Chapter 3 Wrong Bride.

VALERIE

Mom was right. That morning of the wedding, when they were done with me, I didn't recognize myself when I looked into the mirror.

Blonde hair replaced chocolate brown hair, with defined curls, styled elegantly. My face had been heavily made to fit Vanessa's style. My ears were adorned with dangling diamond earrings that I'd never wear. My neck was also spotting a gigantic diamond necklace that I thought was too much.

Yes, Vanessa and I had the same hazel eyes but they were still different. Mine lacked the spark that people often said Vanessa's own had.

Mom's reflection appeared in the mirror as she stood behind me. Her arms found my shoulders. “See? You look exactly like her. You have nothing to worry about.” Her gaze rested on the necklace. “Your sister chose that necklace herself. She said she wanted something that would stand out from afar. Too bad she isn't here to wear it herself.”

Mom's blue eyes met mine, and a frown graced her face. “Smile. It's a good day. You don't want to give anything away. Why wouldn't a bride be happy on the happiest day of her life?”

Oh, I don't know. Maybe because I'm not actually the bride and it isn't my wedding day. Did I forget to mention that I'm being forced to replace the bride and marry a stranger? I wanted to say that but of course, I could only think it.

After a few irking seconds of staring at each other in the mirror, I forced a smile on my face. But it looked more like a grimace.

“We need to work on your smile.” Mom shook her head, a look of disapproval on her face. “We don't have much time left. You need to get dressed.”

As if on cue, Lily and another maid walked into the dressing room with the wedding dress. The wedding dress that wasn't mine. Something that was never created for me and I was never meant to wear. They both helped me get dressed and Mom zipped up after. It was a little tight, at least for me. I didn't exactly like tightly fitted clothes and Vanessa's dress stuck to me like a second skin. It's either I was a little bigger than her or she liked it like this. I stared at the plunging neckline and my arms moved up in an attempt to cover my revealing cleavage.

Mom swatted them away. “Don't even think about it! Try to have half as much confidence as your sister does.”

I sighed as my eyes met Lily's in the mirror. She gave me a sympathetic look.

Mom's eyes met mine again in the mirror. “It's time. You'll hold your head high as you walk down the aisle with your father. Don't disappoint us.” It sounded more like a warning than anything else.

I didn't say anything.

“Did you hear me?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Good. Let's go.”

A drive and some minutes later, we arrived at the Church. I got out of the car to see Dad standing at the bottom of the steps, waiting for me. He was dressed in black suit, shoulders firm. His brown hair was styled back. Though he was in his early 50s, he still looked quite handsome.

I walked carefully towards him, trying not to trip in this five inch strappy heel that Vanessa chose. I had wanted to wear white sneakers because no one would even be able to see it but Mom didn't let me. Nothing I wore was chosen by me and it made me feel very uncomfortable. But I wasn't Valerie today, I was Vanessa. I had to keep reminding myself that.

When I reached Dad, he acknowledged me by curt nod. He waited while I covered my face with the veil before he offered his arm.

My heart was pounding in my ribcage, feeling like it would jump out of my chest at any moment. I tried to stop my left arm from shaking as I held onto his arm. Then we heard the music change, it was our cue.

“Today, you're Vanessa, and it's the happiest day of your life. Don't forget that.” Dad whispered just before we began to climb the steps. When we got very close to the massive doors of the cathedral, they were propped open.

This was it. There was no turning back.

I lifted my chin and we started walking rhythmically into the church. The guests rose like a tide, gasps and smiles blooming across their faces; their curious eyes on us as we walked down the aisle. The eyes of the few curated guests that were invited to the wedding. They had wanted a private wedding, one with only close family and friends, and important dignitaries. They didn't want the paparazzi to get wind of it and that has worked in our favour. I felt so nervous with the eyes on me so I couldn't imagine how I'd have felt if it was a grand wedding.

My gaze moved to the floor as I tried to calm my racing heart. In the state of my nervousness, my gaze shifted to the unsuspecting groom standing near the altar.

Lucas Castillo.

He was dressed in a bespoke tuxedo, that I knew cost thousands of dollars, with matching dress shoes. His black hair has been gelled back in perfection. He stood there, looking like he had walked straight out of a magazine, with his grey eyes, sharp jawline, broad shoulders and muscular body. This was the first time I was getting a good look at him, and even though I didn't want to admit it, he was good looking.

He swept his gaze over me before it settled on my face that was veiled. I knew he couldn't see my face properly but it felt like his eyes were boring into my soul.

My knees felt like they'd give way beneath me as his eyes stayed on me as we approached. When we got to the altar, my dad let me go and I joined Lucas and the priest at the altar. My thoughts were going off tangent as the priest started talking. I could barely focus on what the priest was saying as Lucas stared at me.

Oh my God! He knows. He definitely knows. Right?

He will find out and he'll definitely get me arrested, and my life will be ruined. I'll become an ex convict, right? That's if I'm bailed out of jail. It's only a matter of time. I should never have agreed to do this. Well, it's not like I had a choice. I should have found a way to run away too. Oh God.

When we said the vows, I felt even more terrible about the whole thing. He thought he had said the vows to the love of his life, but it was to the wrong person– the wrong bride. My voice trembled when I said Vanessa's vows, I only hoped that it wasn't bad enough for the audience to notice. My hand shook when he slipped the ring on my finger and it didn't get any better when I had to slip his on too.

When it was done, the priest smiled. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

My heart skipped a beat when Lucas reached forward, touched the veil and lifted it to expose my face. My hazel eyes met his blue ones for the very first time ever. As I was trying to decipher the look on his face, the priest spoke.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Lucas’ hand found its way to my face, he cupped my cheek and leaned in as his other hand held my waist. His minty breath fanned my face before our lips met in a gentle kiss. It started gently but that only lasted for a few seconds. He claimed my lips like he had been anticipating this forever. It made me feel different, wanted— something I hadn't felt in a while.

When we pulled away, we were both breathless.

“Mr. and Mrs. Castillo, everyone!” the priest said, and we turned to face the cheering crowd.

I'm sorry, Vanessa. I kissed your husband, and I liked it.