The Replacement Bride

Hilary Windsor I stretched out on the couch, my legs dangling over the edge as I lazily flipped through TV channels. The faint crunch of chips filled the room as I chewed mindlessly, not paying attention much until the voice of the news anchor broke through.“This just in,” the anchor began, her smile practically lighting up the screen. “The highly anticipated Windsor fashion show is going on at the moment! Hosted by Emily Windsor herself, the event is set to showcase breathtaking masterpieces that will leave everyone in awe.”The chip in my hand froze mid-air. My sister, Emily Windsor. The name stung, a reminder of everything that seemed to revolve around her. I clicked the TV off with more force than necessary and tossed the remote aside, irritation simmering beneath my skin.I reached for my phone, scrolling through Instagram absentmindedly. When a stream appeared on my screen. My sister Emily’s face was up the screen, surrounded by elegant designs being paraded down the runway. M

Bennett LandonThe meeting room was quiet, the air thick with anticipation. A group of executives sat in front of me, waiting for my decision.I glanced at the proposal in my hands. Profits, expansion plans, projections. On paper, it all looked good. But something was off.“This plan,” I said, tapping the document, “costs too much. Cut unnecessary expenses and focus on what actually brings in money.”The lead executive nodded quickly. “Yes, Mr. Landon. We’ll fix it right away.”I gave a small nod. “Good. Bring me a new version tomorrow.”As the meeting ended, my assistant, Daniel, handed me my schedule. “Dinner with your parents in an hour,” he reminded me.I sighed. “Of course.”*************The restaurant was elegant, the kind of place where deals were made over expensive wine and forced smiles.My mother was already seated, her posture perfect. My father barely looked up, focused on his watch. Always impatient.I slid into the seat across from them. “Mother, Father.” I acknowledge

Bennet LandonThe soft glow of morning light seeped through the curtains, nudging me awake. The bed was cold beside me. My arm reached out instinctively, but my fingers met nothing but untouched sheets.For a moment, I kept my eyes closed, piecing together the fragments of last night. The girl from last night. The taste of whiskey on her lips. The way her body fit against mine. The quiet moans that slipped from her when I touched her.I opened my eyes.She was gone.I pushed myself up, scanning the room. She wasn't here. No traces of her except for the lingering scent of her. Something light, floral, almost intoxicating. Then my eyes caught something.A small piece of paper on the bedside table.I reached for it, my fingers tightening the moment I read the words written on it.“Last night never happened. Don’t look for me”I stared at the note for a long moment, my jaw clenching.I turned it over, half expecting a name, a number or something. But there was nothing.No name. No exp

Hilary WindsorA bitter laugh slipped from my lips.Of course it’s Emily. It’s always her.She takes and takes, and somehow, everyone lets her.But not this time.I sat frozen for a second, my mind spinning… then something inside me snapped.I’m done running.They betrayed me, used me, and left me broken.Now, I’m going to show them who I really am.I grabbed my phone and booked the earliest flight to London.**************I arrived in London the next morning. The air bit my skin. It was colder than I remembered.The city looked the same. Loud, fast, and full of people moving like they had somewhere important to be. I, on the other hand, had only one goal: to burn down everything that hurt me.I pulled my coat tighter as I stepped into the hotel I had booked. A quiet place in the edge of the city. The receptionist looked up with a bright smile. “Good morning. You must be Miss… Brown?”I nodded. “Yes. Just checking in.”“Of course,” she said, typing quickly “, Your room is ready. Top

Hilary WindsorMy body stilled as Bennett’s warm lips brushed mine. His kiss was soft, reassuring. Not rushed or wild like before. I could have pulled away. I should have. But I didn’t.I kissed him back.Right there. In front of everyone. In front of my family. Like the world had stopped spinning and it was just the two of us.It was quiet, steady… comforting. And that scared me more than anything.I didn’t want it to end.He pulled back slowly, his hand still resting at my waist. His eyes searched mine.“Let’s get out of here,” he said softly.The room was dead silent. Gasps and whispers hung thick in the air.Vivian’s face twisted with rage. Emily looked like she might faint.“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Emily’s voice cracked as she stepped forward, her heels clicking against the marble floor. “You’ve been sleeping with my fiancé behind my back?”I turned to her, calm as ever. “Oh, Emily, please. You slept with my husband for months. I had one night with him. And let’s not forget