Chapter 1: Sold to My Sister’s Lover

Clarice's POV

“come downstairs elise” my mum yelled

I stood up quickly and ran out

What did i do this time?

“Get ready. You’re getting married to Damian Wilson.” my mum said her voice cold.

I stared at her, waiting for a smile, a laugh—anything to prove it was a joke.

But her face remained cold.

Slowly, my gaze shifted to my older sister, Nora.

She stood there, her head lowered, her eyes were fixed on the floor

She couldn’t even look at me.

“W-what?” I stammered. “What do you mean?”

“Clarice,” my mother snapped, her voice sharp, “just this once, do something useful for this family.”

My chest tightened.

“But… he’s Nora’s boyfriend.”

“I told you, Mom, don’t force her,” Nora said softly.

But she didn’t step forward.

She didn’t stop this.

My mother scoffed.

“Your sister is the breadwinner of this family, and all you are is a laibility clarice so for once in your life do something for this family”

“I'm seventeen and I'm still in school mum, this child marriage “i stood my ground refusing to be used as a bargaining tool

“you're 18 today clarice” Nora said

Before I could react, my mum grabbed my arm and dragged me outside.

“Mom, please—!” I cried, kicking shouting but her grip only tightened

I turned to Nora, desperate.

She looked at me this time.

Her eyes were filled with guilt.

But she didn’t move.

She didn’t say a word.

She just watched.

My heart shattered.

My mother shoved me into the car and slammed the door shut.

“Take her away,” she ordered coldly.

“No! Mom, I don’t want to go!” I begged, hitting the window.

But she had already turned her back, and walked away

She didn’t even look back.

---

I stared at the girl in the mirror.

She looked like a perfect bride.

Beautiful and elegant

But her red, swollen eyes told the truth.

She was broken.

Terrified.

And that girl…

was me.

Marrying my sister’s fiancé.

---

The courthouse was almost empty.

The ache in my chest hadn’t faded. It only grew stronger with every passing second.

Reminding me that this was real.

I couldn't hide or run

The registrar handed me the marriage certificate.

My hands trembled as I reached for it.

never had control over my life.

Not what I wore.

Not what I loved.

Not even who I would become.

And now…

not even my marriage.

Everything had always been decided by my mother.

All for my sister, so that she could be the best.

“Sign here.”

I hesitated staring at the piece of paper tbat held the power to change my life.

My fingers hovered above the paper.

This was it.

slowly i lifted the pen—

And signed.

---

The room was dark when I entered.

Moonlight spilled through the window, casting shadows across the bed.

I walked slowly and lay down, closing my eyes tightly.

Maybe when I opened them, this would all be a dream.

The door creaked open.

My body went rigid.

I felt the bed dip slightly.

Then a pair of strong hands slid around my waist.

My breath hitched

I shut my eyes tightly.

praying he would leave.

A soft touch brushed against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Let’s not waste such a perfect night, wifey,” he whispered.

He turned me around to face him, his lips found mine as he kissed me deeply.

He nipped my lips making me gasp, his tongue thrust into my mouth… “mmm” he moaned

“I've missed you Nora” my eyes shot opened

His word pulled me out of my fantasy reminding me that i was a replacement a substitute.