1. The Betrayal

The scent of roses and incense clung to the air, too sweet, too suffocating for what was about to happen.

“But Mom… is that really necessary?” My voice cracked as I wiped at her tears.

Her hands trembled as she shook her head. “Your father is a cardiac patient. You know he won’t survive the shock if he finds out the betrayal your sister caused.” Her voice faltered, almost breaking. Then, she clasped her hands together in desperation, her eyes pleading with me. “Please, Layla. Please… save our family’s image. I beg you.”

The sight of her begging shattered me. I quickly grabbed her wrists, holding her hands still.

“Mom! How can you do this? Am I not your daughter too? Don’t beg, please. I’ll do it. I’ll do it, Mom.”

She broke into sobs and pulled me into a trembling hug. “I’m so sorry, my daughter. I never wanted this. But Yuri—she said she liked him as well.”

Her words sliced through me. I swallowed the bitter taste in my throat. “It’s okay, Mom,” I whispered, though my chest felt heavy. “She must have had her reasons.”

But I knew the truth. Yuri had cheated—on the man who was waiting outside, ready to pledge his life to her. And I… I was about to stand in her place.

The silk of Yuri’s wedding gown clung to my skin, mocking me with its elegance. The veil—her veil—fell over my face like a curtain, hiding the storm of tears I couldn’t hold back. I clutched my father’s arm tightly. He smiled, unaware, his steps steady as we began the walk down the aisle.

A sob escaped my lips.

“My sweet girl,” Dad whispered, his voice warm with pride. “You’ve grown into such a beautiful woman. I know you’ll do great things. I won’t stop being there for you, but now… someone else will be standing beside you.” His words broke me more with each step.

He paused, squeezing my hand gently. “There will always be problems, my sweetie, but never be afraid to come to me. I’ll always be behind you, no matter what.”

My tears blurred the faces in the crowd.

Then he chuckled softly. “I can’t find Layla anywhere. She must be doing her touch-up. She’ll miss you too.”

On the mention of my name, my heart twisted painfully. Mom sat silently in her chair, her eyes hollow, her hands clenched tight.

“I’m getting old,” Dad murmured, “but I want to see Layla happy, married, fulfilling her dreams someday. Though…” His tone dropped, almost teasing. “Do you think she could ever marry Liam? I never liked that boy.”

The name struck me like a knife. Liam—my Liam. What would I tell him when he found out?

The aisle stretched endlessly before me, each step heavy with lies.

Why did it feel like eternity? Why did I have to blindfold my father like this?

“She’ll be alright,” Dad said, his voice finally breaking. His eyes caught mine through the translucent veil. He froze. His face went pale as realization struck.

Too late. We reached the altar.

“Dad,” I whispered, shaking my head, begging him not to react.

“L-Layla—” His voice faltered, but Mom rushed forward, pulling him aside, whispering desperately for him not to make a scene.

“Bride, please step forward,” the priest’s voice boomed, merciless.

I wiped my tears and turned to face the man who wasn’t mine.

Xavier.

I barely heard the vows, my mind spinning. What would Liam do when he found out? Would Xavier expose me? Humiliate my parents?

The words blurred until suddenly:

“I do.”

Xavier’s deep voice echoed, and my head snapped toward him. It was too fast, too surreal.

Then it was my turn.

“Do you, take Xavier Russell to be your husband…”

I couldn’t breathe. But I heard myself whisper: “I do.”

Applause rippled through the hall.

“Congratulations. You may kiss the bride.”

My heart thundered in terror. Xavier lifted my veil, his eyes locking onto my face. His gaze was sharp, dark with fury. He turned briefly, throwing a glance at my parents, then leaned in closer until I could feel his breath.

The crowd erupted into claps and cheers, thinking he kissed me.

But his voice, low and venomous, was only for me.

“How dare you?”

A shiver ran down my spine.

He covered my face with the veil again, his expression unreadable, his fury hidden from the crowd.

The secret had only just begun.