Chapter 4

Chapter 4

LYKA’S POV

AS KYLA AND I entered one of the beaches in Kaputian, I could feel people’s eyes following us. I let out a deep sigh and picked up my pace, dragging her along behind me. This is exactly why I hate dressing like this. I don’t like being the center of attention.

“You know what, Lyka? You should dress like this all the time—people would really think we’re twins,” Kyla said cheerfully.

I pinched her side.

“Ow! That hurt!”

“You’re so annoying! There’s a big difference between us, you know—especially when it comes to things we like and don’t like.”

I’m definitely one of the boys. I like fistfights, not makeup. I wear rubber shoes, not heels. I’m not into dressing up or acting rich, even if I kinda look like I could be.

“Lyka, I’m hungry. Let’s eat first,” she interrupted, grabbing my arm.

“Fine! No wonder you’re getting chubby, you eat nonstop.”

She pouted as we stopped by a small food place nearby. We went in and sat at an empty table. I was looking over the menu while she just kept on talking.

Typical Kyla. I ignored her and called over the waiter.

“Do you need anything, ma’am?” he asked politely.

I blinked, confused. I hadn’t even ordered anything yet. I looked at our table and realized…

Oh my God. I quickly turned to the waiter. “Oh! Sorry, I already have one,” I lied, awkwardly holding up the spoon like it was part of the plan.

He just smiled and walked off. Meanwhile, Kyla was already eating like she hadn’t seen food in weeks. I smacked her with the menu.

“Ow! That hurt!”

“Yeah, right. You’re clearly not that hungry.”

She glared at me but kept chewing. She used to be so obsessed with her figure, even had a nutritionist. Now she’s eating like there’s no tomorrow. Guess she changed her mind. I just shrugged and started eating too.

After we finished, we strolled around the area until we were completely exhausted and decided to head home. Kyla then decided to go back home. I didn't stop her and just bid my goodbye.

And as soon as I arrived at home, I changed into my usual clothes, I flopped down on my bed. I needed to sleep early—there was a lot waiting for me tomorrow.

THE NEXT MORNING, I woke up early and got ready. Just a pair of rubber shoes, a loose t-shirt, and denim jeans. Totally jologs look. I let my hair down naturally and had instant noodles for breakfast. Nothing fancy, just something to keep me from starving.

I was about to leave my apartment when my phone rang. I saw Kyla’s name flash on the screen and immediately answered.

“Oh Kyla, what—”

My voice froze when I heard her crying on the other end.

“Hello? Kyla?”

A different voice came through.

“Lyka, it’s you auntie Helen.”

I sat up straight, alarmed.

“Auntie? Why, what happened?”

“Kyla’s in the hospital right now, Lyka. Please, come here.”

Her voice broke into sobs.

“I’m on my way!” I said in a panic, grabbing my things and running out the door.

I flagged down a tricycle and rushed to the port, hoping to catch the next barge.

A few hours later…

I arrived at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and ran inside. I asked the receptionist for Kyla’s room and sprinted to it the moment I got the number.

As soon as I opened the door, my heart sank. Kyla lay unconscious in bed. Auntie Helen met me at the door, crying, and immediately wrapped me in a hug.

“Lyka…” she sobbed.

“Auntie… it’s okay now,” I whispered, gently patting her back.

She pulled away and gestured for me to sit. She wiped her tears and took a deep breath before speaking.

“We fought last night, Lyka. I’m sure she told you why. But I didn’t listen to her side. I… I thought I was doing the right thing.”

She glanced at Kyla, guilt clouding her face.

“I couldn’t say no to the family of the man Kyla was arranged to marry. Your Uncle already signed a contract for a business merger with them. I didn’t realize how much our argument hurt her. She… she tried to take her own life. Thank God her personal maid found her in time.”

She choked on her tears.

“I thought I’d lost my daughter… and my grandchild.”

My eyes widened. “Grandchild? Kyla… is pregnant?”

Auntie Helen nodded solemnly.

That explains everything—why she was always hungry, why she’d put on a little weight. She wasn’t just stressed. She was expecting.

“Auntie, I want to help my cousin. I don’t want to lose her either,” I said firmly.

She looked confused. I took a deep breath, knowing what I was about to say would change everything.

“Kyla begged me to pretend to be her,” I admitted, heart pounding.

My palms were sweating. Auntie Helen’s brows furrowed.

“But that’s not easy, Lyka. Even if you two look like twins, part of the contract includes her full background—her schooling, her manners, her hobbies…”

I nodded. “I know, auntie. We’re complete opposites, but we don’t have a choice. If we force Kyla to go through with the marriage, she might try to take her life again. I won’t let that happen.”

She looked away, thinking hard, then let out a heavy sigh.

“Thank you, Lyka. I’ll owe you a debt I can never repay.”

I shook my head. “Don’t say that.”

I tried to smile, but it felt tight. Heavy. Like the weight of the world was suddenly on my shoulders.

What now, Lyka? What have you just signed up for?

I STEPPED out into the hospital hallway, still shaken. My phone buzzed—it was a message from an unknown number. I hesitated before opening it.

“Lyka, this is Kyla's boyfriend. Please take care of her while I'm not there beside her. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her. But I'll try to talk to her parents. Just give me some time to settle everything. Thank you. – Alric.”

I stared at his name for a long time.

My heart clenched. Everyone had a role to play in Kyla’s pain—including me now.

And whether I liked it or not, my life just officially stopped being my own.

Tomorrow, I will start pretending. Pretending to be a rich heiress. Pretending to marry a man I’ve never even met. Pretending not to feel terrified. Game on, Lyka. There’s no turning back.

KYRAN’S POV

I’m in my daughter Ashley’s room, playing with her. She’s already one year old, and I can’t believe how fast time flies.

“Want to play with Daddy?” I asked with a smile, gently tickling her tummy.

“Ma—ma,” Ashley suddenly said.

I kissed her forehead. My smile faltered a little as a wave of sadness swept over me. My wife died giving birth to her. That was the most tragic moment of my life. And now… I’m getting married again.

The only reason I agreed to this arranged marriage was because of my daughter. I couldn’t bear the thought of her growing up without a mother. I know what it feels like to grow up with something missing—I never met my own father. He died before I was born. I don't want Ashley to grow up like that. She deserves to feel complete, to have someone she can call Mom.

I stood up with Ashley in my arms and walked toward the veranda, letting her tiny fingers play with the wind. I had taken a week off work just to spend time with her. While I was making her giggle, Mom appeared behind us.

“It’s all settled, son,” she said cheerfully. “This Saturday is the engagement party, and the wedding’s scheduled for next month. Is that okay with you?”

I nodded. “As long as it doesn’t clash with my work meetings.”

“Would you like to know more about her?” she asked, holding out an envelope.

“Just leave it in my office, Mom. I’ll read it later.”

She smiled, tapping my shoulder. “I’m a hundred percent sure you’ll fall for her.”

I shook my head and chuckled dryly. Me? Fall for someone? Let’s see how that woman handles a rugged, no-nonsense husband like me.

After laying Ashley in her crib, I kissed her cheek softly. “I love you so much, baby,” I whispered before stepping out of the room.

I called over the two newly hired nannies—both professional, highly trained.

“Take care of my daughter while I’m not around. Understood?”

They both nodded confidently. I headed straight to my home office, sat in my swivel chair, leaned back, and closed my eyes. Even on leave, work still swirled in my head. Being a CEO and owner at the same time isn’t easy. But right now, I just need rest. Even just a short nap.