Have you seen Odette?

Michelle ran fast with the sack of wood on her back. It was almost sunrise and the birds chirped in anticipation. Yet, she was already in the thick of things. Crossing out every chore she was told to do.

She could see their mansion from a distance. All the lights were turned on and she found it odd.

Without another thought, she dashed to the kitchen. “Ellie, have you seen Odette?” one of their chambermaids called on her. They were looking for her half-sister.

She gasped. “I just got here. Did you check her room or her study room?” She replied.

Deep inside she was ecstatic. Finally, she could take a break from her abusive sister. She smiled while she was carefully placing the sack full of chopped wood in the storage.

“We did but she wasn't there.” Another one replied. They were turning the mansion upside down.

“Ellie, good you're here. Father wants to see you.” Oliver, her younger half-brother called on her. He was towering over her as he held her hands.

“I already did everything he told me.” She reasoned out. However, his grip on her hands tightened.

“Just come with me. You know him,” he dragged her from the kitchen to the study room on the second floor.

She was about to collapse from exhaustion when she sat on the floor.

“There you are. What are those hideous clothes you're wearing?” A booming voice came from the man sitting in the chair. He placed his cigarette down in the ashtray and stood in front of her.

“Dad, I was,” she explained when a palm hit her face. Frozen in place and unable to bear the pain. It was the first time her father laid hands on her. The reality of her situation hit her like a tornado.

“That should be enough. You still need to be presentable if we want Mr. Truman to accept you to be his bride.” He commented.

“Why me?” She couldn't find the right words. How can she replace Odette so easily? Yes, they had a resemblance but it all stops there.

Her father threw a piece of paper at her. She saw the words. Goodbye and not marrying a cripple then it dawned on her.

Odette left them in haste.

“It doesn't matter who I present to be his bride as long as they are my offspring. These are the conditions of Mr. Truman.” He helped her stand and took a look at her from head to toe.

“Take her to the maid's quarters and dress her up like Odette.” Their father instructed. She wore simple clothes and didn't meet his standards.

She may be a child out of wedlock but he had a reputation to uphold. Besides, Odette won't bother if some of her clothes are gone since she left without notice.

Though she never liked her taste in clothes. It was too girly and loud.

He sighed in frustration. Things weren't dire until Mr. Truman set his sights on his business.

She screamed and fought back but Oliver was stronger than her. “Dad, no! I don't want to marry that crippled man. Please!” She begged him while kneeling on the hard wooden floor.

“Ellie, you must do as I say to save this family and our business. Odette left us. Be a good girl and follow my decision.” Her father's voice boomed in the room.

“Ellie, take this chance. It's your only option to get away from this place.” Oliver whispered to her. He was the only one who cared for her besides the maids.

The rest of her family treated her like a servant.

She fell to the floor. Her strength leaving her body and her mind went blank.

The words from her father kept repeating in her mind as Oliver carried her towards the maid's quarters.

“Everyone, stop looking for Odette. Also, I need two maids to help Ellie freshen up. We will be departing in an hour.” Oliver instructed them.

Everyone stood still unable to comprehend the situation except for the chef and the head servant.

“You heard Ollie. You three go with them and do as he says. The rest of you get back to your daily tasks. I want this mansion to be clean and organized before noon time.” The head servant’s voice echoed in the main hallway.

It took an hour of preparation and a few wardrobe changes. Michelle looked like a businessman's daughter with her a-line dress and styled hair. The nude make up highlighted her sea green eyes.

“You look stunning, Ellie.” Ollie complimented her.

Even though they were half-siblings he never treated her that way. He even protected her from bullies in their school when they were younger.

“Thanks, Ollie. I hope Dad will stop this wedding.” She played with her thumbs as she stood there in the living room.

That fleeting moment of bliss she had when Odette went missing was gone. The uncertainty in her future weighed heavily on her.

Several cars came and parked in front of their house. A black lexus stopped right in front of their door. Her father rushed to greet the man inside but wasn't able to.

His butler stepped out of the passenger seat. “Mr. Truman would only talk to his bride.” He scanned the mansion as if he were scrutinizing the facade.

“Very well. Ellie, come over here.” He called her in a soft and loving tone. She used to hear it right before her mother left.

Eager to run away from her father, she put on the fakest smile she could have and walked towards him. “Yes, Dad.” She held his hand like a doting daughter.

“Allow me to introduce my daughter, Michelle. Mr. Ray may I speak with Mr. Truman?” He tried once more to reason with the butler but to no avail.

“Ms. Michelle, please come with me.” Ray ignored her father and took her hand.

He escorted her to the other side of the car and opened the door for her.

When she slid inside to sit, a handsome young man was smiling at her.

“Good morning, Ms. Michelle.” Mr. Truman greeted her.

Her jaws dropped at his angelic voice.

Crippled? Disfigured appearance?This man was sitting like he owned the damn world and he could move his legs perfectly. The only thing disfigured was the rumors about his face.