Ditching Me for His 'Soulmate'? His Loss. Next Stop: My New Life Novel - Chapter 124

Shadows Beneath the Moon" - by Aria Bennett 124 Summary In the late hours of the night, Claire confronts John Sterling to end their contract, which was originally a three-year agreement for her to act as Clare Harper's double in exchange for payment. Despite the contract having technically expired two years ago, John extended their arrangement by claiming romantic feelings, blurring professional boundaries. Claire maintains a businesslike demeanor, determined to stick to the original terms now that Clare has returned.

John reveals he staged a fake proposal to provoke Clare at her welcome-home party, which Claire points out was beyond their contract and demands extra payment. When John attempts to renew the contract, insisting he wants Claire to stay despite Clare's return, Claire feels conflicted and hurt. She realizes John's true motive is not love for her but using her to make Clare jealous and inflict pain. The chapter reveals Claire's painful history as John's stand-in for Clare, including how she was chosen for her resemblance and forced to adopt habits like smoking to fit the role.

Over time, John showed signs of genuine care, leading Claire to believe he might love her. However, the current confrontation exposes the harsh truth that she has been nothing more than a pawn in John's game, caught between love, deception, and manipulation. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter 1 "Sterling, it's time to end this contract." The clock had just struck eleven at night when the door creaked open slowly. John Sterling stepped inside, the sharp scent of alcohol and the chill of the night air clinging to him like a second skin.

Without a word, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, but I gently slipped away, sliding a neat stack of papers toward him on the table. "We made this agreement three years ago, remember? I was to be Clare Harper's double for three years, and in return, you'd pay me half a million." A bitter laugh escaped me, tinged with exhaustion. "It's actually been five years now. This should've ended two years ago, but then you said you loved me and wanted me as your girlfriend." I caught the slight flicker in his eyes but kept my tone even, businesslike.

"Well, now that Clare has returned, there's no need for the charade anymore, right? Let's stick to the original terms." My face remained impassive, like I was negotiating a deal rather than confronting a man who had blurred the lines between reality and pretense. John's smirk vanished as he shoved his hands into his pockets, fixing me with a cold, distant stare. "You know what happened tonight with Clare, don't you?" I didn't look up, offering only a faint smile. "Are you referring to the fake proposal to rile her up?