More than just his Substitute

RAYNE I watched as everyone rushed to help me dress up, chattering and clattering as they struggled to find the right words and clothes, but unfortunately, not the right suitor. All my life, I've done nothing but lived in the shadow of my sister, River. She was the perfect, sweet girl people loved, while I was just the overlooked, forgotten, and neglected girl nobody wanted to associate with. It was a struggle growing up. But even as adults, it didn't get better. Our parents doted on her as she made waves, never given any rules or restrictions to follow. She was their perfect daughter. You'd think I resented my sister, considering how she always got to be the favorite, but the truth was, I was the one she resented. "Isn't she ready yet?" I heard my mother's shrill voice from the door, her head poking in as she scanned the dressing room with her curious eyes. It was my wedding day. "Almost done," Ellie, my sister's friend, said in reply, her hands busy with my hair. I heard my mother's disappointed sigh; it wasn't something new to my ears, as I always got it on a daily basis. "You should have been up early!" Hearing her scold me as she walked into the room made me grit my teeth in anger. It wasn't like I was happy doing this—it wasn't even my own wedding, for crying out loud. My mother gave signals to the others present in the room, seeking privacy to be with me as she stood behind my back. But I could see her reflection in front of the dressing mirror, which I was staring directly at. "The makeup is done already, Aunt," Ellie tried to calm her down with her reassurance. "Just a few finishing touches, and she'll be all ready to walk down the aisle." I snorted. Walk down the aisle, my foot! I wish I could run away just like River did. "Rayne." I didn't hear the disappointment in her tone this time; she called out rather sweetly. "I know you don't want to do this, but please consider what would happen if this wedding doesn't pull through." Honestly, I couldn't care less. "I'm trying all I could right now, Mum," I let out the truth breathlessly, biting down my lips in irritation. "I don't even know who the groom is. I'm not even supposed to be getting married. I just—" "You'll be fine, Rayne," Ellie consoled, her hands stroking my hair as I ran out of words to say. Tears were starting to form in my eyes, and I just couldn't let them fall, lest they ruin the makeup Ellie had worked so hard to do. My mother didn't say a word, and I guessed she just didn't know what to say. River had absconded all of a sudden, and I was left to marry in her place, to step into her shoes and live in her shadow—just like I've always done. "You're all we have right now," she finally breathed out, and I could see her eyes getting teary through the mirror. "You're our last hope, Rayne. You know how much this means to us. We were fortunate enough that the Fletchers agreed for you to take River's place as the bride." "You can do this, Rayne," Ellie added, her hands gently holding mine as she gave a small smile on her pursed lips. Even though Ellie was River's best friend, we both got along so well. I swallowed hard, taking in all the pain, frustration, and anger I was feeling. I had no choice but to step up and become the substitute bride. It wasn't a choice I had to make for myself; I had to do it for my family… NOLAN I stood at the altar, adjusting my cufflinks for what felt like the hundredth time. My eyes scanned the crowded church, searching for a glimpse of my bride. River, the woman I was supposed to marry, was nowhere to be found. Instead, I'd been told that her sister, Rayne, would be taking her place. I knew nothing about Rayne, except that she was River's opposite in every way. Deep down, I knew I'd never look at Rayne with the same loving eyes as I did with her sister. But River had thrown it all away – my love, my feelings, and our wedding. And her actions did nothing but bring out the worst side of me. I was going to make her sister, Rayne, suffer for what she had done. As I waited, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. Anger, frustration, and a hint of curiosity. Who was this woman who was about to become my wife? The doors at the back of the church creaked open, and a figure emerged. Rayne. My substitute bride. I watched as Rayne walked down the aisle, her eyes fixed on me with a mixture of determination and desperation. I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. This wasn't the woman I was supposed to marry. As she reached my side, I wore a frown, trying not to hide my discontent. Yes, they looked alike – they were twins, after all – but she'd never be River. My River. The ceremony began, and I went through the motions, my mind wandering to the business deal that this marriage would secure. I couldn't wait for this to be over. The sooner we exchanged our vows, the sooner I could get on with my life. As the priest droned on, I caught myself checking my watch for what felt like the tenth time. Rayne's eyes flicked up to mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of annoyance. But it was quickly replaced by a mask of serenity. If only she knew the hatred I felt for her. I sighed inwardly, eager to get this charade over with. I had no intention of making this marriage work. It was a business arrangement, nothing more. "Repeat after me," the priest said, his voice snapping me back to attention. I mumbled the words, my eyes fixed on some point beyond Rayne's shoulder. I couldn't even be bothered to look at her. As we exchanged rings, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It was almost over. Just a few more minutes, and I could walk away from this farce. The priest pronounced us husband and wife, and I felt a sense of obligation rather than joy. The crowd erupted into applause as we were asked to kiss. Reluctantly, I leaned in to kiss Rayne, my lips brushing against hers in a perfunctory gesture. It was done.