Chapter 4 Perfect match...!

Author's point of view...

I walked out of the room, my heart pounding with a helpless, quiet scream. The hall was just a few feet away and I wished it would never end as I laid my eyes beyond it, the car that would take me to my unwanted fate was waiting for me at the entrance.

I wanted to turn and run away, to vanish before anyone could stop me, but there was no escape from this.

As I neared the car, a pair of familiar eyes caught my attention, narrowed with resentment. Elvira was glaring daggers at me. She was my cousin, a year younger than me.

Dad told me that they were invited to a family gathering with the Davis family. She might be here for that.

I could almost feel her jealousy seething. And of course—this dress could make anyone turn green with envy.

But did she have to give me that look?

"You might be flying above cloud seven, aren't you?" she sneered with her voice dripping with disdain. I inhaled deeply.

Elvira is my sister but we never have anything that could make us sisters. She had been hostile towards me since childhood, for a reason even I don't know. To say it simply, we weren't in good terms to begin with. I can't possibly expect any kind of emotional bonding with her, of course.

With a resigned smile, I dismissed her taunt and walked forward. But as I was about to get closer to the car her resentful voice echoed in my ears again.

"Don't think that you can show off just because you are engaged to a rich man, okay. It's just a matter of time when he would kick you out of his life when he sees a better option..." I paused and shot her a glance.

A better option...!

Did she mean her?

Was I showing off just now? What is there to show off in a marriage full of hatred?

Then suddenly, I thought of something as I saw her curse me under her breath.

Elvira was surely interested in this marriage. A crooked smile tugged on my lips as I approached her and leaned closer.

Lowering my voice to a whisper, I said in her ears. “Elvira, if you really want this, I’d be glad to give everything to you.”

Her eyes flickered with surprise, but she rolled them quickly, looking away as if she couldn't be bothered.

I pressed on, a bitter smile pulling at my lips. “Including this marriage…Including young master Logan Davis...”

Her eyes lit up and she shot back to me, eyes wide, and I almost laughed at her expression, her disbelief was that thick. For a moment, I let myself savor the small, absurd thrill of it.

“You’re just being rude,” she muttered, her voice lined with something raw, jealousy.

Or was it longing? Envy? She didn't know what she was really wishing for, I thought bitterly.

Poor thing. She had no clue what a nightmare this was.

"You are so shameless..." she added and I enjoyed smiling at her shamelessly.

I bent closer again, my voice just above a whisper.

“I wasn't joking, Elvira. I'm dead serious.”

She looked genuinely confused now, and I saw a flicker of something in her eyes that made me wonder if she'd take the bait.

"If it were up to me, I’d give up this marriage in a heartbeat.”

She let out a haughty little snort.

“You don’t know how to appreciate your luck… you’re such an ungrateful little...”

I cut her off with a bitter smirk. Her lips curved into a smug smile, her words dripping with disdain.

“Young Master Logan is going to hate this arrangement. You think someone like him would really be happy with trash like you?”

Yeah...I know...! I rolled my eyes away but something clicked inside my mind. I looked at her, from top to bottom.

Just a little bit shorter than me but she looks good and have a beautiful figure.

If only I can make him fall for her!!

Wait... was that possible? My mind whirled as the beginnings of an idea took shape.

I glanced at my dad, who was about to get into his car, looking almost triumphant in his excitement, as if he’d won something so big.

"Dad," I called, and he turned, his face falling at the sight of me still standing outside the car. Maybe he thought I was going to beg him again.

“What?” he snapped, impatience simmering in his voice.

I forced a smile, the best I could muster.

“You all go ahead. I just forgot my phone upstairs. I’ll grab it and join you in a minute.”

His eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping into his gaze.

“No. You’re coming with me, right now. I know you very well, Ericka." He smacked instantly. I sighed. He didn't trust me at all...!

"Go get your phone, I’ll wait right here.”

“Dad, come on, I’m not going to run away,” I pleaded, gesturing to Elvira. “She’ll come with me. And you wouldn’t want Mr. Jameson to be kept waiting, right?”

He shot me a long, searching look, then glanced at his watch. Rayan, bless him, revved the engine, practically shoving my dad into the car with his impatience.

Dad finally sighed, exasperated. “Fine. But be quick.”

“I promise!” I called as he climbed into the car, and then grabbed Elvira’s arm, pulling her back toward the house.

"What the heck..."

“Ericka! Are you crazy? Let go!” She tried to jerk me away, but I kept a firm grip on her arm, leading her inside.

“Don’t you want a closer look at those designer dresses the Davis family sent over?” I offered, keeping my tone casual.

Her eyes lit up, excitement briefly overriding her annoyance.

“Really? I can?”

“Of course!” I forced a cheerful smile as I pulled her down the hall.

“You can even try one on if you want. It’s not like I have a monopoly on them.”

She blinked, astonished, practically bouncing with excitement. It might be hard for her to believe as our relationship was not so good to begin with.

“Wait—are you serious?” Her voice climbed with disbelief.

“Of course, Elvira,” I assured her with a grin. “You’re my sister, after all. Why shouldn’t you get to enjoy a little of the luxury?”

When we reached my room, her eyes widened at the sight of the gowns lined up in perfect rows. She practically lunged toward one of the more beautiful ones, her hands skimming over the fabric reverently as she looked at me, still in disbelief. I nodded, and she clutched it to her chest, beaming.

“Go, try it on!” I said, barely containing a wicked grin.

This was perfect—if she wore one of these dresses and flaunted herself, maybe the Davis family would see her and start having second thoughts about me. Maybe they'd decide she would suit Logan better. It was a long shot, but it was something to hope for.

Mrs. Davis, Logan's mom never liked me, like son like mother. I can't help it. She like innocent and timid girls like Elvira and my personality is a bit different, completely opposite to what she wants.

This family gathering can be my last chance to escape.

Elvira disappeared into my bathroom to get changed and I sat on the edge of my bed, trying to calm the frantic beating of my heart.

All I needed now was for her to dazzle them more than I could.

Just within few minutes, the bathroom door opened and a beautiful Elvira stepped out, proudly.

"You look good" I said with a thumbs up as a compliment but she smirked rolling her eyes, smugly.

"I know...you don't have to state the obvious..." she scoffed.

What an arrogant lass...!

I took a few deep breaths to calm myself.

"Okay, We are getting late, just complete your touch up and we'll get going"

Before I could finish my words, she was already sitting on my dressing table, touching the lavish makeup enviously.

"Make it fast" I said hurrying her.

"You don't have to worry about that. I am not a sloth like you..." she muttered, disdainfully.

And for the first time, I felt that my decision to put her in my shoes felt right.

Isn't she a perfect match for that asshole...!

Ruthless bastard and his arrogant princess...!

She elegantly applied her makeup and we were ready to go.

As we stepped out of the house, the driver, sent by the Davis family stared at us, a bit confused but didn't utter a word.

"Ma'am, who is miss Johnson?" he asked and we both pointed to eachother.

"We both" I retorted and he raised his eyebrows, flustered.

What is his deal, by the way?

We both are indeed Johnsons...!

We sat inside and he drove away reluctantly.

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