Chapter 3:

Chapter 3:

Olivia's POV

Every step toward the aisle made knots form in my stomach.

My arm was linked with my father's, but my legs barely felt like they belonged to me.

The wedding march echoed through the grand hall, yet it sounded strangely distant, as if I were hearing it from underwater.

My heartbeat drowned out everything else.

Breathe, Olivia. Just breathe.

Hundreds of guests filled the elegant hall, their eyes following every step I took.

I didn't dare look at them.

Were they whispering? 

Did they already notice something was different?

Did they know the woman beneath the veil wasn't Vanessa?

The questions swirled through my mind, making my palms damp against my bouquet.

I lowered my gaze, focusing only on the endless stretch of white petals scattered across the aisle.

Beside me, my father remained silent. His grip around my arm tightened ever so slightly, almost as if he was afraid I might turn around and run.

Truthfully, a part of me wanted to.

The officiant's voice reached my ears, but I couldn't make out a single word. Before I realized it, we'd reached the altar. My father gently released my arm. 

For a brief second, I felt completely alone.

Then, he carefully took my hand and placed it into someone else's.

His hand was warm and unexpectedly steady. Not once did it tremble.

I swallowed hard.

Slowly and amost fearfully, I lifted my eyes.

The first thing I noticed was the perfectly tailored black tuxedo.

Then broad shoulders, a sharp jawline, perfect lips, dark hair and a pair of striking, unreadable hazel eyes.

He was undeniably handsome.

In the effortless, charming way that made it impossible to look away.

His expression never changed. There was no smile, anger or even curiosity. Just a composed stillness.

Only then did my gaze drift lower to the wheelchair he sat on. A dull ache settled inside my chest.

This was Xander Sterling.

The man my sister had refused to marry.

For reasons I couldn't understand, my heart hurt more for him than it did for myself. No one deserved to be abandoned at the altar. Especially not like this.

Our eyes met for the first time.

For one fleeting moment, I wondered if he already knew.

If he could somehow tell that I wasn't the woman he had been expecting.

The officiant began speaking, his voice echoing through the hall.

I couldn't make out a single sentence.

Everything blurred together until only one voice finally broke through the haze.

"Do you, Vanessa Brooks, take Xander Sterling to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

I froze.

For one moment, I forgot how to breathe. The silence stretched. Every eye in the room seemed to land on me.

From the corner of my eye, I saw my father clear his throat softly, a gentle reminder that everyone was waiting.

My head spun. "I..."

The word caught in my throat. "I do."

The officiant smiled politely before turning to Xander.

"And do you, Xander Sterling, take Vanessa Brooks to be your lawfully wedded wi—?"

"I do."

His answer came so quickly and calmly that it almost startled me.

The officiant gave a warm smile before nodding toward the best man.

"The rings."

The best man stepped forward and handed the wedding bands to Xander first. Xander took one without a word.

Slowly, he reached for my trembling hand.

His fingers were warm. Carefully, he slid the ring onto my finger.

Not once did his hand shake. Then it was my turn. The second ring was placed into my palm. I took a deep breath and reached for Xander's hand.

My fingers trembled so violently that before I could slide the ring onto his finger, it slipped.

CLING!

The ring landed on the marble floor.

The sound echoed through the silent hall as the tiny band rolled across the aisle.

A collective gasp swept through the guests. "Oh my goodness..."

"The bride dropped the ring."

"Isn't that bad luck?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks. I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

An attendant hurried after the ring, picked it up, and returned it to me with a reassuring smile.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

I glanced toward my father.

His face had gone pale. He gave me the slightest nod.

I inhaled slowly, forcing my trembling fingers to steady. This time, I carefully slipped the ring onto Xander's finger.

He remained completely still throughout it all. His expression never changed.

The officiant smiled as though nothing had happened.

"Then, by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Applause erupted throughout the hall.

Guests rose to their feet. Flowers drifted through the air as cheerful music filled the room.

For the first time that day, I released a slow breath. It was over.

At least, the hardest part was over.

Or so I thought.

As we made our way down the aisle, guests applauded from both sides.

"Congratulations!"

"What a beautiful couple.”

"They look wonderful together."

I smiled politely, though my thoughts were elsewhere. The whole time, I couldn't stop wondering about the man beside me.

Did Xander know?

I knew they he and Vanessa had met several times before today. They'd gone on a handful of dates arranged by both families.

Surely he should have noticed that I wasn't the woman he'd been seeing.

Unless he simply hadn't looked closely enough. The thought offered little comfort.

Near the front row, an elderly man slowly rose to his feet with the help of a walking stick.

His face was lined with age, but his smile was brighter than anyone else's.

Theodore Sterling.

Xander immediately wheeled himself toward the old man.

"My boy," Theodore said, his eyes glistening. "You finally got married."

He placed a trembling hand on Xander's shoulder before turning to me. "My dear..."

His smile softened.

"Thank you for making an old man's wish come true."

Guilt stabbed at my heart.

I lowered my head respectfully. "You're welcome, Mr. Sterling."

He chuckled warmly. "No more 'Mr. Sterling.' We're family now."

Cheers and laughter rose from the surrounding guests.

Before I could respond, another elegantly dressed woman approached with an excited smile.

"Oh, let me see the bride properly!" she said.

She looked at me with bright, curious eyes. "Vanessa, it's been far too long."

I forced a smile, having no idea who she was.

She tilted her head. "You look different today."

My heartbeat quickened.

"Would you lift your veil for me?"

My breath hitched. If I refused, everyone would become suspicious.

If I agreed, everything would be over.

Slowly, with trembling fingers I reached for the edge of my veil and lifted it. 

The woman's face lit up with a warm smile.

"Oh, my goodness," she laughed softly. "You look absolutely beautiful."

The tight knot in my chest loosened. She didn't recognize me.

The woman reached out and gently adjusted a loose strand of hair beside my face, still smiling.

"My, my..." she said fondly. "Marriage certainly suits you."

I forced myself to smile back. "Thank you."

She continued studying my face. But after a minute , her smile slowly faltered. Her brows drew together.

She leaned in a little closer. The warmth in her eyes gave way to confusion. 

“...Wait."

My heart skipped a beat.

She looked from my eyes to my lips, then back again, as though trying to solve a puzzle.

The coloyr slowly drained from her face.

"No..."

She whispered almost to herself before looking directly at me.

"You're not Vanessa."