Prologue

Juniper stood just outside the grand doors, her breath shallow and her pulse racing. The weight of the bridal veil felt like a chain pulling her down. She glanced at her reflection in the gilded mirror near the entrance....flawless makeup, a diamond-studded necklace, and a gown that screamed money.

But none of it felt like her.

Afterall, it was Sophia Carter's wedding and Juniper? She was just a substitute, getting paid to be her.

The more she could fool everyone, fool the invincible Wyatt Blackwell...the more money she got.

“You can do this,” she whispered to herself, tightening her grip on the bouquet.

The doors swung open, and a hush fell over the room. All eyes turned to her, their gazes heavy with expectation. Juniper stepped forward, her legs trembling beneath the layers of satin.

At the altar, Wyatt stood tall in his black tuxedo, his jaw set and his eyes piercing. 

“Finally,” he murmured as she reached his side. “Took you long enough.”

Juniper forced a smile. “Patience is a virtue, Mr. Blackwell.”

The officiant began the ceremony, his voice a distant hum in Juniper’s ears. Her mind raced. Each word, each glance from Wyatt, felt like a test.

“Do you, Sophia Carter, take Wyatt Blackwell to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Her throat tightened. For a moment, she froze, her eyes scanning through the hall of people to finally meeting someone familiar.

He stared at her with a deadly gaze. Juniper wanted to backout, to yell and scream and tell everyone that she isn't Sophia but what would happen to her then? what would happen if she refused?

Wyatt's gaze darkened at her delay. He stepped forward and grabbed her hand, which looked romantic on the outside but internally it seemed like a warning. Of course, if Juniper under the pretense of Sophia walked out of this marriage it would ruin his reputation.

With a lot of conflict she then pushed out the words. “I do.”

“Do you, Wyatt Blackwell, take Sophia Carter to be your lawfully wedded Wife?”

Wyatt’s gaze burned into hers as he said, “I do.”

When the officiant declared them husband and wife, Wyatt stared at her intensely. “You’re trembling,” his tone dark.

“And you’re enjoying this too much,” she shot back under her breath, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.

Wyatt’s eyes flicked, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. He then leaned in as if to kiss her but whispered instead, “You really thought, I wouldn't know about your fraud?”

Juniper’s breath hitched. Her body stiffened, her hands clutching the bouquet so tightly that the delicate stems bent beneath her fingers. The world around her seemed to blur. It was replaced by the deafening echo of his words.

She took an involuntary step back. Her heels scraped against the polished marble floor. “What... what are you talking about?” she stammered. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Wyatt’s hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. His grip was firm but not painful. He pulled her closer. Their faces were mere inches apart. “Oh, you know exactly what I’m saying,” he hissed. His smirk disappeared, replaced by something darker and more dangerous.

“Let go.” Juniper demanded this, her voice laced with fear. Wyatt’s grip didn’t falter.

“Not until I make this sham of a marriage official,” he said. She opened her mouth to protest, but he moved faster. He cupped her face with his free hand. His lips pressed against hers.

The kiss was searing. It claimed her completely. There was no room for her to escape. Juniper’s hands pushed against his chest, but Wyatt didn’t let go. The crowd erupted into cheers. They were blissfully unaware of the tension crackling between the bride and groom.

He finally pulled back. Juniper’s lips parted, but no words came out. Her eyes burned with shock and fury.

Wyatt leaned in again. His lips brushed her ear. His voice dropped to a whisper. “Congratulations, Mrs. Blackwell. Welcome to Hell.”

Her heart thundered in her chest as the weight of his words sank in.