Present day...
As we emerged from the chapel, the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the sound of joyous applause. My heart fluttered with nervousness as I held onto the arm of the man who believed me to be someone else.The guests lined up, eager to offer their congratulations. I smiled and thanked each of them, trying to ignore the uneasy knot that tightened in my chest with every well-wish.“Oh, my darling daughter, you look absolutely gorgeous!” A short middle-aged woman says as she pulls me into a hug, and my smile twitches, threatening to fall as the word ‘daughter’ rings in my mind.I was not her daughter but a mere replacement, and she knew that very well. We both smiled at each other, under a mask of pretense as we acted like any daughter and mother would. It was almost sickening how she appeared unaffected by the thought of a stranger taking her daughter’s place, but it was no use understanding her state of mind. Her company would be in ruins if the scandal broke out, showing how she was more of a businesswoman than a mother.Laura had told me that she was well aware of her daughter’s misdoings, and she’d agreed to remain oblivious to save her own hind from taking responsibility for Verona’s disappearance.Miss Laura Shield was definitely a force to reckon with.“Thank you, mother.” I drag out, and she giggles in content, turning to face my newly wedded husband. “And you look as dashing as always Andy, Please do take care of my princess.”I internally cringed at the cheesy nickname, my doll-like smile twitching.“I most definitely will Mrs Winfield,” he answers with a hearty laugh, his gaze flickering to me as he smiles. “She deserves nothing but the best.”Beside me, my groom beamed with happiness, oblivious to the turmoil roaring inside me. I met his gaze, but I was unable to look into his eyes for more than a few seconds, feeling a pang of sadness knowing that our marriage was built on deception.Mr Anderson Shield, is the sole heir to Shield Pictures, the leading film production company in Hollywood. A man known for his dedication and charisma in the way he managed his business, the only son born to the late Mr. and Mrs Shield, founders of the lavish empire.He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a strong jawline and piercing hazel eyes that seemed to sparkle with anticipation. Stylishly dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that accentuated his athletic build, his dark hair was neatly styled, framing his chiseled features perfectly. A smile played at the corners of his lips, revealing a hint of dimples that only added to his charm. He was what most women called an eligible bachelor, a man that had it all.Now I wondered just what was going through Verona’s mind when she chose to leave him, maybe money and fame were not a redeeming factor for her. If she was going to break off their relationship then she should have done so in a more civilized manner, but then again, maybe she just lacked the courage to do so. Either way, her irresponsible choice had disrupted my life, and now I had to take responsibility for her carelessness just because God chose to make us identical.What an unassuming twist of fate.I turned to greet the next well-wisher, my smile almost falling as I was met with the piercing gaze of my sister-in-law, the woman who had orchestrated this whole charade. Her eyes bore into mine, a silent reminder of the price I had paid for this role."Congratulations, dear," she said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "You've done well to step into your sister's shoes on such short notice."I keep my smile in place, nodding as if her words were nothing more than a casual observation. "Thank you," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.She leaned in closer as if to give a hug, her voice low and threatening. "Remember our deal. You play the part of the Verona Winfield, and you'll be rewarded handsomely. But if you slip up, if anyone finds out the truth..." She let the threat hang in the air, unspoken but understood.I swallowed hard, the weight of her words settling in my stomach like a stone. I knew what was at stake, and knew the consequences if I failed. But I had no choice. I had to see this through, no matter the cost.Laura shifted her attention to her brother who pulled her into a tight hug. The scene causes a hollow feeling to swell in my chest and I look away from them, my eyes stinging with tears as I battle with a storm of emotions, the weight of her warning heavy on my mind.The facade had to continue, no matter how much it tore me apart inside.I also had someone whom I would do anything to protect, so even if I turned into a pawn in this wicked game of deceit, it would all be worth it in the end. And soon, I’ll be able to seek solace in the arms of my brother.THANK YOU FOR READING, PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW IF YOU'VE ENJOYED THE BOOK SO FAR.
As the last guest offered their congratulations, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the reception ahead. My new life as a bride who was not truly a bride had begun, and I could only hope that I could keep up the charade long enough to set things right. Finally, the day had come to an end, and as we settled into the plush seats of the limousine, my husband turned to me, his eyes shining with adoration. "You were stunning today, my love," he said, reaching for my hand. I pulled my default smile, my fingers trembling slightly in his grasp. "Thank you," I replied, my voice betraying none of the turmoil inside me. All I did all day was say thank you, the term slowly becoming a mantra. He leaned closer, his voice soft. "Is everything alright? You seem... distant." I bit my lip, trying to quell the rising panic. "I'm just overwhelmed," I lied. "It's been a long day." He nodded understandingly, but I could see the concern in his eyes. I turned away, staring out the window as we dr
“Anderson!” I hurried to his side, not caring if I soiled the pristine wedding dress as I kneeled before him, my hands reaching out to his face to calm him down. “Anderson!” my voice trembles with worry as my vision blurs with unshed tears as his face twists in pure agony. In a frenzy, I moved to get my phone as it was the only logical thing my mind could think of was to call for help, but before I shot up, I felt a pair of study hands wrap around me. My body moves in accordance with gravity as I stumble into his lap, my back pressing against his chest. I could feel the subtle beat of his stable heartbeat, and a lone tear slipped from my eyes as his grip on me grew comfortingly tighter “I’m fine,” he whispers sensually in my ear, resting his head on my shoulder as he peppers my skin with light kisses. “Don’t cry.” he cooed, his voice heavy with remorse and I did the exact opposite, biting down on my lower lip as I sobbed in pure relief. My shoulders quake as I burst into tears, drop
The next morning, I was woken up by a sharp pain in my neck, and I let out a low groan as my eyes fluttered open. It was then I realized that I had slept in the same position as last night, crouched and folded, and now I was paying dearly for it. I was still in my wedding gown, and it was clear evidence that everything that had happened wasn’t just a dream, even after I had profusely wished it was. I let out a small yawn as I dragged myself to my feet, wincing slightly as another wave of pain twists the muscles in my lower back.I walk towards the mirror in the dresser, stopping midway to take a moment to admire the serene view of the breathtaking landscape behind the glass screen windows. It was the only feature of the room that I appreciated. The sun had yet to rise but the bright blue sky did well to take its place.I reach the mirror and gaze at my reflection, taking in the image of the face that had landed me in his position. I internally cringed at the sight of myself, my eyes
THIRD PERSON POV “Come on pick up, pick up.” Briana frantically paced about her room, her brows furrowed in anxiousness as she continuously dialed Laura Shield's number. She looked over her shoulder with uneasiness, watching Celine silently arrange her luggage for the impromptu trip. Anderson had stepped out to finalize the arrangements, and he'd said they were scheduled to leave by noon. Leaving Briana little to no time to come up with a valid excuse to refuse. She was sure Anderson would get suspicious, because what newly wedded wife wouldn't jump at the thought of a lavish honeymoon. It was every woman's dream, but to Briana, it was nothing more than a nightmare. And finally, after a dozen solid attempts, she gets through to the enigmatic businesswoman. “What do you want? I'm sure I instructed you to call only during emergencies.”Came Laura's cold welcome, but Briana brushed it off and stopped pacing.She moves into the bathroom to avoid Celine from overhearing their conversa
*Third person POV*A shocked gasp escaped Briana's lips as Anderson sprung up to his feet and swept her off hers in one swift motion. She found herself effortlessly lifted and placed on the table, her breath catching in her throat as she stared up at him with wide eyes, her heart racing with exhilaration.With a boldness that left her breathless, Anderson gently but firmly parted her legs with his sturdy hands, stepping in between them with a confident stride. As he closed the distance between them, the skirt of her dress rode high, exposing the smooth curve of her thighs, and a rush of heat flooded Briana's cheeks as she felt his touch against her skin.His hand slid against her thighs with a tantalizing caress, sending electric currents dancing along her nerves and igniting a fire within her that she could barely contain. With each passing moment, the tension between them grew, thickening the air with anticipation as they teetered on the edge of something unknown.“Anderson, wait–”
BRIANA I felt hot, hotter than I'd ever felt in all my life. Anderson's lustful gaze washed over me, pinning me in place as his eyes silently studied my expression. He increased his pace as he ground against me, and I let out a shaky moan, my eyes rolling to the back of my head as the rush of sweet ecstasy clouded my mind, making me breathless as I trembled against him. “You weren't always this sensitive,” he observed in a soft whisper, his hand reaching out to gently caress my cheeks. “Seeing you like this is driving me crazy.” Oh, if only he knew how close I was to the brink of insanity. “Ahh…” a gasp escaped my lips as a tantalizing shiver ran up my spine. Anderson's free hand had slid against my open thighs, venturing into my most sensitive part. I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as I suppressed a moan, feeling his fingers press against my core with only my lace underwear acting as a barrier. “Fuck, I can't wait any longer,” Anderson growled, his patience slipping as he
“You look stunning, my lady,” Celine beams from beside me, seemingly more excited about my outfit than I am. The young girl has a peculiar way of speaking, like she has spent most of her time among royalty, but I could tell from her calloused hands as she applies the finishing touches on my makeup that she was raised in a harsh world.I look down at my own hands, hands that had once slaved in hard labor. Now, they look smooth and spotless, but I know very well what these hands have gone through.“Thank you, Celine,” I smile at her, meeting her bright eyes through the dressing mirror.“You're welcome, my lady. I'll go inform the chauffeur that you're ready to leave,” the young girl says, offering a small curtsey bow before heading for the exit.Once she's gone, I let my gaze sweep my reflection. I am dressed in a tailored, navy blue pantsuit that speaks volumes of understated elegance and professionalism.The blazer is cut to perfection, fitting snugly around my shoulders and cinched sl
After Anderson's declaration, he wordlessly turned to me, ignoring the pointed stares everyone threw our way as he grabs my wrist and ushers me away from the set.“Anderson,” I called after him, almost tripping on my own feet as I struggled to keep up with his pace. But still, he doesn't stop, not even bothering to look my way.I looked around us, the whispers getting louder as we passed a few employees on our way out.This was bad; the news of our marriage was supposed to remain private. It would have served me better if everyone in the office didn't know I was the boss's wife, especially when I wasn't really his wife.Now I'm sure the news will soon spread like wildfire. I had caught sight of a few employees taking pictures and videos of the dramatic scene on sight. I predicted it would surface on the internet, gaining thousands of views and putting me in the hot spotlight.I internally cringed at the thought of my face appearing on blog posts. It was already hard coming to terms wit