself."

As she said that, she reached out with her delicate fingers to fasten the rope around her.

Tyler shouted, "Don't be ridiculous!"

He grabbed Janice's wrist and turned to Emma with a frosty gaze. "Don't forget your place, Emma. You're my bodyguard. If I tell you to do something, you do it."

The words cut like a knife, stabbing straight into Emma's heart.

She suddenly recalled a rainy night six months ago. When she took a fatal blow for Tyler, her shirt had been drenched in blood.

Back then, he had rushed to the hospital with her in his arms. For the first time, he had lost it and yelled at her, "Who told you to take the hit for me? My life is important, but so is yours. If you ever pull that kind of stunt again, I'll make sure you can't get out of bed."

But now, for the sake of Janice's cat, Tyler didn't hesitate to shove Emma into the abyss.

Without another word, Emma fastened the rope around her and disappeared into the dark sewer below.

The air was thick with the smell of rot, and a wave of the sickening, humid stench hit her in the face.

She fought back the nausea and switched on her flashlight. She was just about to search for the cat when Janice's faint voice came from above. "My head feels dizzy, Tyler."

Tyler called out, his voice low and urgent, "Janice!"

The footsteps disappeared in a hurry. The next second, the manhole cover slammed shut, and darkness engulfed Emma. She remained still, her hands trembling ever so slightly.

The darkness, the suffocating space, and the foul stench jabbed at her senses. Her claustrophobia instantly kicked in. Her breathing grew short and shallow, her chest tightening as if some unseen hand were squeezing the air out of her lungs.

She pounded on the manhole cover, her voice shaking. "Can anyone hear me? Let me out."

No one responded.

Suddenly, she heard noises from above, and then boiling water came raining down from the gaps.

The scalding water hit Emma before she could react. Her skin flared with burning pain.

As she stumbled back, a mocking chuckle echoed from above. "Know your place, Emma. You were just a substitute all along.

"Mr. Manning and Ms. Garner have known each other since they were kids. If she hadn't gone abroad for treatment, do you really think he would have even looked twice at you? Now that she's back, it's time for you to get lost."

They continued pouring the scorching water down the manhole. Emma had nowhere to run. Her back, arms, and neck had all turned red, and blisters formed in seconds.

The pain was so intense that the world around her faded to black. In the end, she collapsed, losing consciousness.

…

Emma woke up in a room at the villa. When she tried to move, every burn on her body screamed in protest.

A deep, cold voice sounded at the door. "You're finally awake."

Emma looked over and found Tyler standing there in a crisp suit, his expression calm and distant.

He walked closer, scanning the burns on her body with a frown. "I asked you to find a cat. How did it turn into this?"

Emma's voice came out raspy and dry. "Janice told someone to pour the boiling water on me."

He threw a pointed look. "There's a limit to how far you can stretch a lie, Emma. Janice was unconscious all day yesterday. How could she have done that?"

Emma felt a pang in her chest. Tyler still didn't trust her. Even when her body was covered in burns, his first instinct was to accuse her of slandering Janice.

All of a sudden, she felt exhausted. She didn't have the energy left to explain.

Just then, Tyler's phone rang, and Janice's weak voice came through the line. Emma couldn't make out the words, but she saw his gaze soften instantly. "I'll be there soon."

With that, he turned and walked away without even sparing her a glance.

As the door clicked shut, Emma let out a bitter chuckle.

She forced herself up, every movement tugging at her wounds until sweat beaded on her forehead. But she pushed through it and dug past everything in the drawer, pulling out a diary with a black cover.

She flipped to a new page. Her pen shook, but she managed to write the words anyway. "I rescued a cat. That's the 97th thing I've done for Tyler. I've only got three more to go before I can leave him."

Chapter 2

Tyler left the room and never came back, but Emma didn't dwell on it. She just took her time and spent two days packing up.

She sorted out the gifts Tyler had given her, planning to donate all of them. When she was halfway done, the door suddenly swung open.

Janice leaned against the doorframe, eyeing the jewelry on the floor. She snickered. "What are you doing?"

Emma didn't respond and kept sorting out the drawer.

Janice remarked, "All of these jewelry pieces are from my favorite brands."

She walked in, holding up a diamond necklace with one finger. "I had one just like this back when I turned 18."

Then, she kicked the stuffed toys in the corner, saying, "I used to like these too."

She caught sight of the lilies by the window and giggled. "Even the flowers have to match my taste. Tyler really can't let go of the past."

Emma's hands froze mid-motion. Taking in the room, she suddenly realized that everything in it whispered someone else's story.

She had cherished the gifts and the surprises she thought Tyler had picked with care. It turned out they were just afterthoughts meant for a substitute.

Emma's chest tightened, and she felt a lump in her throat.

She knew what Janice was getting at. She swallowed the suffocating feeling and calmly said, "I know you're the one he truly loves. Don't worry. I won't be around much longer."

Janice raised an eyebrow. "Where could you possibly go? You don't even know who you are."

Just then, Tyler's voice came through the door. "What's going on?"

Janice's expression shifted in an instant. Her eyes welled up with tears, and her voice was full of hurt. "Emma suddenly started packing and said she was leaving, Tyler. Is she still mad at me? I just wanted to apologize."

Frowning, Tyler pulled Janice behind him, his gaze toward Emma cold and sharp. "You did nothing wrong. You don't have anything to be sorry for."

Emma took a deep breath. She was about to speak when Tyler beat her to it. "How long are you going to keep this up, Emma?"

She retorted, "I'm not making a scene."

His expression darkened. "That's not the truth, and you know it. You've lost your memory. Where can you even go? Stop playing hard to get. I don't have time for your games."

She tried to speak, wanting to tell him that she remembered everything now and was going back to her old life.

But he interrupted her. "I'm heading to an art exhibition with Janice soon. You're coming too."

Emma swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue. Then, she closed her suitcase without a word and went to get changed.

On their way there, Emma quietly trailed behind Tyler and Janice.

Warm lights filled the gallery. Janice pointed at an abstract painting, smiling as she chatted with Tyler. With his head slightly lowered, his side profile looked more defined under the light. His eyes lit up as he replied from time to time.

Emma couldn't understand what they were talking about.

Another memory came rushing back to her. When she used to gush about the new dessert place near the street or that stray cat in the neighborhood that always rubbed against her legs, he would just smile. He hardly ever responded.

Back then, she figured he was just the quiet type who preferred to listen. Only now did she realize that he simply wasn't interested.

Tyler was a big shot in the business world, and Emma was just a police officer doing her job. They came from completely different worlds and had nothing in common to talk about.

Janice suddenly hooked her arm around Tyler's. "I'm tired. Let's head home."

Emma pulled herself together and escorted them out.

As they left the gallery, she instinctively squinted against the harsh sunlight. Just then, a scream tore through the air before she could even react.

"No way! It's Janice, the famous pianist. Can you sign an autograph for me, Janice? I'm a big fan of your concerts."

The crowd poured in from all sides, trapping them in the middle. Emma instinctively positioned herself in front of Tyler but was shoved backward by the frantic crowd.

A woman was flushed with excitement, waving a sign with Janice's picture on it. A few fans shoved their way forward, their phones nearly bumping into her.

Janice seemed startled and shrank back into Tyler's arms, then apologetically grinned, "Please calm down, everyone. I have some signed photos in my car."

Emma wasted no time signaling the other bodyguards to form a human shield as she escorted Tyler and Janice to the parking lot.

The crowd jostled her, pulling at her sleeve and stepping on her foot. But she kept her guard up, painstakingly clearing a way forward.

When they got to the car, Janice grabbed a luxury bag from the back seat and tossed it to Emma. "There are photos inside. Give them to everyone."

Emma didn't take it. "Sorry. My job is to keep Mr. Manning safe."

Tyler didn't glance back from where he sat in the driver's seat as he spoke, his voice cold as ice. "From now on, Janice's orders are the same as mine."

The words stabbed into Emma's heart like a knife. She took the bag with a blank look, her fingers shaking as she spun on her heels.

After getting out of the car, she finally got the fans to follow her into a side alley, saying she was giving out autographed pictures.

The fans were getting impatient. "Hurry up! What are you waiting for?"

But when Emma checked inside the bag, she found it empty.

One of the fans asked, "What happened? Where are Janice's signed photos?"

Someone accused Emma, saying, "She must have kept the photos for herself."

Another voice came from the crowd. "That's shameless! How can you steal Janice's stuff?"

The angry fans swarmed Emma, yanking her hair and pushing her roughly.

She shouted, "I didn't!"

A fan nearby spat, "Hand over the autographs, you bitch!"

Emma barely managed to shield her head as she tried to turn back and confront Janice, but all she saw was Tyler's car speeding away.

A brutal kick to her knee sent her to the ground. Fists flew, heels kicked out, and curses rained down like hail.

"Go to hell, you thief!"

Having a police badge, however, meant never laying a hand on civilians. All Emma could do was curl into a ball, protecting her vitals as the kicks kept coming. Blood trickled down her forehead, clouding her vision.

Just before she blacked out, faint sirens sounded in the distance. Someone cried out, "Enough! She's bleeding."

Everything faded to black as Emma drowned in the depths of darkness.

Chapter 3

When Emma woke up, the sharp smell of disinfectant hit her nose.

She tilted her head slightly and saw Tyler sitting on the edge of the bed. His suit jacket was tossed over the chair, and his tie hung loosely. He furrowed his brows as he stared at her.

His voice sounded husky as he asked, "You're awake? What happened? How did you get into a fight with the fans?"

Emma's throat was dry as she struggled to speak. "The bag Ms. Garner gave me was empty."

Tyler's brow furrowed deeper. "Janice cares about her fans too much to ever do something like that."

Staring at him, Emma suddenly felt completely drained. "Will you ever believe me even once, Tyler?"

He froze for a second, surprised by how she had used his first name like that. Taking in her bandaged forehead and bruises on her arm, he finally softened his tone. "Janice has no reason to hurt you. That was just bad luck."

Emma's mouth twitched, but she didn't bother arguing.

Tyler's phone suddenly buzzed, and Janice's voice came through, choked with sobs. "The thunder is so loud, Tyler. I'm so scared."

Tyler jumped to his feet, his voice softer than anyone would ever expect. "Don't be scared. I'm coming back."

Then, he hurried off without even glancing back at Emma.

She watched him leave, remembering how he had once flown back overnight from Weyford just to hold her and comfort her when she had nightmares.

She withdrew her gaze and murmured, "That's 98th."

Soon enough, she would be back to being a police officer.

…

After that, Emma's phone kept blowing up with texts and photos from Janice.

One of the photos showed Tyler's back as he went shopping with Janice. Another captured him opening the car door for her.

Then, there was the moment he leaned in to listen to her with a gentle smile, even though he rarely showed his emotions.

Every photo was another twist of the knife already buried in Emma's chest. She quietly took in how Janice was flaunting but didn't text back.

The glow of the phone lit up her pale face. The gentle look in Tyler's eyes in those photos had once been directed at her, but she knew very well that she was just someone he had settled for.

That was why she had given up all hope. Now, she had no feelings left for him.

…

On the day Emma was discharged, her phone buzzed briefly. Tyler had sent an address with a short message. "Come here."

She fixed her gaze on the screen for a long moment, then called a ride.

She had just gotten out of the hospital, and he had already told her to head to the location he had sent.

Emma opened the private room door. Inside, the lighting was dim, and the air was thick with the stench of alcohol.

Janice was nestled against Tyler, and her eyes sparkled the moment she saw Emma. "Emma's here."

Tyler motioned at the table full of drinks. "Janice is on her period. Drink these for her."

Emma stiffened. "I'm allergic to alcohol."

Sandra Hall, Janice's friend, remarked, "Why are you acting all high and mighty? You're just a bodyguard. Stop throwing an attitude. You should put your staff in line, Mr. Manning."

Tyler's gaze turned sharp. "Drink up."

Emma took a deep breath and picked up the glass. The first gulp scorched her throat.

Someone nearby added with a grin, "Mr. Manning really doted on Janice. Last time, he ended up buying the entire auction to get the limited edition piano for her."

Emma downed the second glass.

The conversation continued around her. "I remember when Janice had a fever, Mr. Manning flew back from abroad overnight and stayed by her side for three days and nights."

By the third drink, Emma's vision started to blur.

One of the people in the private room stated, "Honestly, Mr. Manning really spoils Janice rotten."

Emma kept knocking the drinks back until her face was burning and her breathing was ragged. With sheer willpower, she finished her last drink. As she set down her glass, her vision went black.

Chapter 4

Emma rasped, "I need to use the restroom."

As soon as the door shut behind her, she dropped to her knees and threw up, the world spinning around her. Tears and cold sweat streamed down her face as she fumbled for her allergy medication and swallowed it without water.

Her reflection in the mirror was pale as a sheet, and her eyes were bloodshot. She looked like an absolute mess.

She turned on the tap, letting the cold water hit her wrists.

She was almost done, and then everything would be over.

When Emma got back from the restroom, Tyler and Janice were already gone. Sandra said mockingly, "Stop looking. Mr. Manning already left with Janice."

Emma was stunned. "What's going on?"

Sandra gleefully explained, "We were playing truth or dare. Janice had to spend the night with Mr. Dodson. Mr. Manning couldn't let her go, so he sent you to take her place."

A chill ran through Emma's spine. Henry Dodson, a rich brat in the corner, gave her a once-over with a sleazy, disgusting grin.

He lunged at her, his hands groping for her waist like a creep. "Mr. Manning already said the word, gorgeous. How about you and I have a little fun tonight?"

She turned away in disgust. "Back off."

With a dark look, Henry threw her down on the couch. "Spare me the act. You're just a bodyguard. How dare you turn me down?"

The second he grabbed her collar, Emma couldn't take it anymore and slapped him.

Furious, he grabbed the ashtray and smashed it down on her head. "You bitch!"

Searing pain shot through Emma as warm liquid trickled down her face. Her vision blurred, but she fought back with everything she had. During the chaos, she managed to knock him out and escape.

She stumbled onto the road, only to get slammed by a car going at full speed.

…

The sharp smell of disinfectant hit Emma's nose as she struggled to open her eyes.

The nurse was adjusting the IV drip. "You're awake? You've been seriously injured and need surgery. Do you have anyone you can contact to sign the consent form?"

Emma's hand trembled as she reached for the nightstand. The screen lit up, and she subconsciously opened her contacts. Her finger hovered over "Tyler" for a moment before she hit the call button.

No one picked up the first time. She tried again, but no one answered.

On the third attempt, Janice's sweet voice came through the receiver. "Hello? Emma?"

Emma's fingernails dug into her palm.

Janice giggled. "Tyler is making me some herbal tea. He already gave you to Henry like it was nothing. Why are you still calling?"

The faint sound of a spoon hitting a teacup came through the line. "You had your fun, and now he's with me. Stop humiliating yourself and ruining our time together."

The line beeped sharply. When Emma called again, Tyler's phone had been switched off.

She stared at the ceiling and suddenly burst out in laughter. As she kept laughing, tears slipped down her temples and into her hair.

The nurse looked at Emma with concern. "Ms. Young."

Emma replied, her voice coming out in a rasp, "I'll sign it."

…

When Emma woke up again, dusk had already fallen outside the window.

As she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the white, cold ceiling. She slowly turned her head and saw no one by the bed.

The chair next to the bed sat exactly where it had been, which meant Tyler hadn't visited.

She should have felt heartbroken. Oddly enough, her bloody mess of a heart just felt hollow and numb.

She took out her phone, opened her notes, and typed, "The 99th favor—I took a hit for Janice."

She only had one more task left. When it was over, she could leave for good.

Chapter 5

In the days that followed, Tyler had completely forgotten that Emma even existed. He didn't call, nor did he give her any tasks. There wasn't even so much as a half-hearted "hello".

Emma went through her recovery alone and checked herself out of the hospital.

She went to the villa where it all began and stayed behind closed doors, waiting in silence for her last task to come.

…

That night, a storm raged outside. Emma turned off the lights and had just laid down when she heard frantic footsteps from downstairs.

Her guard went up as she got to her feet. The moment she opened the door, a tall figure stumbled into her, reeking of alcohol.

Out of reflex, she caught him as he staggered into her. "Tyler?"

He was drunk, leaning into her with his forehead pressed to her shoulder. His hot breath brushed against her neck, and he slipped his arms around her waist, just like he used to.

He mumbled, "Stay still. Let me hold you."

It was an embrace she knew all too well. Memories of the nights he pulled her close and the way he clung to her when he was drunk came rushing back to her mind, threatening to drown her.

Emma pushed Tyler away with much difficulty. "You've been drinking too much again. I'll take you back to your room."

He suddenly cupped her face and kissed her. His breath was heavy with alcohol, but the kiss was so gentle that it made her forget everything else.

His lips brushed against hers, his tongue tracing the shape of her mouth. It felt just the way he always did it when things became heated—slow, intense, and affectionate.

Emma spaced out for a moment. Her mind drifted back to their first kiss on the villa's terrace. The night breeze had been cool as Tyler held her chin and said, "Close your eyes."

She recalled how he stayed up all night when she had a fever, eventually leaning in to kiss her burning forehead.

She thought about how he would kiss her just like this every time he came back from a trip and mutter, "I missed you."

A moment later, she snapped back to reality and turned away from his kiss, her voice quivering. "Let go."

Tyler already had Janice, so why was he still doing this to her?

His eyes were glazed over from the alcohol as his fingers lightly brushed over Emma's trembling lips. "You always liked it when I kissed you like this. Why are you turning away?"

She felt a pang in her chest. "Janice is back. You shouldn't be doing this to me."

He chuckled, swaying as he leaned in for another kiss. "Janice? Aren't you Janice? I missed you so badly while you were abroad. I even found someone who reminded me of you. Did you know that?"

The words hit Emma like an ice-cold dagger straight to the heart. It turned out that he had mistaken her for Janice again.

Emma felt a chill run through her spine. She was about to break free from his embrace when the door suddenly opened.

Standing in the doorway, Janice was drenched from head to toe, her face drained of color.

"Tyler!"

She looked at Tyler and Emma wrapped up in each other's arms, and her eyes welled up with tears instantly. "What are you two doing?"

Tyler jolted upright like someone had thrown cold water on him. He practically threw Emma off him, tripping over his own feet in his rush to Janice. "It's not what you think, Janice."

Emma slammed into the wall, a sharp pain exploding at the back of her head. Warm blood ran down her temple, but she felt nothing. All she could do was watch Tyler frantically reach for Janice's hand.

The man who was always so composed and proud was now stumbling over his words. "I got the wrong person. I thought she was you. I'm seriously wasted. I didn't mean to."

Janice was shaking with sobs. "You mistook her for me? I've been back for so long. How could you possibly still mistake her for me? You're in love with her, aren't you?"

Tyler suddenly raised his voice, the veins bulging along his neck. "That's impossible. During all those years without you, I only managed to hold on by pretending that she was you."

He pulled Janice into his arms. "She was only a substitute. How could she ever replace you?"

Each word cut deeper than the last, leaving Emma's heart bleeding raw.

She watched Janice throw herself into Tyler's arms and listened as he spoke to her in a soft, pleading tone. "I never had feelings for her. She was just a shadow of you, and now she's only my bodyguard. Don't you know how much I care about you?"

As the storm pounded against the windows, Emma turned without a word and walked back to her room. She closed the door, slid down to the floor, and hugged her knees to her chest.

What hurt the most wasn't that he saw her as a substitute, but rather that he had admitted it. All along, he had been seeing someone else every time he looked at her.