The Cursed Lycan’s Substitute Bride

The double doors to the ballroom were held open, and the congregation rose to their feet. The classical rendition of "Here comes the bride" played on the organ as Maya walked in. She clutched the garland of roses in her hands as she approached the aisle. Heads turned and eyes widened as the bride sauntered into the room, gracing the guests with her angelic presence. She was like a maestro conducting an orchestra, her movements precise and confident, as she walked down the aisle. “Isn’t Freya just so beautiful?” Luna Rosella shared a smile with Melissa. “She is indeed,” Melissa smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she watched her daughter. The guests seated next to them gazed in complete admiration. One of them leaned forward, her elbows on the table as the bride sauntered by. “She is simply exquisite.” "She's so beautiful, isn't she?" An omega wolf whispered to her son. He replied with a grin. "Of course. Her family must be so proud of her." "Freya will make such a wonderful bride.” Maya felt her knees buckle as she moved, but she refused to give in. No one was supposed to find out that she was the wrong bride. Four hours earlier, Maya helped herself to the hors d’oeuvres, not minding the glaring look she got from her mother. “If you stare at me like that, I'll lose my appetite.” Maya spoke with her mouth full. Melissa scrunched her face in a frown as she eyeballed her daughter. “How can you act so casually when your sister's fighting for her life in there?” A derisive snort slipped out and Maya rolled her eyes. “Oh please, you make changing into a wedding dress sound like she's dying.” “It's the same thing!” Melissa blurted out. When she noticed people stared at her, she grabbed Maya's arms and leaned close. “You have to accompany Freya. She must be terrified. Her husband-to-be is no ordinary man and you know it.” “Whatever.” Maya shrugged, her shoulders barely rising off the couch. Melissa’s eyes locked on Maya’s, before speaking in a low tone. “Maya, she's your twin sister. If you were in her shoes, she would've done the same.” “Yeah. In our next life.” Maya’s tone was dull and detached. “Maya!” Melissa said with a hiss. This time people stared and she didn't care. “Fine!” Maya leaped to her feet with a crêpe in hand. “I'm taking this with me.” Maya ate from the crêpe as she navigated her way to the dressing room. “Why did I even agree to attend this stupid mating ceremony?” Maya muttered under her breath. When she arrived at her destination, she kicked the door open, startling the maids. “Do you have to act so unladylike?” Freya rolled her eyes as she looked at her sister's reflection in the mirror. “What do you mean by unladylike? Am I not a lady?” Maya slumped on the nearby couch and blew a raspberry. Freya snorted a laugh. “Did mom force you to come see me?” Maya heaved a frustrated sigh. “You bet.” “I'm done, my lady.” The maid said in a gentle voice as she draped the white veil over Freya’s head. “Good. You may leave us.” Freya beamed her a smile, watching her and all six maids exit the room. The moment the door clicked, Freya bunched her dress in her fist and ran to meet Maya. “I can't get married, Maya. Help me.” she said. Maya jerked up on her seat. “Where did that come from?” Tears filled Freya's eyes. “I can't do this. I can't get married to the Lycan King.” Maya cupped her hand over her mouth to suppress a laugh. “Ah. Comedy gold.” “I'm serious, Maya,” Freya clutched her hand in hers. “Please, help me. I can't do this anymore.” Maya withdrew her hands from her sister's and shook her head. “There is no way I can help you, Freya. The deed has already been done. Before dad died, he promised you to the former Lycan King’s son. We're doing this to retain our seat in the elder council and the company. You were so excited before. What's gotten into you?” Freya collapsed on the floor next to her sister. “I used to be… but I can't leave Kelvin.” Maya rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time that day. “Him again?” “He's my boyfriend and I love him. I don't want to leave him.” “Freya, listen to yourself. You're spewing nonsense.” Freya suddenly blurted out. “Kelvin and I are running away together.” Maya's eyes circled in shock. “I’m sorry. What?” Freya went on regardless. “Tonight. We're leaving HeartLake city.” “Are you out of your goddamn mind?” Maya yelled. “You'll get us all killed! Dad's death would've been for nothing!” “I am going to spend the rest of my life married to a ruthless Lycan King who is also a mafia boss and I don't want that,” Freya took Maya's hands again. “You can help me, sis.” Maya tried to shrivel away from the contact but Freya sobbed. “Please, you can help me.” “You're running away from a Mafia Lycan King, what makes you think I won't do the same?” Maya gave her a stern look. “You won't. You're stronger than I ever will be.” “Oh ease, enough with the cliche lines!” “Maya, if you don't help me, I will run away.” “You wouldn't dare.* “Oh, I would, and it'll be bye bye for everyone.” Maya clenched and unclenched her fists. After giving it a thought, she released a lazy exhale. “I hate you.” Freya smiled and drew her into a hug. “And I love you too.” Maya recoiled in the format he embraced and scrunched her nose. “How will I even help you?” Freya smiled. “It's easy. Wear this wedding gown and go put on a show. Because of our uncanny resemblance, no one will notice a thing. They can hardly tell us apart, remember?” Maya pinched the skin between her eyes. “I knew you would say this.” “So, are you in or out?” Freya crossed her arms over her chest. Maya rose to her feet, glaring at her sister. “I'm in.”