Chapter Four; A New Beginning

Present day...

As we emerged from the chapel, the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the sound of joyous applause. My heart fluttered with nervousness as I held onto the arm of the man who believed me to be someone else.

The guests lined up, eager to offer their congratulations. I smiled and thanked each of them, trying to ignore the uneasy knot that tightened in my chest with every well-wish.

“Oh, my darling daughter, you look absolutely gorgeous!” A short middle-aged woman says as she pulls me into a hug, and my smile twitches, threatening to fall as the word ‘daughter’ rings in my mind.

I was not her daughter but a mere replacement, and she knew that very well. We both smiled at each other, under a mask of pretense as we acted like any daughter and mother would. It was almost sickening how she appeared unaffected by the thought of a stranger taking her daughter’s place, but it was no use understanding her state of mind. Her company would be in ruins if the scandal broke out, showing how she was more of a businesswoman than a mother.

Laura had told me that she was well aware of her daughter’s misdoings, and she’d agreed to remain oblivious to save her own hind from taking responsibility for Verona’s disappearance.

Miss Laura Shield was definitely a force to reckon with.

“Thank you, mother.” I drag out, and she giggles in content, turning to face my newly wedded husband. “And you look as dashing as always Andy, Please do take care of my princess.”

I internally cringed at the cheesy nickname, my doll-like smile twitching.

“I most definitely will Mrs Winfield,” he answers with a hearty laugh, his gaze flickering to me as he smiles. “She deserves nothing but the best.”

Beside me, my groom beamed with happiness, oblivious to the turmoil roaring inside me. I met his gaze, but I was unable to look into his eyes for more than a few seconds, feeling a pang of sadness knowing that our marriage was built on deception.

Mr Anderson Shield, is the sole heir to Shield Pictures, the leading film production company in Hollywood. A man known for his dedication and charisma in the way he managed his business, the only son born to the late Mr. and Mrs Shield, founders of the lavish empire.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a strong jawline and piercing hazel eyes that seemed to sparkle with anticipation. Stylishly dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that accentuated his athletic build, his dark hair was neatly styled, framing his chiseled features perfectly. A smile played at the corners of his lips, revealing a hint of dimples that only added to his charm. He was what most women called an eligible bachelor, a man that had it all.

Now I wondered just what was going through Verona’s mind when she chose to leave him, maybe money and fame were not a redeeming factor for her. If she was going to break off their relationship then she should have done so in a more civilized manner, but then again, maybe she just lacked the courage to do so. Either way, her irresponsible choice had disrupted my life, and now I had to take responsibility for her carelessness just because God chose to make us identical.

What an unassuming twist of fate.

I turned to greet the next well-wisher, my smile almost falling as I was met with the piercing gaze of my sister-in-law, the woman who had orchestrated this whole charade. Her eyes bore into mine, a silent reminder of the price I had paid for this role.

"Congratulations, dear," she said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "You've done well to step into your sister's shoes on such short notice."

I keep my smile in place, nodding as if her words were nothing more than a casual observation. "Thank you," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

She leaned in closer as if to give a hug, her voice low and threatening. "Remember our deal. You play the part of the Verona Winfield, and you'll be rewarded handsomely. But if you slip up, if anyone finds out the truth..." She let the threat hang in the air, unspoken but understood.

I swallowed hard, the weight of her words settling in my stomach like a stone. I knew what was at stake, and knew the consequences if I failed. But I had no choice. I had to see this through, no matter the cost.

Laura shifted her attention to her brother who pulled her into a tight hug. The scene causes a hollow feeling to swell in my chest and I look away from them, my eyes stinging with tears as I battle with a storm of emotions, the weight of her warning heavy on my mind.

The facade had to continue, no matter how much it tore me apart inside.

I also had someone whom I would do anything to protect, so even if I turned into a pawn in this wicked game of deceit, it would all be worth it in the end. And soon, I’ll be able to seek solace in the arms of my brother.