CHAPTER FIVE

GABRIELLE’S POV

With dread in the pit of my stomach, I drove my car into the driveway of my father’s mansion.

I took a deep breath and turned off the ignition. I didn’t know how to face them. How do I tell Father that my sister did something like that to me? That would only break his heart.

But I had no other choice.

I took off Damon’s ring and kept it in the compartment of my car before stepping out and walking into the house.

Just as expected, Father, Emily, Jared and a few other guests were sitting in the living room. They all stood up when they saw me walk in.

Emily rushed forward and hugged me. “Sis, where have you been? We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

I didn’t hug her back. I just stood there wondering how she could fake her love for me so well.

Father stepped forward, his jaw tight. “Gabby, who took you away from your wedding day? There was a rumor you were with that monster, Damon Gravari. If he even touched a single hair on your head.”

“No, I saw….” I didn’t finish because my fiancé cut me off.

Jared wrapped his arm around me. “I thought something had happened to you.”

When he pulled back, I saw tears running down his cheeks. The audacity of this conniving, cheating bastard to cry in my face.

The other guests took it as their cue to leave.

I was led me to the couch and I sat, wondering how I could expose my evil twin without breaking Father’s heart.

“Please, tell us what happened,” Emily said, patting my back as she sat beside me. “Because we have something to tell you too.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Jared cleared his throat. “We had no other choice. We thought no one would find out but it blew up in our face. But it’s nulled now since it got out.”

I looked between them. “What are you talking about?”

Emily sighed. “I got married to Jared on your behalf when we couldn’t find you. During the reception, that photo of you went viral and when they couldn’t find the other twin, they realized I was the fake bride.”

I froze, staring at Emily and Jared like my brain refused to process her words.

“You… you got married… in my place?” My voice barely rose above a whisper.

Emily nodded, her hand still lightly on mine. “We didn’t know how else to fix it. People were calling, flashing cameras everywhere. You were gone, Gabrielle. We had to do something.”

I wanted to scream.

“And you let them?” I asked Father.

“It was just to cover up, Gabby,” he said.

My chest burned with so much rage. I turned to Father to tell him what I saw them both doing in the shower but I held back.

Emily had a butterfly tattoo on her left arm and in the tape I made, it was very obvious. Everyone knew I was too scared of needles to get one myself so it became a way for people to tell us apart.

With that information, I decided to take us all to hell.

I sighed. “I left because I was nervous. I’m not happy you married my fiancé but I understand. It doesn’t matter. We can throw a small party tonight and officially get married.”

Jared smiled. “That’s a good plan. I knew you would understand.”

I pasted on a fake smile as Emily droned on about the wedding. I already had my plan and I was going to savor my first revenge.

* * * *

I looked at my reflection in the mirror but there was no smile on my face and I didn’t twirl either.

I put on a red dress with a deep neck plunge and styled my hair into a messy bun. To everyone else, it was a private dinner with family and close friends where Jared and I would redo our vows. But to me, it was war.

Tonight, I would get my revenge and I would savor it.

I walked into the hall and Mrs Raymond, the town's biggest gossip pulled me aside.

“Rumor has it that you were having an affair with Damon Gravari,” she stared and leaned closer. “If it’s true, be careful with him. He’s the devil and he’s ruthless.”

I scoffed. “It’s not true and he’s not the devil. He saved me.”

She nodded. “If you say so. I’m just looking out for you because your mother would have wanted me to.”

Before I could respond, my phone rang.

“Excuse me,” I said, walking outside to answer the phone.

“Who’s this?” I asked.

“Your husband,” a deep voice answered from the other side of the phone. “Damon.”

I didn’t bother asking how he got my number. I fucking married the man, it was no brainer I gave him my number.

I held the phone tight, my pulse picking up. “Damon… what are you doing calling me now? This isn’t exactly a good time.”

“Where are you?” he asked instead.

I scoffed. “Like I’d tell you. Don’t call me again. I’ll let you know when I’m ready for a divorce.”

Then I ended the call and walked back into the hall. My phone rang again and it was the same number. I didn’t bother picking up this time.

I joined my family at their table.

“We’d be saying our vows in a few minutes,” Jared said, placing his hand over mine.

I faked a smile. “I’m so excited. Can’t wait.”

“I’m so jealous, Gabby,” Emily cooed. “I wish you and Jared a happy married life together.”

What a bitch!

Father was all smiles. “I’m so proud of you.”

I cleared my throat and pushed my chair back before I exploded with rage. “I’ll be back in five.”

I went by the DJ booth and pulled out a drive from my purse.

“This is a short video of the times Jared and I spent together. I need you to play it on the main screen when it’s time to say our vows.”

“Sure, ma’am,” he said, taking the drive from me.

A text message from an unknown number came through on my phone as I got back to my seat. I opened it and read its contents.

“You’re wearing red, your hair is in a messy bun and your lips are deliciously red. Unless you want me to come in, you’ll come see me outside. Five minutes.”

It was from Damon.

I swallowed hard. My heart started to thump like a warning bell in my chest. I turned my phone over, staring at the blank screen as if the message would disappear if I ignored it long enough.

“Gabrielle, it’s time for our vows,” Jared’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I smiled and took his hand as he led me to the small stage where the priest was waiting.

“Welcome, family and friends. We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two souls, joined together in love and commitment,” the priest started.

My chest tightened.

I gave a nod to the DJ and in five seconds, the sex tape of Jared and Emily started playing on the main screen.

The guest let out a gasp as the Priest went on, oblivious to the video playing behind him.

“Yes… Jared… More…,” Emily’s voice rang out through the hall.

“You like that, Emily?” Jared’s followed.

His face turned pale as he turned to me. I turned to Emily whose jaw dropped. The looks on their faces were priceless.

And just at the same time, the main door opened and Damon walked in.

Louder gasps and murmurs rippled through the hall. The guest couldn’t decide what was more shocking. The sex tape playing in the background or the man walking up to me.

When Damon reached me, he raised my hand and forced his ring on my finger. “Never take my ring off again, wife.”

And then, he kissed me.