Chapter 2

Six months later.

Dianna gazed at the vacant room, letting out a deep sigh. Marrying her sister's husband was never her intention, and it certainly wasn't a wise choice. 

She headed to the bathroom, taking off her wedding dress and changing into her pajamas, the soft fabric soothing against her skin. Sitting down in front of the dresser, she gently took out the pins from her hair, her fingers shaking slightly as she washed away her makeup. The image in the mirror revealed a woman tormented by conflicting feelings, lost in memories from just a month prior to her wedding.

******

Her mother urgently summoned her to Washington, a call that whisked Dianna away from work into an unforeseen tempest.

Upon her arrival, she found herself in a tense gathering that included Clinton’s family and her own. Seeing Clinton, weariness etched on his features, pulled at her heart. Despite the tension, she felt a flicker of compassion for him. 

“I do not understand why everyone is here,” Clinton said, his voice lacking emotion, his fatigue evident.

“Clinton, you're destroying yourself. You need assistance, you need help.” His mother, Ruth, pleaded, worried evident in her tone.

“I can manage everything, Mum. Things have just been really tough lately,” Clinton asserted, a blend of defiance and desperation in his gaze.

“Take some time off work, son. Spend time with your son and yourself,” his father, Dave, proposed, but Clinton quickly dismissed the idea.

“I’m not doing any of that. I’ve got it under control,” he responded, a trace of anger in his tone. Dianna felt compelled to argue with him, to urge him to take a break, but she knew he wouldn’t heed her.

“Dianna, dear, how was your flight?” Ruth asked, redirecting her attention to Dianna. 

“It was fine, thank you ma,” she managed a smile, wishing her mother would return her focus to Clinton.

“Why did you summon me here?” Clinton interjected, impatience flaring in his words.

“I called you all together to discuss the contract between Aaron and the Blackwood,” her mother finally declared, the weight of her statement settling heavily in the room.

Dianna's heart plummeted. She had been unaware of such a contract, let alone that it was connected to her.

“The contract was established because your company was on the brink of collapse, and Dianna convinced me to assist. Now that the reason for the contract, Dianna is gone, it must come to an end.” her mother asserted, her voice firm.

“What?” Clinton exclaimed, disbelief washing over him. “But that was not the reason I married Olivia. I married her because I loved her so much.”

“I recognize that you loved my daughter, Clinton, but the contract clearly stated that as long as you remain married to Dianna, you possess 50% of the company.” Lois proclaimed, her tone resolute.

“Lois, Dianna didn’t divorce Clinton; she passed away.” Dave interjected, a heavy truth that lingered in the air.

“It’s only been six months since she died,” Clinton countered, frustration pouring from him. “I haven't had enough time to mourn my wife.”

“Lois, you understand how hard Clinton has worked to achieve his standing. It would be unjust to annul the contract now,” Dave reasoned, trying to mediate the situation.

Dianna felt adrift in the whirlwind of decisions being made around her. Her heart ached as she realized that she was merely a pawn in this scenario, unwanted and unrecognized.

“Okay, it's fine. I will propose a new contract to you, but only if you accept a condition of mine,” her mother continued, her gaze intense.

“What is it?” Clinton inquired, curiosity flickering in his expression, even amidst the chaos.

Dianna felt a knot in her stomach. She could sense her mother’s manipulations, realizing it wouldn’t end well for any of them.

“The 50% shares will belong to you, but the entire company will be yours,” Lois paused dramatically, “if you marry Dianna.”

The statement lingered like a heavy burden, and Dianna nearly spluttered her water in surprise.

“Mum, what do you mean??” she murmured, a mix of confusion and anxiety stirring within her.

Clinton erupted in laughter, but it was the kind that shattered Dianna’s heart. “Excuse me, what?!”

“I stated what I meant, Clinton. And I'm not going back on my words! This might come as a surprise, but that is the condition for the contract.” Her mother repeated firmly.

“Never!!! I can’t sacrifice Freya's love for me just for a contract, Lois.” Clinton finally regained his composure, his voice shifting from shock to resolve.

Dianna felt heat flooding her cheeks as she realized the depth of his feelings for her sister. It hurt to know that she would never occupy that special place in his heart. “Dianna and Daphne are identical twins. She is just like Daphne,” her mother pleaded, trying desperately to mend the situation.

“She is not Daphne! She can never be Daphne!” Phillip interrupted, his voice thick with emotion. “Dianna is timid and introverted, the kind who prefers to stay in the shadows. But Daphne…. uhmm....” His voice softened, “Daphne was vibrant, self-assured, and effortlessly commanded any room she entered.”

Dianna turned her eyes away, fighting back tears. They were speaking about her as though she were an item, making choices for her without taking her feelings or wishes into account. She felt a strong urge to yell at them, to assert her own independence, but the words were caught in her throat.

After an extended silence, she gathered the courage to speak. “Mum, what do you mean? I have my life in Paris,” she implored, clutching her mother’s hand.

Lois diverted her gaze, the moment slipping away. “Refusing my offer means also returning all the assistance I provided when your business was in trouble,” she said, rising to leave. “You have just 48 hours to agree to my terms, and remember, I dislike waiting for so long.” With that, she grabbed her bag and exited the room, leaving a heavy tension behind.

Dianna understood her mother well; she was persistent and would not alter her stance. She had always obtained what she desired, and this time would be no exception.

“Consider it, Clinton,” Dave encouraged, giving Clinton a supportive pat on the shoulder. “Daphne is gone….she's dead and she wouldn’t want you to lose everything you’ve built.” 

Ruth showed her encouragement, kissing Clinton's forehead before they both exited the room, leaving Dianna and Clinton alone.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize this was the reason I was summoned,” she stated softly, but he did not reply. His head hung low, and she sensed he needed solitude.

As she stood to go, his voice halted her, sharp and filled with irritation. “Why are you doing this to me?”

“What do you mean, Clinton?” Dianna responded, confusion flooding her.

“Why did you return? What is your intention here?” 

“Nothing. I...I left when you told me to,” she replied hesitantly, the accusation in his voice striking deeply.

He stared at her, his normally cold and inscrutable eyes now shining with fury. “I know you planted this idea in your mother’s mind, but let me clarify one thing: you will never be Daphne. You will never fill her role, you can never fill the space she has filled in my heart.” His voice was calm yet assertive, each word dripping with disdain. “I will never love you, care for you, or recognize you as my wife.” With that, he got up, his figure looming over her for a moment before he walked out, leaving her there with a shattered heart.

*******

Dianna’s phone buzzed, drawing her away from the painful memories that lingered. She blinked away tears and picked up. It was Loveth from work.

“Why didn’t you mention that you were getting married today?” Loveth’s voice crackled through the line, a mix of disbelief and reproach clear in her tone.

“Hi, I’ve missed you too,” Dianna replied, rolling her eyes, a faint smile breaking through the heaviness in her chest.

“Is this a joke to you? Do you have any idea how stunned I was when Collins told me this afternoon?” Loveth's frustration was evident, and Dianna struck her forehead with her palm, regretting her trust in Collins.

“I apologize. I didn’t want to inconvenience you,” she said, trying to keep her voice carefree. In reality, she didn’t want to weigh down Loveth with more troubles.

“Inconvenience me? You know you can always lean on me,” Loveth reassured her.

“So, tell me, is he attractive? Wait, I’m switching to a video call!” Loveth’s enthusiasm surged, and before Dianna could respond, the screen lit up with her friend’s eager face.

“So, spill it dear!” Loveth furrowed her brow, and Mabel couldn’t suppress her laughter as she walked to the bed and lay back.

“Yes, he is.” Mabel confessed, still grinning.

Loveth let out an excited squeal. “You lucky champ! Here I am, stuck with an ugly guy,” she said, pretending to wipe away fake tears.

"That’s not what you were just screaming about,” a male voice interjected beside her, and Loveth blushed.

“Collins, I didn’t realize you were there,” Mabel said, beaming at Loveth’s embarrassed reaction.

“Hello to the newest gorgeous bride in town,” he greeted Mabel warmly, taking the phone from Loveth. “I see you’re all smiles today.”

“Aren't you two still at odds?” Mabel inquired, amused by their dynamic. They were the most complex couple she’d ever witnessed. When she returned to Paris, she had to make up for canceling a lunch date by actually meeting Collins for lunch, and she had noticed him stealing glances at Loveth the entire time.

To ease the tension, Mabel initiated a chat with Loveth and invited her to join their table. This simple gesture somehow ignited a connection between them. Months later, they found themselves in a relationship, though it remained unpredictable, marked by regular breakups and reconciliations.

“Well, he showed up pleading with lavish gifts and flowers. You know how much I adore flowers; I simply had to take him back,” Loveth said with a dreamy expression.

“I just arrived at your place, and you jumped on me right away,” Collins replied.

“With flowers and gifts, that was begging,” she shot back, and they fell into one of their charming couple disputes, filled with playful teasing and warmth.

Mabel decided to end the call before things become too sentimental, smiling at the screen as it faded to black.

She heard the faint sound of Clinton’s door opening and shutting further down the hallway. He returned to his room. Mabel had opted for the guest room to minimize encounters with him and to provide him with the space he seemed to desire.

As she prepared for bed, a knock on the door took her by surprise.