Chapter 3

She heard a soft knock on her door gentle this time, not commanding. When she opened it, a young woman stood there with a bright little smile. Zara recognized her instantly from the wedding: Adrian’s younger sister.

“Come in,” Zara said softly. “How are you? I hope he isn’t being hard on you already.”Isabella asked

Zara tilted her head. “What do you think? Of course, he’s not nice or understanding. To him, I am just a replacement.”

But Isabella reached out and placed her hands over Zara’s. “Listen to me. I wasn’t happy either when I saw you walk down the aisle in Selene’s gown. But when I looked at your sad eyes, I realized you must not have had a choice. Maybe you’re doing this for your family. So don’t worry. Even if Adrian and Mother despise you, I’m here to support you.”

Zara blinked, stunned by those words. Relief washed over her at least someone didn’t see her as nothing more than a stand-in.

“And about Adrian,” Isabella added with a small laugh, “whether he loves someone or not, he’s always cold like that. Ever since Father died, he’s carried responsibilities far too early. It hardened him. And Mother?” She lowered her voice with a mischievous grin. “Don’t worry about her. I don’t like her much either.”

Zara smiled for the first time that day. At least in this vast penthouse, she had found a friend. But when Isabella left, silence closed in once again. Her heart grew heavy as she thought about how she had always dreamed of a perfect wedding with the man she loved only to end up here, a mere replacement. She drifted off, lost in her thoughts.

Adrian’s POV

Back in his room, Adrian’s anger simmered. He hated the lies that had forced this marriage, hated that the girl seemed complicit in it all. The only reason he had agreed was because his mother warned that canceling the wedding would ruin their family’s reputation and harm the business his late father had left behind.

As he brooded, an invitation arrived to a business gala. Adrian was expected to attend, with Zara. He sighed. The last thing he wanted was to share space with her. He despised her presence, her face, everything about her. He decided not to bother telling her that night. Tomorrow would be soon enough.

Zara’s POV

The next morning, Zara woke early. Being the good girl she had always been, she decided to prepare breakfast for Adrian, for Isabella, for everyone in the house. The kitchen wasn’t off-limits, so she worked quietly, making a beautiful meal. When no one came down, she sighed and gathered her courage, knocking timidly on Adrian’s door.

Leaning against it, she lost her balance when it suddenly opened. She stumbled forward, landing against his chest. For a brief moment, their eyes locked her gaze filled with sadness and fear, his with anger and disgust.

He caught her but quickly pushed her away.

“I… I just came to tell you breakfast is ready,” she stammered nervously.

Adrian stepped closer, forcing her back until her spine pressed against the wall. He leaned down, his voice a low whisper.

“Who do you think you are, making me breakfast? You’re just a replacement. Don’t ever make me anything again. Don’t ever come to my room. I hate your presence I hate everything about you.”

Zara shut her eyes as the words cut deep, stabbing at her chest. From afar, someone might have mistaken the closeness for intimacy but it was only anger and contempt binding them.

She fought back tears, pushed him aside, and turned to run. But his hand shot out, catching her wrist.

“Hey, miss. Tonight we’re going to a party. Be ready by 7 p.m. It’s not that I want to be seen with you, but for business’s sake, I’m willing to be caught hand in hand with replacements like you.”

She tore away and fled to her room, tears streaming down her face. Isabella had seen enough from the hallway. She confronted her brother.

“What in the world is wrong with you?” she snapped.

Adrian glanced at her once, then disappeared back into his room. Isabella sighed. “Poor girl. I wonder what he said to her.”

Back in her room, Zara sobbed bitterly. Does he think I wanted this? Does he know how much I hated it too? How can he be so cold, so ruthless? I hate him I really hate him…

Her grief was cut short by the sound of her phone. She wiped her tears and answered softly.

“Hello?”

Her father’s nervous voice came through. “How are you, my dear?”

“I’m fine, Daddy,” she whispered.

“I… I’m sorry,” he said, voice trembling.

But Zara cut him off. That was all he ever said apologies, over and over yet nothing ever changed. Her life was still miserable.

Sensing her sadness, Richard tried to reassure her. “Don’t be sad, my dear. Everything will get better.”

Then he hung up, leaving Zara feeling emptier than before angry, hopeless, and utterly alone.