Chapter 3: Replacement
When I woke again, the room was dimly lit. I struggled to find the light switch, my head still groggy. As I flicked on the light, I saw I was alone in a room furnished with just a bed, a chair, and a table topped with a sizable box. Like a child taking uncertain steps, I made my way to the table. On it laid a small card with the name "Lily" written on it.
Confusion and anger mingled within me as I opened the box, revealing a stunning wedding gown swathed in white fabric adorned with intricate lace. "What's the meaning of this?" I blurted out, my voice betraying both bewilderment and irritation.
Just then, the door swung open, admitting the tall, enigmatic stranger. He closed the door behind him with a firm click. "Put on that bridal gown. We need to make some adjustments," he commanded, his tone carrying an air of authority. Leaning against the wall, he regarded me with a frown, his handsome features etched with anger.
"Why?" I demanded, summoning my resolve, unwilling to yield easily.
He loomed over me, his presence intimidating. "I want to hire you to be my wife," he announced, handing me a thick envelope. "Count the money. If it's not enough, let me know."
"I don't understand," I protested, the idea of being bought off racing through my mind. "What do you mean?"
His answer was direct. "You'll take Lily's place as my wife," he stated plainly. "We'll marry next Saturday in a garden ceremony. Prepare yourself. You'll receive a generous monthly sum as my wife, Lily. And this stays between us."
With that, he left me stunned and speechless. His words hung heavy in the air, leaving me questioning everything. "Am I really being hired to be his wife?" I whispered, utterly bewildered.
I hesitated, but eventually, I slipped into the wedding gown, surprised to find it fitting my body like a glove. Standing before the mirror, I studied my reflection, a flicker of hope igniting in my heart. Perhaps there was still a way out of this after all.
Over the next two days, a steady stream of people entered and exited the room, each contributing to the transformation that turned me into a mirror image of Lily. Every adjustment was executed with precision, rendering me unrecognizable even to myself. Amidst the whirlwind of activity, I found solace in Josie, one of the women working on my transformation. She seemed to genuinely care for me.
"You look absolutely stunning with those gray eyes," Josie would often compliment me, her words infused with sincerity. "And it's my mission to make you resemble a true princess." She smiled warmly. "Mr. Alvarez must be thrilled with your transformation."
This was my first clue about the mysterious stranger. "So, his family name is Alvarez," I mused silently, my thoughts drifting to William's promises. "When we grow up, you'll be my wife and my princess," he had said. The memory of William filled my heart with warmth and hope. I needed to find him.
As the final touches were made to my transformation, I found myself grappling with questions about my own identity. Raised in an orphanage with no recollection of my past, I couldn't shake the nagging uncertainty surrounding my true self. "Who am I?" I wondered, feeling a growing urge to confront the challenge ahead and unravel the mystery behind the uncanny resemblance between Lily and myself.
With just two days left until the wedding, encounters with Mr. Alvarez, the orchestrator of it all, were rare. He had yet to formally introduce himself, and I harbored no inclination to delve deeper into his enigmatic life.
One night, I startled awake from a deep slumber to find him sprawled on the couch, his expression worn and heavy with exhaustion. The scent of alcohol lingered in the air around him, a testament to his troubled sleep. Despite my efforts to quell it, my curiosity about him only intensified.
By morning, the couch lay empty, leaving me with a multitude of unanswered questions about the man I was soon to marry. What exactly was he hiding? I couldn't help but wonder.
As the days dragged on, I remained ensnared in his world. The maids attended to my needs with unwavering diligence but maintained a steadfast silence. "Why won't you speak to me?" I finally snapped, frustration seeping into my voice. "Are you forbidden to converse with me?"
"Yes, Mr. Alvarez forbids us from speaking to you," came the maid's brief reply before she shut the door firmly, leaving me alone once more with my thoughts.
One evening, Mr. Alvarez materialized at the door, clad in a sleek black suit that conjured images of a count from the pages of the forbidden books I'd snuck into my bed at the orphanage. The attire hinted at a special occasion, and this time, his usually composed demeanor bore a hint of boyishness.
"We have a dinner date," he announced in his customary matter-of-fact tone, tossing a red straight-cut dress and a pair of black heeled shoes onto the bed. "Put those on," he commanded. "I'll be back in an hour to pick you up." With that, he departed without another word, leaving me to ponder the enigma of his presence.
Exactly an hour later, I found myself seated quietly on the couch, anxiously awaiting his arrival. With Josie's guidance, I had mastered the art of applying makeup and walking gracefully in heels. Despite my nerves, the prospect of venturing into the outside world again filled me with a sense of anticipation; anything seemed preferable to the confines of that room. At least there, I felt shielded, as the formidable man had yet to make any unwelcome advances.
"You look absolutely stunning in that dress, Miss Lily," Josie complimented me, her admiration evident.
"Thank you for your help in making me feel more confident," I responded gratefully, acknowledging her efforts.
"You're incredibly fortunate to have caught the CEO's eye," she remarked with a hint of admiration for Mr. Alvarez.
Our conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door, and I rose to answer it, revealing a striking woman standing alongside a uniformed man. He sported a black suit and a distinctive cap.
"Hello, Miss Lily. I'm Lora Jones, your assistant," the woman introduced herself warmly.
"What?" I exclaimed, taken aback by her revelation.
"I'm here to assist you. Mr. Jacob Alvarez is waiting for you," Lora clarified.
So, my adversary's full name was Mr. Jacob Alvarez. Despite the urge to protest and unveil the truth, something restrained me, and instead, I offered her a smile. "Okay, I'm ready."
Lora escorted me to the parking lot, where a sleek black car awaited us. The chauffeur held the door open, revealing an empty backseat. Where could Mr. Alvarez be? I wondered silently.
Seeming to anticipate my question, Lora spoke up. "The CEO is waiting for you at the restaurant," she informed me before we climbed into the car. "He's waiting for you at the Monson Hotel," she added, and our journey began.
As we traversed the city streets, the towering buildings passing by outside the car window seemed like something out of a dream. A rush of excitement coursed through me, unlike anything I had ever felt before. My heart raced with anticipation as we approached the grand hotel, a sight I had only ever glimpsed in magazines.
As we stepped into the hotel lobby, I couldn't shake the feeling that every diner's gaze was fixed on me. Walking through the expansive restaurant, I felt like a fish out of water, insecure and out of place in a world where only millionaires seemed to belong. Nervousness made my knees wobble, uncertain of what this dinner date would entail and how my life would further unravel in the presence of this heartless man.
Following Lora to the second floor, she opened the door to the outdoor restaurant, revealing a breathtaking view of the ocean. Mr. Jacob Alvarez sat comfortably at a table near the white railings, the glittering sea serving as his backdrop. With a new haircut and dressed in a sleek black suit, he exuded a striking presence, reminiscent of a sophisticated gentleman.
"You can choose your own table, Lora," he remarked casually as she departed, leaving me standing before him. Taking the menu, he fixed his gaze on me. "Sit down; don't stare," he commanded, and I complied, taking the seat opposite him.
Turning his attention back to the menu, he muttered, "Thank you for not causing any trouble for Lora in bringing you here. I appreciate your compliance."
"There's nothing to discuss," I replied curtly, attempting to ignore him. Glancing around, I observed the wealthy couples in their finest evening attire, indulging in their meals and soaking in the scenery. Their smiles radiated happiness and a carefree demeanor, a stark contrast to the tension that hung between Mr. Alvarez and me.
Mr. Alvarez scrutinized me with sharp eyes. "What would you like to eat?" he inquired.
"You already know I come from a different world, so fancy foods aren't really my thing," I replied, a hint of defiance in my tone.
He smirked and redirected the conversation, perusing the menu once more. "I've chosen this hotel for our wedding reception," he announced, turning to face me. "What do you think?" His tone lacked enthusiasm.
"I... I don't know," I faltered, feeling utterly out of my depth. "This is your decision; it's your drama."
His response was firm. "You're soon to be my wife, so behave as if you come from a distinguished family. Don't act foolishly." Though his words stung, I refused to let them shake me. I had grown accustomed to facing harsh realities during my time in the orphanage.
Handing me the menu, he instructed me to make a selection. "I don't want to," I murmured timidly. "I might accidentally choose something poisonous."
He frowned at my hesitance, his disappointment palpable. Summoning my courage, I addressed him directly. "You'll be disappointed if you expect me to simply step into Lily's shoes, sir. I was raised in an orphanage; I can't fulfill whatever role Lily was groomed for. If that's a problem for you, you're free to let me go."
His eyes widened, and a flash of anger colored his features as my words struck a nerve. In that moment, I realized I had crossed a line, and the weight of my words hung heavy in the air. My heart sank as I braced myself for his reaction, uncertain of what consequences my outburst would bring.