The Mafia's False Heiress

Chapter 01 The Switch “If anyone here realizes I’m not Vivienne, I’m dead… and my mother with me.” I forced myself upright, though my reflection showed how my legs trembled. The door opened slowly. The clicking stilettos hit the floor like a ticking bomb, her scent dominating the room in seconds… until I could hardly breathe. “You will be if you mess up.” Her voice is icy cold. Her eyes are serious as she stares at my reflection. She studied my face as though seeing it for the first time. When her eyes met mine I saw rage that I couldn’t explain. “If you mess up...” Vivienne stepped closer, adjusting my chin as if I’m a mannequin. “Your mother’s oxygen stops tomorrow.” The image of my mother gasping for air in her hospital bed seared through me. I couldn’t afford to mess this up. I thought she would be pleased to see me… she was not, it was the opposite. Vivienne and I share a face, not a childhood. She inherited the mansions, I inherited the bills. “I won’t.” I said with confidence but I was shaking inside. “We agreed…help first.” Vivienne handed me her phone. Relief washed over me—she already paid for mother’s bills… that means I have to be at my best. She scoffed, crossing her arms. “We’ll see about that.” Her tone made me think she wanted me to fail. I gulp. “Stand straighter,” she ordered, and tightened the corset until I couldn't breathe. Pain was nothing. If it bought my mother one more breath, I’d endure it. “T-this is enough, Viv.” I catch my breath. “You’re trembling? Since when do I tremble?” “Since you tightened my ribs in steel.” Pretending to be my sister… wrapped in a mask and gown, was the worst decision of my life. But I had no choice, she was my only hope. ”Smile. Be me. And remember what I taught you.” She glared. I nodded. I remember every one of them. “Don’t drink red wine.Smile, never apologize. Speak last. And lastly… if Damian approaches... do not run.” “Who’s Damian?” I asked before I could stop myself. Vivienne stayed stoic, her back pressed against the seat, a half-smile curving her lips…but no answer. “Smile wider.” _____ In the limousine, I caught my reflection beside hers… two identical faces, two completely different lives. We were both born the same day, share the same parents but with different experiences in life. She lived a perfect life, not worrying how to survive day by day while I had to work hard so we wouldn't starve. “I don’t think I can do this.” I spoke without thinking. The extravagance started to scare me while my sister was used to it. I can never be her but I couldn’t say no either... She's my twin after all. Her brows creased, and stared at me with her lethal eyes. “You don’t get to think. You get to save her or bury her.” Vivienne holds power like a perfume. I wore desperation. And there’s no reason for me not to believe her... But a small hope ignited over me... It's her mother too. My breathing quickened as the driver announced, “We’re here.” Vivienne’s men opened the door. I took a look at her face for the last time. She handed me a masquerade with a glare… enough to make my throat run dry. “Remember what we talked about.” I nodded. “Don’t talk to anyone unless it’s necessary. The camera flashing almost blinded me but that didn’t stop the numerous questions forming in my head as I smiled for the red carpet. Why couldn’t she go to the party herself? Why does she need me? For all we know I’m just going to ruin her reputation if I mess up… the unsettling question with no answered bothered me for a moment. Despite that, I stood my ground despite the sting from the heels killing me, and how suffocating the mask feels. Even in this gown, I felt like a maid who’d stolen her lady’s dress. But still I waved my hands and posed for the camera. “Just get through tonight and everything will be fine.” I whispered, convincing myself as I entered the hall. It was nothing like I’ve seen before. The place was straight out from a movie. The light from the chandelier was enough to highlight every individual present. The soft music filled the hall with socialites laughing and converse as I stood in the corner in awe of my twin's life. It made me feel small. I didn't belong to the place despite wearing the most expensive dress. But I had to do what I got to do… for my mother. The room suddenly shifted, the bright chandelier darkened. The music stopped and the laughing turned to whispers. “Isn’t that Damian Santiago?" Several people turned their heads to the entrance, whispering. My head turned to the entrance and I was immediately captivated by the man’s beauty. I didn’t believe anyone was perfect until I saw him. His eyes glued to mine as he walked with grace and his confidence filled the room like he owned the place. His stance demanded attention and was full of authority that made my sweats drop from my forehead. He scanned the room as he walked but stopped in front of me. A lump on my throat formed when he lowered his gaze to mine, he closed the distance between us like he knew me… like he knew Vivianne. I gasped and took a step back, he raised his brow and put his hand around my waist, his face inches away, and I could feel his lips on my ears. “Glad you didn’t hide, Vivienne.” I couldn’t speak nor move. Is he the reason why my sister isn’t here right now? “Why would I?” That came out quickly. Who is this man in Vivienne's life? And why is he looking at me like I did something terrible? He chuckled. “Such confidence from the woman who f****d me up.” He whispered with gritted teeth before walking away. I stood there stunned, but stared as he walked away. The man looked dangerous, it scared the hell out of me. His movement is stoic and precise, catching everyone's attention as he passes by. His manly scent still linger around the air I breathe, making me bite my lips. Questions inside my head run wild. What was I getting myself into? And what did Vivienne do to make that man so angry? I tried to ignore him, I didn’t have the right to intervene with my sister’s life. I’m only pretending to her… just for tonight. Yet, I couldn't, his presence and... Just him makes me want to know more. “Damian’s going to kill you if you won’t confess to him.” My brows creased. I look at the woman with confusion. She came out of nowhere. "Excuse me?" She smirked as I answered. "I know you're not Vivianne. You fool Damian but not me." Her eyes dark as she smirked. "Who are you?" I whispered, looking around. My breathing is heavy and the corset makes me want to strip it off. "Someone from Vivianne's life." My mouth opened, I had a million questions to ask her. "As I was saying, Damian's going to kill you if he finds out you're you." “What are you talking about? Vivianne just put me up to this. This is not my business in the first place." Pretending to be my sister is freaking terrifying especially that she didn’t gave me information that could help me right now. And only a mysterious stranger talking to me for guidance, I guess? She laughed… who is this woman? It seems like she knows my sister well. “That’s unlikely to say. Damian always get what he wants, even if that means he has to kill someone.” Is she serious? “Why are you looking at me like you don’t know what?” “What?” I was shaking. “You’re not Vivienne.” She wasn’t asking… she now knows. She dragged me and I was too weak and confused to fight back. “What are you doing? Vivienne’s going to kill me if I leave.” “You’ll get killed by Damian before that happens.” Why is everyone obsessed with killing someone? They’re not serious aren’t they? Because if they are… I’m in danger and I have no strength nor plan how to keep myself alive. “Who’s Damian in Vivienne's life?” I couldn’t help but ask as she locked all the doors making sure that no one was inside the bathroom. “I don’t know who you are and why you’re here or what Vivienne is thinking but this is a mistake. You have to run away… you’re in danger.” “I’m not leaving until I know what’s going on. My sister just told me to attend the party, we had an agreement and this is a life and death agreement… I have to stay.” “So, you’re really her twin sister.” I nodded. “Damian Santiago is Vivianne's enemy… She did something that risked her safety. Damian is someone who kills.” “A killer?” I’ve only heard about them. She shook her head. "Someone worse." Worst? "A Mafia?" My head hurts with all the information. She close her eyes tight with a deep breath before nodding. “Yes.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re kidding. I know my sister, she might be cruel and badass but she’s not like that, and whoever that Damian is. I’m sure he’s not dumb enough to just kill me.” I was waiting for her to laugh and say that she was indeed just making fun of me but she didn’t. “I wish I was.” Now we’re both silent. Before either of us could say anything the door bangs loudly. She hold my hand tightly and slipped something that made me look at her. She whispered. “Use this… only when you need it.” Before I could ask, men in the back entered the bathroom, holding us tightly making us unable to escape… then someone entered the room... Damian. His eyes fixed to mine with a glare. “You’re not thinking of escaping are you?” He doesn’t know who I am… or what I’m truly scared of, so right now I have nothing to lose. Screw this, I’m Vivienne... Right now. “You’re not dumb enough to know my plan after all. Though I must say, you’re weak… the only thing that’s keeping you strong are your men and your name… but inside I know you’re nothing." If looks could kill, I'm sure I'm dead right now. “Oh, don’t test me, Viv.” He closes the distance between us. His hands around my neck… his grip slowly tightening making me lose air.. I tried to kick and fight back… it was no use. He laughed when I looked at him pleading. He let go and I catched my breath… I whispered. “Damian..” His eyes softened for a moment but looked away. “Let’s go. Take Vivienne and leave her friend behind.” “W-where are you taking me?” I panicked. He faced me, tracing my face using his finger… “Somewhere you and I only exist.”