Married to the Coma CEO: My Mask Fell Off

"Me, standing in for Annette and marrying that comatose Theodore Cross? You've got to be kidding me." Cecilia Hart was jolted awake by her father Jonathan Hart's phone call early in the morning, only to find out that he expected her to marry in place of her stepsister. She immediately spun around, ready to storm out the door, but Jonathan grabbed her arm firmly. "We've raised you for so many years, Cecilia. It's time for you to repay us. And don't forget, you want that money for your grandmother's treatment, don't you? Marry Theodore Cross, and we'll give you two million dollars." Cecilia couldn't believe it—Jonathan and Margaret Finch thought they could sell her for two million dollars, and to a man who was practically a corpse. "I will not agree to this! I'm not like you! I won't let you and that woman treat me like some servant just for money!" "You little brat!" Jonathan raised his hand, about to slap her across the face. Cecilia didn't flinch. Instead, she raised her own hand to block the strike. "What right do you have to hit me? Did you ever raise me? You don't even deserve to be called a father." Her stepmother, Margaret, spoke in a cold, menacing tone, "With your status, marrying into the Cross family, the wealthiest family in Riverdale, would be your stroke of luck. Don't forget that your grandmother's guardianship is still in our hands. If you refuse, we'll stop her treatment." Margaret's expression turned dark as she added, "And don't you want to know where your mother's last painting is? The one she made before she passed?" Cecilia's eyes widened. "What do you know about it?!" Her mother had passed too suddenly, and Cecilia had missed her last chance to see her. When she returned, she'd heard from the servants that her mother's final painting was meant for her, but she'd never been able to find it. Her intuition told her that there was something hidden in that painting, some message her mother wanted to convey. That was why she had to find it, no matter the cost. Margaret smirked. "Marry Theodore Cross, and I'll tell you." Cecilia's hands clenched into fists, her mind made up. "Fine. I'll marry him." ***** On the day of the engagement, the door to the bride's room swung open with a loud creak. Cecilia stepped out. Jonathan and Margaret had been waiting by the door, and as soon as they saw her, they were so angry they looked ready to walk out. Eyes from the crowd turned toward her, and someone whispered, "Who's this? How did she get past the guards dressed like that?" Cecilia was wearing a poorly fitted white strapless dress and shoes that were one size too small. She looked completely ridiculous, as the dress and shoes had been chosen based on Annette Finch's measurements. Margaret hissed under her breath, mortified, "Is this some kind of joke? Are you trying to embarrass us?" "Wait a minute... She's not Annette Finch. I've seen Annette, and she doesn't look like this!" "Ah, so the Finch family got a fake bride!" "Poor Theodore. He is still in a coma and has no idea of being humiliated by the Finch family like this!" ***** "I'm not Annette Finch!" Cecilia responded firmly, her words sparking an uproar from the crowd. Eleanor Cross shot a questioning look at Margaret, who suddenly grew flustered. "Madam Cross, it's a misunderstanding. This is my other daughter, Cecilia, the older one. She was raised at her grandmother's house in the countryside and rarely comes to Riverdale. We would never deceive you." "Grandmother, Theodore was supposed to marry Annette Finch, not this Cecilia," Lucas Cross interjected, standing firmly in front of Eleanor, his voice hard. The Cross family, as Riverdale's wealthiest, held the economic power of the region. Everyone in the room knew how important it was to curry favor with them. The murmurs grew louder, with people speaking out against Cecilia. "Look at her! She's dressed in rags, and she smells like antiseptic. How could the Cross family possibly want a woman like this?" Cecilia stood tall, her posture straight, and faced the hostile stares with unwavering confidence. Eleanor, observing Cecilia's composure, silently made her decision. "Everyone, this is a private matter for the Cross family. Please, don't make things difficult for this young lady." ***** As soon as Eleanor spoke, the noise around them quieted, but there were still murmurs. "Especially since she's under my protection now." A clean, magnetic voice rang out from beyond the crowd, slightly hoarse but unmistakable. Everyone turned to look, their mouths hanging open in shock, and several young women gasped in disbelief. "Theodore Cross?! He's awake!" Eleanor rushed to Theodore's side, her voice filled with emotion. "You... you're finally back!" "Yes, Grandma. I'll take over from here." Theodore's words were commanding, his gaze sharp. Though seated in a wheelchair, he exuded the presence of a king returning to his throne. ***** Inside the room, Theodore sized up the "fake bride" Cecilia, his eyes sweeping over her with a piercing intensity. "A Cross doesn't need to force a woman to marry him. If you're being coerced, you're free to leave." Cecilia let out a relieved sigh. "Really?" Theodore nodded confidently. "Of course. I always keep my word." Cecilia nodded, about to turn to leave, when suddenly, Theodore collapsed to the ground. "Hey, what's wrong with you?"