Chapter 001: The Wedding Vows
1412 Words
Chapter one
“I vow to hurt you…” My groom began, “To humiliate you, to shatter your feelings…” He continued. “and crush you, Diana, until the only relief you’d crave is a divorce from me…”
Despite my groom’s words, I had no regrets.
A soft smile graced my thin lips as I stared into his blue eyes, not captivated with desire or love, oh no.
That wasn’t what this was.
I wasn’t even Diana.
I was Darcy — the other twin my parents abandoned.
I was simple, plain Darcy but he would never find out.
Klav Qualton would never realize he was marrying the wrong sister.
Because the man in front of me was key.
The key to being with my family again.
The family I lost when I was four, abandoned at the orphanage because the Duvals couldn’t afford two children.
My family.
And Lola too.
Three hours ago, I could have never imagined I would be standing in a grand hall, clad in a heavy, expensive dress, saying my vows to the most powerful man in Miami — Klav Qualton.
I also never imagined that a car would hit Lola, or that my family would be in the same hospital as her, or that they would ask me to replace my sister in exchange for the hospital bills and a second chance at being with them.
All in one evening.
If my life were a movie or a book, it would already be a hit.
“I do,” I said, smiling at my groom.
His eyes darkened. “You won’t give up so easily, now will you, Diana?” he snarled. “Even after everything you’ve done? Do you have no shame?”
My parents insisted Diana was sweet and kind, so why so much hostility?
I didn’t care though. All that mattered was this wedding and the marriage working out.
Only three months. After that, Klav Qualton would be history to me.
“Alright,” The priest’s voice drew me back to reality. “In the absence of any objection, I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.”
I froze, my heart hammering in my chest at the Priest's words.
Klav took a step forward and I instinctively moved back, mentally berating myself.
I was supposed to be Diana. Diana was bold, confident, and dominated every room.
She wasn’t shy or scared of anyone so I steeled my eyes and forced my gaze to the ground.
Just as I felt his breath on my skin, Klav grabbed my hand and I watched as he removed the wedding band, tossing it out the window before marching away.
The sound of it hitting the ground echoed, wiping the smile off my face.
Because my groom had left. Leaving me at the Aisle. Alone and abandoned in front of a thousand guests.
I was used to being abandoned, forgotten, and ignored. But for some reason, watching a mere stranger leave, made my heart ache.
Before I could process the guests’ murmur, my mother was in front of me, grinning.
“Darcy,” she cried, “You did it dear, you protected the image of this family.”
“Yes dear,” My father’s voice reached me. “You’re my princess.”
Yes. It was all worth it. “Now, you just have to ensure that you keep Klav happy until Diana recovers, that way, you can switch back and we can be a happy family.”
I nodded my head, reaching out to hug my mother and frowning when she retreated.
“I… I mean,” she cleared her throat. “You have so much to do. First, you need to follow Klav to the mansion now, follow the cars, okay?”
I nodded, I had all the time to hug them later.
But why would she retreat from me? Didn’t she miss me as much as I missed her?
I shook the thought off and raced down the aisle before freezing.
I had to be graceful. I was Diana not Darcy.
I took soft steps toward the cars and entered one of them, gasping at the interior.
I only saw these cars in movies, but now, I was sitting inside one.
I giggled before clearing my throat at the driver’s stare.
The drive to the grand castle— I meant that. The grandest— estate? Castle?
Whatever it was.
Klav Qualton’s home was a dream.
Something straight out of a fairytale.
If I were Diana, I’d never have cold feet.
In fact, I’d have gotten married, even if I had to be hooked on oxygen to do so.
The driver rushed out, opening the door for me.
“Lady Diana, this way,” He moved his head so low, I was sure he would hit the ground.
He seemed so tense. I was the one who had a literal beast waiting inside for me.
I pushed the thoughts back and walked into the mansion, flinching as several voices echoed.
My eyes widened as I saw several maids— I’d lost count—bowing to me.
Was this a fever dream?
“Do you need a special invitation to come inside?”
My head snapped up at the voice.
“Mr. Klav. I mean, Sir— ” He raised his hand, silencing me.
“Since you’re already here, you can pick it up yourself,” He took off his suit jacket, revealing the toned build under his white shirt.
What was it about men and white shirts? They had the same chemistry as men in grey sweatpants.
“Did I stutter?”
I stepped back. “I— how did you get so close?!”
“Were you daydreaming?! he boomed, “First, you trap me into this marriage, and now, you’re daydreaming, Diana?”
He smelled so good, I mean, no, this was my sister’s husband.
But, what did he mean by trap? I never trapped him. He walked into the hall willingly, what was he—
“Take your trash and leave.” He pointed to a corner. “Now.”
I frowned at the suitcases there, they must belong to Diana.
Wait a minute.
Why was he kicking Diana out on their first day as a married couple?
Mom never said Diana and Klav were having problems. So—
“Diana Duval!” Klav grabbed my arm. His nose brushed against mine as he glared daggers into my skin.
I stopped breathing, goosebumps running over my skin as his grip tightened.
“Take your things and get out!”
I nodded and grabbed the bags, trying to pull them
What exactly did Diana even keep in the bags, why were they so heavy?
“D-Don’t worry, Lady Diana. I will do it.”
“We… We can do it together.”
The maid froze like she’d been stung. “Of course not! Your nails would be damaged. I will do it. You, you just wait.”
Again. That same terror. The one in the driver's eyes.
Why did they seem so tense around me?
I watched as they carried the bags to a small cottage.
So I wasn’t getting thrown out?
The maids excused themselves before I could ask any questions.
I swallowed, glancing around the dusty, cob web infested room.
I was already messing up on my first day and nothing made sense.
How would I pretend to be Diana if I kept failing like this? And Klav? He didn’t even want to look at my face.
I didn’t understand one thing, why did he hate Diana?
Why?
What did she do— did she even do something?
There was only one way to get the answers to my questions.
I pulled out my phone and took a step forward, frowning as I stepped on something.
I glanced down, turning my phone flashlight on.
My eyes widened as I saw a book, I opened it and realized it was a diary
Not just any diary. Diana’s Dairy, her name was scribbled at the end.
I set my phone down. The answers to all of my questions were right here. Once I read the diary, I would know everything.
I flipped the first page and the first line snatched my breath away.
/‘If Klav finds out what I’ve done, he will destroy me…’/
I gasped, barely able to shut the book as loud banging filled the room.
- Writer
