Terri loved steamers. So this high-born, privileged young master peeled them for her by hand.
He knew she had a hard time in the Dartons, so he directed a few lucrative projects their way—making it clear they had to treat her well.
Terri was anxious as she put on the lingerie her mother had stuffed into her hands, preparing to offer herself in return for a favor.
But Blayne’s expression turned uncharacteristically cold. Holding her tightly in his arms, he was both angry and heartbroken.
He cradled her like something precious, his voice gentle as he placed a hand over his chest and swore, “I don’t need you to repay me. I just like you. I like you, Terri. For you, I’d do anything willingly.”
From then on, he gave her whatever she wanted. He never raised his voice and never forced her to do anything she didn’t want.
Terri thought it was real. She had always thought so.
But everything changed when Valerie returned from Scotland.
Being someone’s stand-in never ends well.
Terri knew that. But at the time, she hadn’t believed it.
Now, she did, so she didn’t bother to cover the marks on her face.
When they arrived at the party, she got out of the car alone, walking in with her head high.