My love is a body double

Chapter 3 I Love You the Most

Albert was by her side, his profile bathed in the sunlight, compelling Julia to capture the moment with her phone. The click of the camera woke him, and he turned to her with an icy glare. But Julia wasn't irked; instead, she laughed joyfully, "Albert, you're my favorite." She playfully nuzzled his arm. If she had a tail, it would surely be wagging.

Albert's face remained stoic. "Are you feeling alright anywhere else?"

His cold demeanor only made Julia giggle more. "I'm fine, just a bit hungry now," she said, rubbing her stomach with feigned petulance. Albert attempted to help her up, suggesting they go out to eat, but at that moment, the door swung open. Julia's smile vanished as their gazes met Flora's.

Flora stood there, clad in a hospital gown, looking fragile with bandages on her hand from an IV drip. Her eyes flitted between Albert and Julia, and with an awkward hesitation, she addressed Julia, "Um... Ms. Julia."

Julia was accustomed to Flora's usually haughty demeanor, and this sudden change left her at a loss. She waited, expressionless, for Flora to speak.

"I'm sorry," Flora's voice was hoarse, filled with unease. "I didn't know Albert was here with you, or I wouldn't have come. I'm sorry to have disturbed you."

Julia halted her departure. It dawned on her that Albert had probably been with Flora before coming to see her. She looked at Albert and suggested, "Albert, why not let Miss Flora join us for a meal? It would save you the trouble of bringing food later."

Albert's expression chilled visibly. Flora also stopped in her tracks, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Ms. Julia, please don't misunderstand, there's nothing between Albert and me. He just stopped by."

Julia was puzzled by Flora's overreaction. It seemed to her a practical solution; they could all eat together, sparing Albert a separate trip. But it appeared she had been misunderstood.

Albert abruptly pulled her from the bed, his voice cold, "She has an agent to take care of her meals."

Julia followed Albert, her chin lifted in silent indignation, leaving Flora pale with frustration.

...

In the Western-style restaurant, Julia sliced her steak absentmindedly, occasionally glancing at Albert. Despite being accustomed to her gaze, Albert couldn't resist urging her to focus on her meal.

Once, she would have quipped back, claiming she liked to watch him. Back then, hounded by his mother to find a suitable match and weary of it, he had given in to Julia's persistent pursuit. If he had to choose someone other than Flora, Julia seemed the best bet—uncomplicated, beautiful, and considerate, without the scheming of other women.

Over time, Julia brightened his world like a little sun, her presence comforting. His friends joked that he had found a gem of a girlfriend, and he nearly believed it. But then he would see her smile and remember another girl suffering in a foreign land for him, and his heart would grow cold again.

Lost in thought, he asked Julia how she could always be so cheerful. She simply replied, "Because you healed me."

Caught off guard, he suggested they take wedding photos. Julia beamed, "Sure."

The studio was reserved for them, serviced by a renowned photographer. The secluded valley location was beloved for its picturesque scenery. Julia, dressed in a stunning wedding gown that reflected her princess dreams, asked if Albert had chosen it. He lied, saying it was picked at random, but he had actually had it custom-made five years prior, captivated by the design. Now, seeing her in it, he thought of Flora and wondered if she would have looked just as radiant.

The session unfolded with an undercurrent of unspoken emotions, a mix of Julia's contentment and Albert's hidden regrets.

Even he, in the secret chambers of his heart, found his own conduct despicable.

At that moment, Julia, blissfully unaware of his inner turmoil, was radiant with joy. She felt like the most fortunate bride in the world, joyously sharing a selfie on social media.

Simultaneously, another woman, upon seeing Julia's post, felt her world implode.

Following the photographer's instructions, they started with indoor shots before moving outdoors.

During the shoot, they were a cooperative pair.

After half an hour, it was time to venture outside.

They followed the photographer up a mountain to a brook that was picturesque and pristine, resembling a peaceful haven from another realm.

The waterfall cascaded over dark rocks, the water flowing silently beneath.

Nature's beauty was undeniable, prompting Julia to exclaim, "Wow! This place is breathtaking."

It was no wonder that every couple vied to book this studio for their nuptials.

Albert couldn't help but be momentarily captivated by Julia's purity as she stood by the brook.

He considered that perhaps marrying Julia wouldn't be such a bad decision after all.

Yet, his hopeful fantasies were just that—fantasies.

A staff member approached, cell phone in hand, indicating an urgent call.

Taking the phone, Albert answered with a detached, "Yes?"

"Mr. Wilde, it's dire. Flora's gone from the hospital; we don't know where she is."

Hearing of Flora's plight, Albert's brow furrowed, "The hospital? What was Flora doing there? What's happened to her?"

"It was... Flora found out about your wedding photoshoot today and she had an episode last night... and today..."

"Mr. Wilde, what do we do? I can't find Flora, and she was so distraught before she disappeared. I'm afraid she might do something drastic."

The words 'missing' and 'episode' hung heavily in the air.

Albert's face darkened. "Get everyone to search for her. Call the police if necessary. I'm on my way back."

Julia, overhearing, was taken aback.

"Albert, are you leaving?" she asked, clutching his sleeve.

"I'm sorry, Julia. Something's come up. We'll have to reschedule the photoshoot."

Julia, clinging to him, said, "I know she means a lot to you, but can't you send someone else?"

The phone call had been loud enough for her to catch every word.

Albert's expression hardened. "Julia, stop it. She's unstable, and I can't leave her like this."

"And you can leave me?" she retorted.

The notification chime of her phone sounded.

The staff member had brought her device as well, in case of an emergency.

Glancing at the message, Julia's face fell.

"So you need to go back? Fine, let's head down the mountain."

Her composure was chilling, and a storm seemed to brew in her eyes.

The assistant, taken aback by her reaction, was unaware of the turmoil within Albert.

They left the photography studio and drove down the mountain.

At an intersection, Albert's phone rang with a video call from Flora. He stopped the car to answer.

Flora appeared on the screen, standing on a cliff with her hair windswept and tear-stained cheeks, a picture of helplessness.

Panicked, Albert called out, "Flora! Don't do anything foolish!"

But she hung up after what seemed like a final goodbye.

Albert was at a loss.

"Julia, get out of the car," he barked.

Confused, she asked, "What do you mean?"

His voice was nearly terrifying. "She'll be worse off if she sees you. Get out and call for a driver."

Silent, Julia's grip on her purse tightened as the car pulled away.

Moments before, Flora had sent her a text with a design sketch of the wedding dress, revealing that Albert had designed it for Flora.

How repulsive the thought that Albert had intended her to wear this dress.

Repulsive indeed.

Walking alone on the mountain path, directionless, it took Julia a long while to calm her nerves before attempting to call for help.

But her phone was nowhere to be found in her purse—a realization that struck as she remembered leaving it in the dressing room.

With a sinking feeling, she lamented her misfortune.

Stranded on this desolate path, was she expected to walk down the mountain?

At a fork in the road, she was at a loss; this junction was new to her.

The sun was setting, and on a whim, she chose a direction.

Two hours later, she was utterly lost.

Standing on an increasingly steep path, her confusion mounted, and panic began to set in.

As darkness enveloped her, she feared what might happen if she truly was lost.

Her face paled with fear.

Continuing on, the night fell completely, and her initial disorientation turned to terror.

Lost in the dark, she didn't know where to go; the vast emptiness of the night felt suffocating.

Just as she neared her breaking point, a car's headlights illuminated her.

Looking up, she heard a man's voice, "Crying?"

"Rup... Rupert?"

"How is it that I always find you, especially at your lowest?" he teased.

"Rupert!" Overwhelmed, she embraced him, "I was so scared... I thought I'd die up here, that wolves or ghosts would get me... Seeing you is such a relief..."

Rupert chuckled, "Ms. Julia, you'd make a fine ghost story writer."

She knew he was jesting, yet felt immense relief at the sight of another living soul.

"Rupert, I owe you one—get me off this mountain, and I'll pay handsomely."