Chapter 3: The grand illusion

Racheal had spent two days indoors, studying every detail about Anna Daniels. She couldn’t risk being found out—not when everything depended on this deception. The day had finally arrived—the day she would meet Austin’s family.

That morning, a luxury box was delivered to her door. Inside, nestled in silk, was a black Dior dress. Her breath caught. She had never worn anything so expensive. For hours, she rehearsed her lines, her posture, her expressions. She perfected her makeup and styled her hair until she barely recognized herself in the mirror.

When a car horn sounded, she peeked through the window. There it was: a sleek black Bugatti. And Austin, waiting by the passenger door in a tailored suit that complimented his frame. He looked up, caught her gaze, and smiled. Damn him. That smile could make anyone believe in dreams.

Racheal slipped into the dress and stepped outside, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. Austin’s eyes widened. He couldn’t tear them away from her—the dress, the slit that teased just above her thigh, the way her curves flowed like poetry.

“You look…” he hesitated, then offered a warm, gentle smile. “Breathtaking.”

She flushed but kept her composure. She had to stay in character.

“We’re going to my grandfather’s birthday party,” Austin said softly as he opened the car door for her. “It’s at the Flexia Event Centre—one of the biggest venues in the city. It’s owned by the Daniels family.”

The car sped off. As they approached the grand venue, Racheal’s fingers clenched around the edge of her clutch. “I’m scared,” she whispered.

Austin reached out, taking her hand in his. His grip was firm, reassuring.

“I know you can do this,” he said. “I’m here.”

Something about his voice, his presence, made her feel shielded—for just a moment, like she wasn’t alone in this lie.

“When we enter, you're just my date. Later, when we meet my grandfather, I’ll introduce you as Anna. Alright?”

She nodded, her face now the perfect mask of confidence. Together, they walked into the glittering ballroom.

“Mother, Father,” Austin greeted a well-dressed couple near the end of the room.

“Austin! How are you, son?” his father, John Daniels, beamed.

“And who’s this beauty?” his mother, Daisy, asked.

“Later, Mom,” Austin said, tightening his grip on Racheal’s hand.

“Come on,” Daisy insisted, but he brushed it off.

“She’s just my date,” he said quickly.

John leaned toward Austin, pulling him aside. “She’s stunning. But you’re engaged, Austin. You know that. Don’t bring shame to our family.”

Austin looked away, clearly uncomfortable.

“You better move fast or she’ll be gone before you know it,” John added with a knowing smile. Though strict, John had always given Austin more freedom than his own father ever gave him.

Before Austin could respond, a high-pitched voice called out.

“Hi!”

A blonde woman in a sparkling red dress walked up, planting a bold kiss on Austin’s cheek and throwing her arms around him.

Racheal stiffened.

“Um, who are you?” the woman asked, glaring.

“I’m his date for the night,” Racheal replied, her voice barely steady.

“Oh. Just his date?” the blonde smirked. “How charming. I wonder which corner he picked you up from.”

“Amanda…” Austin sighed.

“This is Amanda,” he said, turning reluctantly. “My fiancée. And the only daughter of the Anderson family.”

Racheal froze. Amanda. Her cousin.

Though younger, she was unmistakable. Rage boiled inside her. She gripped Austin’s arm hard.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned.

“Nothing,” she whispered, but her body betrayed her.

She excused herself and rushed to the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

She couldn’t believe it. Amanda. Of all people.

Memories surged: her father’s death, the rivalry between the Andersons and the Daniels, the betrayal, the pain. Now those two families had decided to unite through marriage.

If her uncle recognized her, she would be as good as dead. And if the Daniels family uncovered her deception? Death again.

She looked at herself in the mirror—Anna's reflection stared back.

You can do this, she told herself.

She returned to the ballroom, head high. Austin noticed the change.

“What happened?” he asked.

“I can’t tell you,” Racheal replied, and he dropped it, assuming it was something personal.

As the night wore on, the Daniels family gathered outside the venue and entered a long, elegant limo. They soon arrived at the family’s mansion.

Racheal followed Austin up the grand staircase into a dimly lit bedroom. Machines beeped softly around the bed where an old man lay weak, but alive.

“Mr. Daniels, your family is here,” the doctor announced before exiting.

The old man stirred and slowly sat up. “Happy birthday!” the crowd chorused, surrounding him with warmth.

Austin stepped forward.

“Grandfather,” he said, “I have a surprise for you. The best gift you’ve received in ten years.”

The room fell silent.

“I found Anna.”

He pulled Racheal gently from the crowd.

Gasps filled the room. Mr. Daniels blinked, his mouth parting in disbelief.

“You’re… beautiful. Just like the pictures Sam showed me. I looked for you. I’m so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?”

Tears glistened in his eyes.

Racheal, as Anna, played the part flawlessly. She nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks.

John and Daisy stepped forward.

“Our baby,” Daisy whispered. “Oh, child…”

They embraced her as murmurs and joy spread through the room. Austin presented the DNA report confirming her identity.

The crowd welcomed her with open arms.

Later, in front of the family, Racheal explained, “I was in shock after my parents died. Everyone blamed me. I just wanted to run—to forget. I ended up in New York, taken into foster care. I lied about my name, told them I was Gene. I moved from home to home, trying to survive. Then Sam found me. At first I denied everything… but eventually, I told him the truth. And now, I’m home.”

Her voice cracked. Applause broke out. Amanda stood on the sidelines, relieved that Racheal wasn’t competition—yet.

Racheal spent the rest of the evening sitting beside Mr. Daniels, chatting, laughing, holding his frail hand. He smiled up at her.

“Go rest, my child. I’m happy… to see you again.”

She kissed his cheek and stepped out into the hallway, where Austin waited, crouched, watching her.

“Thank you,” he said softly, looking up at her.

Racheal smiled.

She didn’t say a word.

But something was stirring. The lie was alive. The truth buried beneath layers of makeup and pain.

And soon… it would all unravel.