Chapter Four

ANNA

I repeated after her, "Sixty thousand dollars?" Perhaps I didn't hear her right, and she confirmed it to me again. 

"You will be given half payment upfront and it will be completed when you carry it out successfully", Pamela added. I needed time to think about the offer which she accepted and left. 

I sat on the bed, folded my legs and gave the offer a deep thought. I'd be able to pay off the loan sharks and still have more than enough. Yes, this was the only way I could pay the debt and settle other important bills. 

At exactly 8 a.m. the next day, I called Pamela to let her know I would do what she asked, I felt the excitement in her voice while I hung up. I felt like a huge burden was about to be lifted from my shoulders. 

As the day got nearer, I started meeting with Pamela and Daisy more often for the preparation. The plan was to wear two-inch heels to match Daisy's height and to have my hair styled exactly as hers.

I also trained my voice and walking steps to fit into Daisy's lifestyle. I felt like a different person but I had to do it to save myself.  

The D-day finally came, I was in the bride's room with Pamela and Daisy. They had hired a secret stylist and make-up artist who did all she could to make me look a lot like Daisy. 

We both had the same dress on to create the perfect illusion. I was to enter with her father and take it up from there. My phone buzzed, I opened my mouth agape when I saw the credit alert. 

Daisy told me in a firm tone "Do this like your life depends on it", while she closed her phone. 

I hurriedly sent the money I got to the loan sharks and promised to send the balance very soon. I adjusted my thick veil and I went to where I would swap positions with Daisy. 

The time came, we swapped and I walked down the aisle instead of Daisy. I walked perfectly, although my face couldn't be seen in the veil, I still lowered my head. 

I got to the pulpit, the priest carried out the ceremony. Daisy had promised it to be short, she had concluded with her father that she wouldn't open her veil or kiss the groom. Her father agreed because he just wanted all to go smoothly for his company which it eventually did when I played my role right. 

It was finally time to wrap up the ceremony, the priest asked that we hold hands as we walked out. I stretched my hand out and locked hands but he suddenly held my hand tightly, I decided to overlook it and do what I had to do. 

After all, the marriage will be annulled under the circumstance of Error of Person. I tried my best to keep my emotions in check, I was going home with a stranger, and I had no idea why Daisy wouldn't marry him. For all there is, he could be dangerous but I was determined because of the money. 

Everyone waved at us happily as Daniel and I entered the car, my eyes caught Daisy in the corner she stood, and she smiled sheepishly. Pamela acted like it was Daisy in the car, she came to the window and whispered "Good job, finish it all by tomorrow" in my ears. 

I saw things faintly because of the thick veil so I flipped a layer of the veil over my head. I needed to know where I was been driven to, I looked at my side to see who I was contacted to marry. 

He maintained a cold stare at his phone, he raised it to his ears as he spoke, "Close the deal". His masculine would make anyone bow, his black hair is nicely cut, and he has a square-shaped face and a perfect nose like he had a plastic job. 

I was observing his detailed face when he looked in my direction, I looked away immediately hoping my nervousness didn't show as I twisted my fingers. I stared at the road, the driver held the steering tightly but I could feel Daniel was staring at me. 

The car came to a stop in front of a wrought-iron gate, the pillars of the gate were covered in rare and fine limestones. The gate opened as his driver drove through the driveway which was surrounded by flowers and a well-trimmed lawn.

We came down in front of the entrance to the mansion, "You can leave for the day Anthony" That would be the second time he spoke since we left the venue. 

He entered the house and I followed him, the interior left me mesmerized. I only heard of houses like this but had never seen or been in one. The living room is spacious, with high ceilings with imported chandeliers dangling from them. The floor is made of expensive marble and the walls are adorned with beautiful artworks, rare paintings and sculptures in other parts of the room. The pieces of furniture scream expensive and of high quality. 

He told me he sent all his staff home for the weekend as he ascended the staircase, I followed him anxiously and looked around. I was with a stranger that I knew nothing about. The hope that it would all end tonight kept me going and I wished it'd go well. 

We entered his master room, a king-sized bed was in the centre of the room, and the types of furniture and interior design would be running into millions of dollars. It wasn't a flashy design but a high-end quality masterpiece. 

He put off his suit, turned around and said calmly "You can take off the veil now, don't you think?" 

I froze, my legs stuck to the floor, this was the highlight of the job I took. My mind searched for what his reaction would be if he found out he was deceived. I racked my brain for excuses to give but I went blank. 

Every hair on my body stood when I saw him walk towards me, we were the only ones left in this mansion by now. 

He finally stood in front of me, he stretched his hands to raise the veil. 

Out of impulse, I screamed, "Wait!".