.THE SUBSTITUE WIFE RETURNS

I sat in the chair in the doctor office trying not to think too hard. I was a little shaky in the hands, and I managed to sit still. The white walls, the slight odor of antiseptic, and the quiet ticking of the clock did not help to soothe the pit in my stomach. Dr. Morrison, the expert who had treated me long, cleared his throat and started talking.“I am afraid your condition is more serious, Ariana,” he said, with a soft and serious voice. “Your eyes and ears are becoming weaker than ever, the bleeding seems to be more serious these days. Unless you take your medicine as prescribed, you may lose them altogether in a few months.”I swallowed hard. I had heard these words very many times, but each time it was like a hammer at my chest. I nodded silently. Arguing was impossible, I was aware of the truth.I’d be blind and deaf in a few months time.“And the funding?” I asked quietly. I had a shiver in my voice, and I managed to get it out. “The NGO, the one that aids me in my treatment.

“Where is she?” I questioned myself when I emerged out of the last house on my list, and, as usual, she was not there. “Where are you Alina?” I mumbled.I had already checked all possible places I could think of last night after father had left my room. I had called at the houses of the friends of Alina, mocked at all the doors, inquired of every person I could recall that she had spoken to.No one knew where she was.I massaged my forehead and groaned. There was only one place left. I was forced to visit the police station. Maybe they could help. Perhaps, they might locate her in time.The ride there was quiet. I barely noticed the traffic. I just thought about Alina, my sister, my twin, the loved one of everyone yet the only one who sometimes cared about me, and how she may vanish without any trace. My stomach churned. How could this be happening?I arrived at the station and went into it and to the front desk. “I… I want to file a kissing person report,” I said, endeavoring to

My father stood next to me with his shoulders straight, and his face calm but agonizingly firm. He cleared his throat. “Damien… I owe you an explanation.”Damien didn’t respond. He was upset, with his hands crossed, his jaw set, and his eyes steadfastly focused on my father with a warning that was silent and simmering.My father proceeded with caution. “Alina, she vanished away just hours before the wedding. We have no idea where she is. Whether she is running or in hiding or something has happened to her. “ He paused, exhaling shakily. “The wedding was already set. Guests had arrived. The media was everywhere. To cancel would have been a scandal beyond the reach of any one here.”I stood still.Damien’s voice cut in sharply. “And what has that got to do with her?” He turned back his head, and looked at me before looking back at my father.My father swallowed. “Ariana… stepped in. She replaced Alina, under my direction. She had accepted to save the face of both families. When Alina ha

Ariana’s POVMorning came too quickly.I didn’t even remember falling asleep.For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, disoriented. The soft sheets beneath me, the unfamiliar scent in the air—it all felt distant, like I was in someone else’s life.Then it hit me.The wedding.The mansion.Damien.My chest tightened instantly.I sat up slowly, my head spinning slightly as I adjusted to the light streaming through the curtains. My body still felt weak, heavy… like I hadn’t rested at all.Of course I hadn’t.How could I?I turned my head toward the couch.Empty.A small crease in the cushion was the only sign he had been there.He was already gone.I exhaled softly, not sure if I felt relieved… or unsettled.Before I could think further, there was a knock on the door.My body tensed.“Come in,” I said, trying to steady my voice.The door opened, and the same elegant woman from last night stepped in, followed by two maids carrying trays.Her sharp eyes scanned me—quick, obse

Ariana’s POVBy the next evening, I was already exhausted.Not physically alone—Mentally.Emotionally.Completely drained.Mrs. Carter didn’t go easy on me. From the moment I woke up, it was training, correction, repetition… over and over again until even breathing felt like something I had to get right.And now—I stood in front of a full-length mirror, dressed in a fitted black gown that hugged my body in a way that made me feel… exposed.Not beautiful.Not confident.Just… seen.“Shoulders back,” Mrs. Carter said from behind me.I straightened immediately.“Relax your expression. You look tense.”I tried.But my reflection betrayed me.My eyes looked tired.My smile looked forced.My entire existence looked like a lie.Because it was.“This is a simple dinner,” she continued. “Business associates. Investors. People who know Miss Alina well.”My chest tightened.People who know her.Perfect.“No mistakes tonight,” she added calmly.No pressure.I swallowed. “I understand.”Did I?N