Love Mistaken

At the grand banquet being held at the Grant family's villa, the Grant family, the wealthiest in the area, celebrated their extensive empire that spanned five generations and numerous industries, including finance, real estate, organized crime, jewelry, and entertainment. On the first floor, in the grand hall, a crowd dressed in luxurious and expensive gowns danced under the giant crystal chandelier. Everywhere you looked, custom-made attire and high-end jewelry displayed the opulence. On the second floor stood a man in an exquisitely tailored black suit. Leaning against the railing, he looked down at the gathering below, a drink in his left hand, his wrist adorned with a Patek Philippe watch. He was the head of the current generation of the Grant family, Lucas Grant. He observed the crowd below and took a sip of his drink. His friend, Alex, approached and stood beside him, saying, "The purpose of today's banquet is for you to choose a wife. Aren't you going to take a look?" "It's always the same, women trying to throw themselves at me for money. I've grown tired of it. " Suddenly, he noticed a woman in a white dress standing quietly in the corner. She wore a simple dress without elaborate decorations, had long hair, and no jewelry, looking like an angel in the night. Lucas instructed the butler, "Find out her name." He walked toward the woman and wrapped his arm around her waist. The woman pushed him away immediately. "Who are you?" "Don't pretend. Every woman here knows who I am. Aren't you here to marry me too?" "You've got it wrong. I—" ,She was suddenly lifted off the ground. "Put me down! I'm not here to marry you. I'm here in place of my sister." Ignoring her protests, Lucas carried her to his room. "Oh, trying to fool me? I'll soon find out who you are." There was a knock at the door. "Come in." The butler, Ethan, entered and placed a file on the table. Lucas picked it up and read it. The file named the woman as Victoria Clarke, but the photo didn't match. "I'm Isabella. Vicky is my sister. She was sick and couldn't attend, so I went in her place. You've got the wrong person." Bella turned to leave, but Lucas grabbed her hand and didn't let go. "I'm marrying you today." "No." Bella tried to push Lucas away, but she was too weak to resist. "Ethan, prepare the marriage contract." "Yes, sir." Bella's eyes widened. "I don't want to marry you. I don't like you." "It's enough that I like you." He embraced Bella and kissed her forcefully, trying to push his tongue into her mouth. Bella clenched her teeth, refusing to kiss him. Lucas bit her lip, and the taste of blood filled their mouths. Lucas felt as if this woman had cast a spell on him; he just wanted to keep kissing her forever and never stop. He hugged Bella tightly, and their heartbeats began to sync, pounding in unison. Bella felt she was suffocating. She stomped hard on Lucas's foot with her high heel, then shoved him away forcefully. She ran to the door and turned the handle, only to find it wouldn't open. "It's a fingerprint lock. Without a key, you can't get out. Bella, be my bride." "I don't know you. Today is the first time we've met. I won't marry you. I want to go home." "No. If you don't agree today, I won't let you go. Once I decide on something, no one can change it." Lucas felt a strange sensation in his heart, believing Bella was an angel sent by God to save him. He couldn't let her escape, no matter what. He lifted Bella and carried her to the bed, throwing her onto it before pressing his body against hers. He held her waist, his hands caressing her chest, kissing her cheeks and neck. Gradually, Bella began to respond, wrapping her arms around Lucas's neck and kissing him deeply. Lucas carefully removed her dress, unfastened her bra, and took Bella's n****e into his mouth. Bella bit her lip lightly. The next morning, Bella watched the sleeping Lucas and quietly got up. She found the keys in his suit pocket, picked up her high heels, and walked barefoot to the door, unlocking it and stepping out. The Grant family villa was enormous, and it took Bella a long time to find the exit. She hailed a taxi and, utterly exhausted, returned home. At home, Bella soaked in the bathtub, her mind replaying the events of the previous day. It had all been a misunderstanding; she thought she was attending an ordinary banquet. Yesterday felt like a dream, and now that she was awake, she decided to forget about Lucas. Bella dressed and decided to head to the library to meet her friends. She had a group project with her classmates today. Bella was a student at the top arts and design university, majoring in jewelry design, and would graduate next year. In her daily life, she was not an outgoing or cheerful girl; in fact, she was quite introverted. This might have something to do with her family. Bella was an illegitimate child, and her father had another daughter, so he didn't care much about her. She had moved out to live in the university dormitory since starting college. Lucas woke up to an empty bed and was furious. "Ethan, where did Bella go?" "Lucas, she ran away." "What!" "Why didn't you stop her?" "It was my oversight. I thought she would be like other women, reluctant to leave knowing she could marry you. I never expected she would escape." "Ethan, you must find her. You must!" "Yes, sir." Lucas closed his eyes, recalling the events of the previous night. Bella had taken his heart with her.