2. Do We Have a Deal?

"My virginity?" Rose's eyes widened in shock.

"You're a virgin, aren't you?"

Rose's cheeks flushed red and nearly exploded at Romilda's question. "Of course I am!"

Romilda clapped once, looking pleased. "Perfect! Then that settles it."

"No, stop! What do you need my virginity for? What kind of crazy deal are you making that involves me?"

"Oh, dear!" Romilda let out a dry laugh. "This is a great deal for you too! You'll profit from it, too."

"Are you trying to sell me?"

Romilda's eyes widened in disbelief. "I'm not that stupid, Rose! Besides, how much could I get for selling you?"

Yes, Rose and Romilda were undeniably beautiful—they were identical twins. The only difference was that Rose had kept her long, wavy black hair cascading down her back, while Romilda had dyed hers blonde and cut it to shoulder length.

Both had equally alluring figures, but while Rose dressed modestly, Romilda preferred to show off every curve.

Rose took a deep breath. "So what is it, then? Can you explain it to me?"

Romilda sighed in annoyance. Rose was stubborn, but refusing to explain would make things more difficult.

"I want you to take my place as the wife of a billionaire named Matteo Cavanaugh. In a few days, I'm supposed to marry him," Romilda finally revealed.

Rose frowned. Where had Romilda even met this Matteo? And how had Romilda gotten involved in something so entangled that she now needed Rose to be a part of it?

Romilda continued. "Your job is simple—give Matteo your virginity. Because I can't possibly sleep with him. The most important thing is to silence his family. They always accuse me of not being a virgin."

"Well... you're not, are you?"

Romilda's eyes narrowed slightly. "No, I'm not! But if I can prove otherwise, not only will your sick mother be saved, but your life will be saved as well! I'll even give you financial compensation for your virginity."

"Can't you just be honest with your fiancé? If he really loves you, this shouldn't be a problem."

Romilda let out an irritated sigh, her expression growing increasingly annoyed.

"Look, we don't love each other! I barely know him! Just do your part and do it right! Because if you don't, your mother's life is at stake. Do you really want that, Rose?" she said, her tone laced with a veiled threat.

"Romilda, Mom is our mother! And you're still thinking about making a deal with me?"

Romilda let out a mocking laugh. "I'm giving you the opportunity of a lifetime, Rose. All you have to do is give up your useless virginity. At least that way, it'll actually serve a purpose. Your mother gets her surgery, and you get your reward!"

Romilda extended her hand to Rose, her lips curling into a devilish smile.

"Do we have a deal?"

Rose hesitated, still torn. But who else could help Rose save her mother's life? Time was running out.

With cold, trembling fingers, Rose took Romilda's hand. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Okay."

*

Rose froze as she stared at her reflection—she looked just like Romilda. For a moment, she hated how alike they were.

Behind her, Romilda sat leisurely, getting a manicure. When Romilda saw that Rose was finished, a smug smile curled her lips.

"All done? You'd better go," Romilda said casually.

Hesitantly, Rose stepped closer. "But what about Mom? I can't just leave her in the hospital."

"Relax, I've already arranged for a nurse to take care of Mom during her recovery. They say it'll take about ten days, just in time for the wedding and your honeymoon." Romilda looked at Rose. "And remember, make a good impression for me so Matteo knows he's marrying the right woman."

Rose wanted to curse her.

Romilda was in a hotel with her lover, lying to Matteo about visiting her mother for her blessing. She hadn't even seen their mother.

Then Romilda reached into her bag, pulled out a folded piece of paper, and handed it to Rose. "This is a list of Matteo's family members. I've written down all their names so you won't look like an idiot when you arrive."

Rose unfolded the paper—just a bunch of names, no explanations, no details. This is what you call complete? Rose scoffed inwardly.

"Now, off you go!" Romilda waved her hand dismissively.

"'This is per our agreement, isn't it? After ten days, it's over, and I can go back to taking care of Mom," Rose confirmed. "Don't go back on your word, Romilda!"

"Of course, silly! As long as you give Matteo your virginity, everything is settled!"

The beauty salon employees looked between them with confused expressions. Even Rose was embarrassed at how blunt and shameless Romilda was.

Finally, Rose left the salon without even saying goodbye. She carried only a small bag with her cell phone, wallet, and the clothes she was wearing. Romilda had assured Rose that everything she needed was already at the Cavanaugh estate.

After hailing a cab, giving the driver the address, and setting off, Rose's anxiety only grew.

First, she had no idea what to expect at Matteo's house. And second, she still hadn't checked on her mother after the surgery.

What if Mom was worried because I didn't show up at the hospital? she thought.

Rose tried to push her fears aside and stay calm. Like it or not, she had to do this. Romilda had already held up her end of the bargain by paying the hospital bills. But Rose was paying a high price.