The decision
604 Words
Eliana barely slept that night.
She kept replaying Elie’s words in her mind.
“What if they didn’t know I was gone?”
It sounded impossible.
Dangerous.
Yet somehow, it also sounded like the only way Elie could escape the marriage.
The following morning, Eliana met Elie again.
Elie was already waiting beneath their usual tree.
“You came,” Elie said.
“I said I would.”
Elie looked nervous.
“Did you think about what I said?”
“All night.”
“And?”
Eliana sighed.
“I still think it’s crazy.”
Elie lowered her head.
“I understand.”
“But…”
Elie looked up.
Eliana continued.
“I’m willing to listen.”
A small smile appeared on Elie’s face.
They sat together, and Elie began explaining everything.
“The wedding preparations are already starting. My parents are meeting Ethan’s family soon. Once the date is announced, everything will move very quickly.”
Eliana listened carefully.
“So when would I have to become you?”
“Before the wedding.”
“And you?”
“I’ll leave before anyone realizes.”
“Where?”
“Another country.”
Eliana stared at her.
“You’ve really thought about this.”
“I’ve had no choice.”
Eliana looked down at her hands.
“There are things I need to know.”
“Ask me anything.”
“What does Ethan expect from you?”
Elie smiled sadly.
“That’s the problem. Ethan knows me well enough to notice small changes.”
Eliana’s heart sank.
“Then how am I supposed to fool him?”
“We’ll have to make sure you know everything about me.”
Elie pulled out her phone.
“Your favorite foods. Your habits. The people closest to me. The places I’ve been. Things Ethan and I have talked about.”
She paused.
“And I’ll teach you how I dress, how I speak around my family, even how I normally behave.”
Eliana laughed nervously.
“This is getting serious.”
“It is.”
They both became quiet.
Then Eliana asked,
“What about my life?”
Elie looked at her.
“What do you mean?”
“If I become you, I can’t keep coming back here.”
Elie understood.
“You’re right.”
“And Madam Vera?”
“We’ll have to make sure she doesn’t find out.”
Eliana sighed.
That was going to be difficult.
Madam Vera noticed everything.
But before they could discuss it further, Elie’s phone rang.
She looked at the screen.
Her expression changed.
“Who is it?” Eliana asked.
“My mother.”
Elie answered.
“Hello, Mum.”
Claire’s voice came through the phone.
“We’re having dinner with Ethan and his family tonight. I expect you to be ready by seven.”
Elie froze.
“Tonight?”
“Yes. Your father has already spoken to them.”
The call ended.
Elie slowly lowered the phone.
Eliana stared at her.
“You have to see Ethan tonight.”
Elie nodded.
“And I have to act like everything is normal.”
Eliana reached for her hand.
“Then do it.”
Elie looked at her.
“Why?”
“Because if this plan is going to work, you can’t let anyone suspect anything.”
Elie smiled faintly.
“You really are brave.”
Eliana shook her head.
“I’m terrified.”
“So am I.”
They held each other’s hands.
Neither knew whether their plan would save them…
or destroy them.
But the decision had been made.
The swap was going to happen.
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