Beneath His Hidden Love

Fatal replacement

"Sign the damn papers!" Lydia snapped.

Nathalie stood motionless, staring at the papers. Tears blurred the words but she forced herself to keep reading.

The door opened. Her step-sister, Tasha, walked in, spotted the document and yanked it from her.

"Why is she holding the documents I've been waiting for all week?"

The room fell still.

Tasha glanced at her parents. "The silence isn't helping. Someone better explain."

Lydia whipped around. "The wedding between you and Lucian is cancelled." She looked away. "Nathalie will take your place."

Tasha's expression shifted.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Alright, this isn't funny, Mom." Her gaze swept over Nathalie. "Her? A disgrace who isn't even pure to represent this family."

"Enough!" Robert's voice thundered.

Tasha didn't flinch. "Dad, you told me my rejection would remain between us."

"I know what I said."

"So why is there a change of arrangement?"

Robert's jaw tightened. "You rejected his proposal. What do you expect?"

"I expect you to keep your word."

"Shut your mouth!" he barked. "Stop being selfish."

Tasha's eyes flashed. "Selfish? How about you, Dad? You gave my position as his chosen bride to your illegitimate bastard!"

Robert stood abruptly. His raised hand stopped when Lydia stepped between them.

"Everyone calm down!" Lydia's breath shook. She faced Tasha. "Nathalie will marry Lucian. The Romanos will save the company, and your father stays out of prison."

"What about me, Mom? I spent years preparing for this opportunity." Tasha chuckled bitterly. "I'm supposed to sacrifice everything for her?"

"Nathalie." Lydia turned to her, ignoring Tasha. "Quit stalling."

Nathalie met her father's gaze, his face gave nothing away.

"But I know nothing about this man, Dad. How can I possibly bind my life to his—a complete stranger?" Her voice barely audible.

Tasha scoffed. "He's Lucian Romano, the reclusive billionaire." Tasha cut in with a bit of awe.

Every face in the room went still.

"His identity is classified." Tasha continued. "He's the untouchable head of the Romano family. He lived beyond gossip and society's scrutiny. He's someone you don't deserve."

Nathalie clutched her dress. "I'm not interested, Mom. Tasha can have him."

Lydia's eyes hardened.

Tasha spun around. "You both heard her. She's not into him," Tasha plastered on a smile. "So please, let me marry him instead."

Lydia sneered and grabbed Nathalie's arm. "Silly child. You don't get to make that decision." She shoved Nathalie back and pushed the papers forward. "Sign."

Tasha's breath hitched. "But, Mom—"

"Tasha, enough!" Lydia yelled. "Have you lost your mind? You really want to defy a Don like him? Do you even have any idea what he's capable of? Tell me!"

Tasha pressed her lips into a thin line.

"Lucian will be here this evening. We need the contract ready," Robert said, his eyes fixed on the papers. "Putting this family first... is all that matters."

"Really? Because all my life, I have done nothing but put this family first. What has Nathalie done?"

"But I don't want this." Nathalie said in a hurry.

"It doesn't change the fact that they're giving it to you," Tasha shot back.

"Shut up!" Lydia shouted, squinting at them. Her eyes settled on Nathalie. "You'll wear the wedding dress. Say the wedding vows and force a smile if you have to!"

Nathalie jerked back. "Y-Yes... M-mom."

She stared at the contract, then lowered the pen. Her signature appeared beneath the final line. A tear splashed onto the papers.

"It's done, Mom."

Lydia took the papers, scanning them with a faint smile. "Finally, you made the right choice."

Tasha's face twisted in fury. She stormed towards Nathalie until her shoulder met the wall.

"Enjoy your wedding, sis." Her voice dropped. "Because I'll make sure your marriage becomes a living hell."

She walked away, leaving Nathalie alone with the reality she could no longer escape.

At Lucian's estate, he stood before the mirror as Taran adjusted his suit and straightened his tie.

"You look human now." Taran teased.

He handed Lucian a black mask.

"I don't think I need that. The makeup is enough."

"It's too light, Boss. This will make you look more sophisticated."

Lucian studied his reflection. "Why should I impress her? She's nothing more than her father's repayment. Nothing special."

"Does it matter?" Taran countered. "She's to be your wife. Give her some credit."

The word wife hardened Lucian's expression.

"Still baffled you chose Nathalie over her sister." Taran said. "Tasha has all the qualities you need for your business."

Lucian's lips curved into a cold smile. "Exactly why I don't trust her. But her sister is a fool, or so the rumors say. Easy to control."

"So what happens to your ex-fiancee? will she still be in the picture?"

Lucian ignored him, adjusting his cufflinks. His phone rang.

Taran peered at it. "It's Vera."

"Don't answer."

Taran smiled. "Avoiding her?"

"She's only meant for my bed," Lucian said flatly.

"And how will Nathalie feel about that?"

Lucian scowled. "Careful, Taran. Don't get on my nerves."

Taran stepped back. "Sorry, Boss."

A few minutes later, they climbed into the waiting car. After the driver sped off, Taran's phone rang.

"We have him," a voice reported.

"Send me the location," Taran requested.

The call ended.

Lucian's nostrils flared. "How bad are his crimes?"

"Embezzlement," Taran said. "He's also feeding information to the Kim Corperation."

A sinister smile crossed Lucian's face. "Turn the car around."

The driver obeyed.

Lucian leaned back. "Step on it, Mario. My patience is wearing thin." His voice dangerously calm.

By five, the beating was over. Taran entered the Romano secret vault and stopped beside the battered traitor.

"He's almost dead."

Lucian raised his gun. The bullet struck his enemy's forehead. "Now he's dead."

Taran merely smirked and offered him a handkerchief.

"We're late for your meeting with your wife."

"Let them wait!" Lucian growled.

Taran lowered his gaze.

"Change of plan. Call the pastor." Lucian glanced at the deadbody. "I'm getting married today."

"But your father—"

"Did I stutter?"

"No, Boss. I'll call him right away."

Soon after, black SUVs pulled up outside the Boris home. Lucian stepped out in a bloodstained suit. His men surrounded him, armed and alert.

At the door Robert froze while Lydia's smile faltered.

"Welcome, Mr Romano," Robert greeted. "Please come inside."

Lucian sat down after Taran checked the room. Robert shifted beneath Lucian's silence.

"Serve him the best wine," Lydia whispered to Zara, her maid.

The glass rattled in Zara's trembling hands.

"No more delays, Robert. Where's the girl?" Taran asked.

"My apologies. My wife will get her right away."

Lydia hurried upstairs.

A vein bulged in Lucian's neck. His eyes darkened, fighting the urge to spill Robert's blood.

"She isn't enough, Robert," Lucian rasped. "You still owe me far more than she'll ever pay."

"Honestly, that's true, Mr Romano."

Lydia returned with Nathalie and shoved her forward. "Has the cat got your tongue? Greet him?"

"G-Good e-evening, sir." Nathalie's lips shook.

Taran's gaze lingered on Nathalie, a strange recognition flashing in his eyes.

Lucian lifted his head—and froze.

He knew those eyes.

A Memory slammed into him.

His jaw locked.

He turned towards Robert. "So this is the slut you talked about?"