Chapter Four
1098 Words
The long night turned into a new day as he dragged his tired self to the bathroom, the cold water from the shower ran through his dark hair down to his body, and gazed at his reflection in the mirror. The resemblance was striking. His jawline was sharp just as Franklin's, they both had piercing eyes, and the same birth mark at the corner of their lips. What separated the both of them was his worn-out skin and Franklin's polished arrogance.
So many thoughts were running through his head but he wasn't sure about which one to settle for. He had made up his mind to meet Franklin again — not to accept the offer yet, but to understand what he was involving himself with.
*******
Franklin’s driver had arrived to pick him up the next afternoon. The car drove through the heart of the beautiful city, and he couldn't stop staring at the towers and luxurious hotels until it finally stopped at the gates of a luxury mansion. Raphael was in awe at the size of it — fountains, marble statues, gardens trimmed like art. It was a world he had only ever caught a glimpse from afar.
One of the staff welcomed and led him inside, Franklin sat behind a stately mahogany desk, sipping from a glass of brandy. “Good to see you again brother,” he said, grinning slyly. “I knew you would come.”
Raphael shrugged off the bait “Before I say yes or no, I need you to tell me every single thing. Why do you want me to do this?”
Franklin leaned back and chuckled gently. “That is because you are the only person that can convincingly replace me. And I need a timeout from… my mess.”
“What kind of mess are you even talking about?”
“It's work-related issues ," Franklin said , keeping it vague. “I've got some things to handle, and it's best I lay low for now. . It’s just for a little while. I need you to take my place – do my job, live in my house, be me. My family, employees, everyone – they must not suspect anything.’
Raphael scowled. “You’re married? How am I supposed to deal with that?”
Franklin’s grin faded slightly. “Yes I am married. Juanita.” He poured himself another glass of drink. “She is gentle, but she’ll be your toughest test. She knows me too well — or at least she believes so.”
He paused, studied Raphael’s face for a while. “I don’t love her but she is in love with me. Do well to keep your distance, play your part and don't get attached.”
Raphael gulped, his unease intensified. “And what happens if I get caught?”
Franklin’s smirk returned, sharp and gentle. “You won’t. But if they find out anything— you'll deny. You’re Franklin Louis, you trust your gut and nobody else’s.”
He passed an envelope across the table to Raphael. His jaw dropped when his eyes landed on the check. He had never seen such an amount of zeros before. “You will get your balance once six months is over.”
Raphael's hands trembled as he couldn't believe his eyes. That money could change his entire life. He could start a business, complete college, maybe even build his dream life.
Raphael was not convinced even with everything Franklin told him. “Can I ask you a question? Why do you trust me with this?”
Franklin’s time became softer— excessively calm. “You are my blood Franklin. You'll gain everything and have absolutely nothing to lose.”
*******
Raphael spent the next few days shadowing Franklin in secret. He got familiar with his movements, tone, interactions with staff — authoritative yet demanding. He learned his signature, schedule and the mansion's layout.
Franklin was precise, almost to the point of being obsessive, about the details. He had Raphael put on his custom suits, walk through his office and practiced his phone conversations. "Confidence is everything," he said. "People believe what you want them to."
One afternoon, they both stood before a mirror, identical reflections staring back. Franklin's expression was enigmatic. "Perfect," he whispered. "No one will suspect a thing."
Raphael tried to fake a smile, his chest tightening. "What becomes of you once I take over?”
Franklin gave a shrug, "I'll travel, take care of some business abroad."
“You mean running away?” Raphael said in a low time.
Franklin's smirk wavered. "Call it whatever you want. Just don't ask too many questions, and don't let conscience interfere while you are working for me. It'll get you eliminated.”
Raphael felt a cold shiver. "Eliminated? What are you involved with?"
Franklin's tone grew cold. "You don't need to know." He clapped Raphael's shoulder. "Just play your part, and in six months, you'll be richer than you ever imagined."
*******
Franklin sorted everything the following week— documents, staff instructions, a private doctor on call to verify Raphael's identity if needed. The was meticulously crafted, and that was unsettling.
The night before the switch, they had a final meeting in the dimly lit study. Franklin handed Raphael his wedding ring and watch. "Make sure you wear them, or she'll get suspicious," he said.
Guilt swamped Raphael as he turned the ring in his palm. “This does not feel right.”
Franklin raised an eyebrow. "Fairness isn't the play here. You had nothing, I had everything. Now fate is giving you a slice of what you missed. Don't ruin it"
A smirk twisted his lips. Besides, Juanita will be happier with you faking it than being with the real me."
Raphael's jaw clenched. "You really don't care about her”
“He said flatly. "She was a business transaction. Strategy does build empires, not love Raphael."
Raphael glimpsed a shadow in Franklin's gaze — echoing the corruption his mother had warned about, but he spoke no word.
When midnight finally arrived, Franklin's firm handshake marked the deal. "Congratulations, brother. You are Franklin Louis.”
With his suitcase already packed, he slipped through the back door.
Raphael stared at the mirror but he saw a reflection of Franklin — powerful, confident and in charge.
He gently gripped the ring on his finger, took a deep breath and murmured, "I've got this.”
Deep down, he knew he was stepping into a new world but built on lies and deceit — and lies always demand a price.
- Writer
