Chapter 2

Megan couldn't sit still. Her hands were shaking as she wondered if the secret from last night had finally been exposed. She was terrified to look at the screen. She knew her entire reputation was on the line.

"Maybe there's a video of me and that guy... maybe it was sent to my dad. No, I have to stay positive," she whispered to herself, trying to force a sense of calm.

But another shout suddenly broke her train of thought. This one was even louder than the last.

"Are you deaf, Megan? Watch this video right now and give me a real explanation!"

Megan forced herself to be brave. She looked at her father, whose eyes were wide with anger. Standing beside him was her mother, Ursula, looking at her with total disappointment.

With trembling hands, Megan took the phone from her father and hit play.

As she watched the footage from her bachelorette party, she let out a long, heavy breath. Her heart slowed down. It wasn't a sex tape.

Her sister, Amber, noticed the sudden look of relief on her face. A smirk pulled at the corner of Amber’s mouth as she moved in to strike.

"Why do you look so relieved, Megan? Tell us, did you do something even worse than what’s in that clip?"

Megan shook her head. She glanced at her sister and saw that nasty grin growing wider. There was no doubt about it—Amber was the one who leaked this.

"Answer me! Is this what you meant by 'gown fitting'? You went to a party just to pick up random men?" her father barked again.

"No, Dad. How many times do I have to say it? I am going to marry Clark. I’m keeping my word. I haven't done anything to make you—"

"I hope that's true. We can’t afford to lose this business contract, Megan," her mother interrupted coldly.

Megan took a deep breath before answering. "I know, Mom. I haven't forgotten. I know you only want what’s best for this family."

"Dad, don't be so hard on her. She just wanted to have some fun, like any other girl. It was her last night as a single woman. She deserved a celebration," Amber said, wrapping her arms around their father in a fake show of affection.

Their father sighed. It seemed Amber’s act had worked on him. "Fine. Go get some rest, Megan. We’re heading out to the gala. We won't be home for dinner."

Once the parents left and the sound of the car faded into the distance, Megan turned on Amber. She grabbed her sister's arm, her frustration finally boiling over.

"You sent that video to Dad, didn't you? You're trying to ruin me in their eyes," Megan demanded.

Amber just smiled. "Clark was supposed to be mine. But they picked you to be his wife instead. I’ll do whatever it takes to get him back, Megan."

"And how are you going to do that, Amber? We’re getting married. Do you really think you have enough time left to steal him?" Megan shot back.

Amber let out a loud, mocking laugh. "I thought you were the smart one. I didn't realize you were this stupid. Do you honestly believe Clark loves you?"

Megan frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Instead of answering, Amber suddenly slapped herself across the face. Before Megan could even react, Amber slammed her own head against the corner of the couch. Blood immediately started trickling down Amber’s* forehead.

"A-Amber... what the hell are you doing?!" Megan asked, horrified. She couldn't believe her sister would actually hurt herself just to frame her.

A sudden shove from behind sent Megan crashing to the floor. When she looked up, she saw Clark. He was picking Amber up, giving Megan a look of pure ice.

"Why are you hurting your own sister, Megan You know her health is poor, and you’re still bullying her? She didn't do anything to you. If you ever touch her again, I won't let it slide. Don't make the mistake of making me hate you," he said before turning his back on her.

Megan’s mouth fell open. Ever since they were children, Amber had already been physically weak. That was why, even when Amber was at fault, Megan was the one their parents scolded. Amber and Clark had also met first, which was why the two of them were closer.

As they walked away, Amber glanced back with a smirk. Megan was left standing there, haunted by Clark’s words. She had no choice but to follow them to the hospital.

When she got there, she found a completely different Clark. He was acting like nothing had happened, even wearing a smile.

"Clark, listen. I didn't push—" She started to explain, but Clark put his finger to her lips to silence her.

"I believe you, Megan," he said softly.

He kissed her on the lips. If he wasn't angry, why was his tone so threatening earlier? Why did he seem so sure she was guilty when he didn't even see what happened?

She couldn't find an answer.

She simply asked him to come home soon so they could prepare for the wedding. Clark agreed, saying he would head back once he was sure Amber was stable.

As soon as Megan left the room, Clark went back into the ward where Amber was waiting. He walked over and kissed her passionately.

"I missed you, Amber," he whispered.

Amber giggled and gave his shoulder a playful shove. "Take it easy, baby. We’re in a hospital, remember? Someone might see us."

Clark grinned, and Amber smiled back.

"I loved what you did earlier. You really convinced Megan that she doesn't matter to you at all."

"Anything for you. I can't wait to marry her just so I can stop this act and finish the plan."

The big moment finally arrived.

Megan was glowing with excitement. She had waited for this day for a long time. It seemed like the happiest day of her father's life, too. Her parents had seemingly forgotten their anger and only wanted her to be happy in her marriage.

As the couple walked away from Megan’s dressing room, Ursula turned to her husband.

"Didn't I tell you that keeping the secret would fix everything? Imagine if she knew we aren't her biological parents... she never would have agreed to this deal."

"You're brilliant. You're a pro at handling these things. Now, our darling daughter will be the main wife... while this one stays the side chick," the father replied.

The two laughed as they walked out. The truth was, Megan wasn't their real daughter. They were newlyweds when they found her in the back of their car. She was a beautiful baby. They looked for whoever left her there but found no one. They decided to keep her because they believed her beauty could be used as a tool when the time was right. They weren't wrong. Now, the girl they raised was marrying into a massive fortune.

Once she was ready, Megan’s ride to the church arrived. It was a brand-new luxury car, showing just how much had been spent on this event.

Megan walked down the aisle with a wide smile. She was truly happy. If this made her parents happy and helped the family business, she was willing to do it. The best part was that she actually loved the man waiting for her.

She beamed at Clark as she reached the altar.

"Megan Blanc, do you take Clark Sinclair to be your—"

"I do," she answered immediately.

Clark followed suit. "I do."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Clark kissed her instantly. Their lips met while the guests showered them with flower petals.

Amber approached them with a fake, plastic smile.

"Congratulations, sis," she said while hugging Megan.

Megan didn't want to waste her time arguing with her sister. She didn't want any stress or anger on her wedding day. But she couldn't resist a small jab back.

She smirked at Amber. "Thank you. I hope you find a man of your own someday."

Amber was about to snap back, but she stopped when Clark spoke up. "My brother is finally here."

"Megan, meet my brother, Clinton..."

Megan smiled and slowly turned around. But her heart stopped the moment she saw exactly who the brother was.

"Congratulations to you, Megan."