ALTITUDE INTERDITE

I looked at my reflection in the glass wall, a little nervous. I was wearing my most decent and presentable dress. My jet black hair was flowing over my shoulders.

I admit, I have doubts about this meeting, but I really need a high-paying job and the man promised to give me one. So even though I was hesitant, I continued walking inside the expensive restaurant.

My mom got hospitalized recently for getting herself into an accident. I need money to pay the bills, especially for her operation. My salary for being a waitress is just enough for our apartment's monthly rent and to buy our necessities. The reason why when a regular customer from the coffee shop where I was working approached me and offered me a job, I decided to take the opportunity.

I was then clueless to what kind of job he was offering, so he told me to meet him today in this restaurant so we can talk about it.

The man whom I had known to be as Mr. Ambrose, looked like a rich and decent man in his early thirties. It was also one of the factors why I decided to meet him. He looked professional and I don't think he was a member of a mafia or some human trafficking syndicate. Though like they said, looks can be deceiving, so I guess I would have the final decision later when I already know what is the job he is offering.

"Hello, Mr. Ambrose," I said politely as I took my seat.

He was wearing his usual white dress shirt and black suit. His face stoic and emotionless like that of a king's guard. Or more like a businessman whose sole purpose of being there was to get his business done and nothing else.

"Hello, Miss Sullivan. Thank you for accepting the invitation. I want to discuss the matter privately as possible, reason why I want us to talk here instead of in the coffee shop."

"I understand Mr. Ambrose–"

"You may drop the formalities if you are comfortable. I prefer if you call me Peter."

"Oh. If that's the case, just call me Katherine, then."

"My apologies. I already ordered before you came. If you want to add anything else, we can tell the waiter."

I looked at the table. I soon realized what he meant. There were already courses and drinks served.

"Thank you, but I'm fine with this."

I even think that what was served was too much for us. And I'm sure I couldn't afford even the cheapest meal here.

"So... what is the job you want to offer me?"

I hope it's decent.

But then if it's not... and would pay me a big sum of money... the image of my loving mother flashed in my mind. She is the only family left to me, can I even afford to lose her? The question if it matters if it's decent or not stirred up my mind for a while.

Does it really matter?

"I want to be frank with you, Katherine. This job is borderline illegal, but we will pay you handsomely. You can even name your price if you want."

Borderline illegal.

My heart pounded. I already expected the worst but it still shocked me. What would he ask me to do? Sleep with him? Or his boss? Deliver drugs? Kill someone?

He shook his head as if he read my thoughts through my expression.

"Have you heard about Racini Chains of Hotels?"

"Yeah. Heard about it but never been there." I know because it's one of those hotels featured in a magazine I've read. It was said to be one of the leading hotels all over Italy and in some parts of Europe.

"Mr. Edward Racini is the owner of that. He has one daughter who is about to get married."

I sipped on the wine and nodded. "And? Will I be her assistant? Maid?"

"No. The young mistress had vanished and it's just a week away from the wedding day. That is the problem."

I grew confused. "What do you mean she vanished? She is gone? She left? Why?"

"It's only a pragmatic marriage, probably the reason why the young mistress had left and hid herself. She doesn't want to marry."

"If she doesn't want to get married, then why not cancel the wedding?"

"Mr. Racini wants to push the wedding even without her daughter. Your job will be this. You need to pretend to be her so the wedding will happen on the exact date."

My lips parted. I'm not sure if I heard it right.

"You want me to substitute the bride? I'm sorry if this would offend you, sir, but... are you sure you are okay?" Because I don't think he's on his right mind to ask me that!

How would that even be possible?

"I'm completely fine, Katherine. I told you, didn't I? This job is borderline illegal, but since I heard that you need a big sum of money to pay your mother's hospital bills, I took the opportunity to offer you. Mr. Racini is my boss and he gave me the task to find a suitable lady who is willing enough to play the role."

"Why would he need a substitute? Can't they just move the wedding date? Or have it done once the bride is found?"

"You don't understand. The groom is someone Mr. Racini or anyone would not dare disappoint or embarrass. If the public will know that the bride ran away because she doesn't want to marry, who do you think will receive humiliation?"

I sighed. The life of the people in high society. So complicated.

The groom will surely be embarrassed, of course, so I get the point now. Whoever the groom is, Mr. Racini respects him so much that he is willing to go to such extent.

"I understand now... but how would that be possible? The Mr. Racini you are talking about must be very rich and influential. For sure the face of his daughter had reached many magazines. Oh, no. Don't tell me I need to go through plastic surgery?"

"You don't have to. Miss Analiese had no single photo in the internet nor in magazines. Well, at least not with her face visible."

Analiese. So that is her name.

"What do you mean?"

"She had spent most of her life hiding her face in a veil because her face was partially burned back when she was still a child. About other physical traits, I think you can play it well. You are as tall as her. You have the same body frame and skin tone too. About the hair, we can just dye it to brown."

"Do I need to cover my face too?"

"No. Mr. Racini suggests to show your face. After all, you are just living in a small town here in Washington. No one will recognize you in London for sure."

"London?" My jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"

"Miss Analiese's groom is a resident in London. If you accept this job, you would have to stay there until she comes back. You don't have to worry about the expenses. We will shoulder everything."

"But what about my mom? I don't think I can leave her..."

"I will have her transferred to the biggest private hospital in London. She will receive the best treatment. You can also visit her."

The offer is really tempting. But will it be okay? Will I be able to do the job correctly? What if I fail? What consequences will I have to face?

But then, thinking about my ill mother...

"Fine. I'll accept the job," I said.

I guess any consequence will be worth it.