FALLING FOR THE UNWANTED BRIDE

Daphne Ambrose They say a wedding day should be one of the happiest moments of a woman’s life. For me, it felt like a life sentence. The vows on my lips weren’t mine to say. The name I said in reverence at the altar wasn’t mine to claim. I was a bride but not as myself. Today, I stood in white lace as Diana Ambrose, my twin sister. Yes we are identical, but our lives couldn’t have been more different. A mistake in the hospital years ago sent me into an orphanage where I learnt hunger before affection. While Diana grew up in wealth, pampered and adored in the Ambrose mansion. By the time I was finally brought back home two years ago, I was more like an outsider in my own family, careful with every word and steps, and desperate to be accepted. So when my parents literally begged her to take Diana’s place in marriage for a month before things settles, I said yes. Not because I wanted to nor because it was fair but because for once, I wasn’t invisible. For once I felt they needed me. The aisle stretched long before my eyes, lined with red roses arranged neatly by the path. To the guests, it was beautiful and romantic. To me, it was suffocating. Every step toward the altar felt like I was walking on thorns. My hands trembled against the bouquet, all sweaty despite the cold atmosphere. Thankfully the veil hid most of my face because my lips quivered. After my dad walked me down, he left my side and my heart trumped even loudly. And then I saw him. Casper Hendrix. The man who thought he was marrying Diana. The Hendrix name was whispered with respect and fear. They had money and power. Some said the family’s wealth was far beyond boardrooms and politics. Some said a deal with them was a pact with the devil but I never asked, and I didn't know because I know better than to engage in gossips. All my twin sister told me was that she had something really urgent to do today and it was a secret and she couldn't afford to tell Casper because the wedding preparations were already finalised. I found it suspicious because my mom and dad were on it too but since it's a temporary situation, I should be out of this before I know it. Casper stood tall in a black tailored suit. His dark eyes lingered on me through the veil. Then the pastor asked, “Do you take Diana Ambrose as your lawful wedded wife?” Casper answered without any doubt. “I do.” When it was my turn, my throat tightened. Then I forced the words out of my mouth. “I do.” The church erupted with applause. My parents smiled proudly in the front roll, and for a second there, I told myself it might be worth it, pretending and lying… if it meant I could be fully accepted by my family. Then the pastor gave permission for us to share a kiss Casper lifted the my veil. His lips crashed into mine. It was the softest, most dangerous kiss of my life. My chest hammered as though I just stolen something sacred. Cheers roared behind us. **** At the reception, champagne were served, the guest laughter and chatter with slow music filled the air. Strangers congratulated me but I barely heard them. Casper’s hand stayed on my waist softly, his grip firm as he led me across the dance floor. His hands wrapped around her neck, as we swayed to the rhythm of the music. “You’ve been acting strange all night,” he murmured against my temple. “Tell me what’s wrong.” I forced a nervous laugh, pitching her voice higher to mimic Diana. “It’s just my monthly flow. It came at the wrong time, that's all.” I had practiced that excuse. His steps slowed. His gaze dropped, assessing me. “You should’ve told me.” “It’s nothing, I didn’t want…” He cut me off. “Did you take anything for the pain? Forget this party, you shouldn’t be pushing yourself.” My throat closed. This wasn’t part of the script. “I can manage,” I whispered, trying to smile. “It would be rude to leave.” “I don’t care about them,” he said firmly, pressing his lips to my forehead. “You’re the one I care about.” My heart raced “I didn’t want to ruin the evening.” I replied inasmuch as I wanted to get out of here. “Nothing you do could ruin it. But don’t lie to me again, Diana. Ever.” The way he said the name sent shivers through me and a question lingered in her mind. Why did Diana abandoned this man today… this man who looked at her like she was the only woman alive. What secret was she hiding? **** The car pulled into a large mansion, guards stationed around. My stomach twisted. Was this where i'd be trapped? Casper carried me inside in a bridal style. I buried her face in the crook of his neck, wishing I could disappear when I saw the maids lined the hall, bowing their heads. Upstairs, he set me gently on the bed and hovered above me as if trying to figure out something. Then his lips captured mine, hungrier this time. My heart raced His lips trailed down my throat, his hands tracing my body. A moan escaped my mouth, my body betrayed me before my mind could catch up. I was strangely affected by his touch. But I panicked. If I let this go too far, he’d know the truth. “Ouch!” I gasped, clutching my stomach. Casper immediately pulled back, his eyes narrowing. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?” I nodded quickly, desperate for escape. “My… stomach. Cramps.” He studied me calmly and I saw suspicion behind his eyes, “I'm sorry, I forgot.” he muttered. He pressed the maid’s bell. “Bring Diana's stomach medicine now.” After pretending to take the drugs, I took a shower, I spent longer than normal inside, because my face was bare without makeup and it made me nervous.. Me and Diana are identical but still he could notice something, right? When I came out, Casper’s eyes roamed my face, then his mouth curved into a small smile. He patted the bed. “Come here.” I obeyed. His arm locked around my waist, his nose brushing my hair as he inhaled. “Diana” he murmured, “did you change your shampoo?” My pulse spiked, of all things, why did she forget this. “Its the same brand,” she lied quickly. “Different fragrance.” He inhaled again. “I like it.” I lay stiff in his arms, my eyes wide in the dim light, my every instinct screaming. It was like I had been thrown into a lion's den. When he finally left the room, I bolted upright and grabbed her phone. It rang three times before Diana picked up, her voice was groggy and annoyed. “What is it?” “Diana, I can't do this. I feel like a fraud. I can’t pretend to be you anymore.” “You agreed,” Diana snapped. “And you’ll go through with it. Unless you want Casper’s father to find out. Do you have any idea what he’d do to you if he realized you are the wrong sister?” My blood ran cold. And then, I faintly heard a man’s voice on Diana’s end. It was intimate. “Babe, who's that?” I frozed. Diana said hurriedly “I have to go.” She hung up and the line went dead. I stared at the screen my breath shallow. The realization hit me hard. Diana hadn’t just left for something urgent, she had given her heart to someone else. And it meant only one thing. Diana would never come back to Casper and I was going to be stuck in this marriage with no escape.