Swapped Billionaire's Bride

Kara's Pov "You missed this spot, dear sister of mine." I raised my head to meet the smug look of my step sister with a glare. Lily Coleman, that's her name. She came to my life well over 10 years now and nothing has been the same. I smiled at her and replied, "Yes, I'll get that right away." I'm basically Cinderella without the magic and fairy god mother, I'm a slave in my own mansion. "Things have to be perfect sister dear, Gabriel and my future in-laws are on their way." Lily warned. All I could do was stomach the humiliation like I always did. "Yes." I lived like a maid in my own mansion, no even the servants had it easier compared to me. "Good," Lily grinned. "If you do a great job, mother might even let you eat more than once today." The way she made it sound was like they were doing me a favour. When I think back to how blissful my life used to be, I curse at my unlucky stars. My mom, God rest her soul, was my guiding light until I turned 14. A year later, my dad remarried, bringing Miranda my new step mom and her prickly daughter who's around my age into my life. I questioned my father's decision to remarry within a year after mom died but, I wasn't selfish. I just wished he had chosen a better woman. I really don't know what he saw in the wicked witch of the west. Even though I wanted to hate him, I couldn't, he's all I had, especially during these trying times. But, as they say, good things never last. Right before I turned 16, father fell victim to a deadly illness and just like that, I was orphaned. My stepmother, Miranda, and stepsister, Lily, were more like wolves than kin... But I wasn't going to let all that stop me from having a normal life "Done!" I dusted my hands taking a good look at my hard work. The dinning area was spotless. Lily had left me to myself so she could get ready. I rushed to my room - The basement. I browsed through my clothes until I finally found one that wasn't a rag. I had plans to see my boyfriend later. Alex wasn't rolling in dough like my stepmom and sis preferred, but he treated me like a queen. As I was getting ready, Lily blocked my path in the hallway, her perfectly coiffed hair hiding the venomous thoughts brewing within. "Kara, sugar, we need to talk," she drawled. "Spill it, Lily. I'm in a hurry," I snapped, already sensing trouble. "My my, is that a way to talk to your big sister? I really just wanted to talk." I responded with a stoic silence and a death glare. "Fine, I'll get to the point, no need to b***h around. I overheard some high-society ladies gossiping, sweetie. Seems like your Alex isn't up to our standards, financially speaking," she said, her eyes narrowing. As if on cue, the wicked witch of the west, Miranda chimed in, her voice dripping with honeyed malice. "Kara, honey, love ain't paying the bills. You need someone who can give you the world, not just sweet nothings. That's what your father would have wanted." "How would you know." I muttered softly peeking their interest. "How would you know what father wanted for me!? He's not here. Isn't that why I'm treated like a slave?" I couldn't contain my rage. "Look," I stared at Lily. "I'm only going to say this once so listen properly. Stay out of my love life." I brushed off their comments, determined to enjoy my date. "Kara, that's no way to talk to your sister!" Of course, the wicked stepmother will defend her spawn. Miranda grabbed my wrist. "I don't recall approving your departure. You will have dinner with us." "But." "Is that clear?" "Yes." I grumbled. "Now, take this." Miranda handed me a Black dress. It was the first time she gave me an actual normal gift. Guess they have to keep appearances. Can't have her stepdaughter looking like a maid. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, the black dress a stark contrast to the usual maid's attire I wore. But tonight wasn't any ordinary dinner, it was to celebrate Lily's engagement with Gabriel, the supposed "World's most perfect bachelor," a man straight out of a fairy tale. Tall, dashing, and oozing with the aura of a prince. One of the reasons Lily is exceptionally gutting for my throat is the fact that I am far more beautiful than her. Even when I wore a maid's outfit, I was blessed with my mother's natural beauty. Lily was wearing an extremely expensive designer attire. With strong emphasis on "Extremely". She was engrossed with her engagement ring, the epitome of privilege and entitlement. "I was wondering when you'd show up, darling sister. You sure know how to clean yourself up." I grinned as responded. "Oh this? Step-mother gave it to me." "A hand-me-down that suits someone like you." "Kind of reminds me of all the hand-me-downs mother took from me and gave you. You're welcome by the way." Lily gritted her teeth before breathing slowly to regain her composure. She was never the witty one and to boot, she has the mindset of a child. "That's enough children, our future in-laws will be arriving soon, I expect you to behave yourself, Kara. And please, once you're done with the dress, burn it or use it as a rag." I felt like snapping her neck then and there. But alas, there's no point committing animal abuse, especially when it's days are numbered. The head maid - Rosemary approached. "Madam, the guests have arrived." "Good, now ladies let's go welcome our guests." We were now stationed at the dinning. I sat there with a puzzled look. "What's all this?" I said to no one in particular. The "In-laws" Miranda kept ranting about was an old man in his 60's whom I assume is Gabriel's Father. There was no one else. Miranda placed her hands on my shoulders. "I knew it'll be difficult getting you in a position like this, so I lied a little. We're not having dinner with Lily's in-laws. We're having dinner with your suitor." I widened my eyes in realisation, this was all a ploy. "Kara, this is Mr. Hyde. CEO of Blow Tech. I hope you two will get acquainted fast."