Chapter 2 Mistaken identity

As the sun rose over the city, the streets were alive with the sound of bustling activity. It was summertime, and the air was filled with the sweet smell of blooming flowers, echoing from the countless parks and gardens that dotted the landscape. Skyscrapers towered high above, casting shadows on the narrow cobblestone streets that wound their way through the old town.

The buildings were adorned with ornate balconies and colorful awnings, their vibrant hues contrasting against the elegant stone facades. People strolled along the sidewalk, some with ice cream cones in hand, while others sat on benches and enjoyed the warm breeze. It was a city that buzzed with an energy that only summertime could bring.

In the midst of this vibrant scene, Lilac with crutches made her way slowly through the crowds. The heat of the sun beat down on her, but she was determined to reach her destination. She walked with a determined look on her face, her curly, auburn hair cascading gently down her back.

As she turned onto a small cobbled alleyway, her eyes fell upon a quaint flower shop nestled between two tall buildings. The storefront was alive with colors and scents, bursting with carefully arranged bouquets and potted plants. She hobbled towards the door, her movements slow and measured, and pushed it open with a jingle.Despite her disability, she greeted the other shop assistants with a warm smile. They acknowledged her kindly.

"And there you are!" It was Mrs Williams who said as she helped me to sit down.

"Granny, you sound worried...I'm here," I said trying to ease her burden...she saw me and smiled.

"Is it an emergency...you know I'm at your beck and call," I said cheerfully knowing I enjoyed my work more than anyone. The reason why Mrs Williams preferred me to other workers.

"I'm sorry sweetie I called you like this...but I need your help," Mrs Williams remarked, she seemed busy that I saw. I also saw a van outside and the others loading various flowers.

"Did you see Gage...he came around," Mrs Williams said and handed me a card. It was a pass card. I knew at first glance that I was delivering flowers to a wealthy family.

"The Moondragon family are hosting a party this evening...they ordered flowers at the last minute...I need you to deliver them for me," she explained while I went through the order and address. I shook my head in denial.

"B-but...why not give Tessa...She's..." the family in question frightened me. The fact that it was the most wealthy and well known made me feel uncomfortable.

"You are a sweet girl...you make everyone like you at first glance...please Lily," Mrs Williams pleaded with a soft gaze. I wanted to refuse but no.

"Alright, I'll go," I agreed, although I didn't want this. It was better than going to that old man.

"You know Gage works there...I'm sure he'll guide you," Mrs Williams added and I managed to get my crutches, of course. Gage was my best friend. He was 26 years old. He worked for the Moondragon family. Although he had such a good job and a good position at their prestigious company. Gage was down to earth.

"Come on, load up...and take care of my baby!" Mrs Williams shouted at the men getting in the van while she helped me get in the front seat.

"Careful," she mumbled as I settled down "here," she handed me my crutches. I nodded at the driver as a way of greeting him and the car started.

As the car drove to our destination. I kept thinking, not glancing outside and spotted a school bus. A smile crept on my face admiring all the students. I didn't get a chance to finish my studies because of my condition.

Not like I was bothered but Mary said I was better off at home. To be honest, I worked day and night so I could save up enough money and get custody of my lovely daughter. Sophie was 3 years old. A jovial and intelligent little girl. However I wasn't allowed to meet her. All I wanted was to know who I was. And the father of my child.

"We are here" I was startled back to my senses when the driver spoke. Regaining my wits. I glanced out the window and I was shocked by the beautiful scenery. The Moondragon Mansion was a grand and imposing sight to behold. It stood tall and proud at the end of a winding driveway, flanked by perfectly manicured lawns and pristine gardens. The mansion itself was made of smooth white marble, with intricate carvings and ornate details that hinted at the great wealth and power of its owners.

"Wow," I've heard stories from my co-workers but this was heaven. The entrance was guarded by two massive stone lions, their fierce expressions suggesting that only the most important and powerful guests were welcome here. The front doors were made of solid mahogany, towering over those who approached them, their brass door knobs polished to a shine.

"Welcome, come on get to work," we were greeted by an overly energetic lady. She guided us in as soon as the van parked by the entrance. As we stepped inside, we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the grand foyer. A grand chandelier hung high above, lighting up the room with a warm, golden glow. The walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings, each one more elaborate and intricate than the last. Elegant furniture was scattered throughout the space, inviting guests to sit and admire the splendor of their surroundings.

"And you are?" Someone asked from behind, I turned around only to be greeted by a tall slim blonde haired woman. She was wearing an awfully short dress. I guessed she was one of the family members.

"I..." I started but another person walked in taking the lady's attention.

"Is she here...what did I tell you," the blonde haired lady started talking to another woman. This one had dark hair with an oval shaped face, she was a little chubby and short.

"Is she the one?" I heard them say that when I realized they were staring at me. Both of them, I was a bit uncomfortable thinking I wasn't dressed accordingly. Holding my crutches tightly. I prepared to speak when.

"She's even better than I imagined...look at this," the blonde woman said as she walked closer to me. I didn't know what they were saying but they seemed to have mistaken me for someone else.

"Yeah, it's just what we want...girl I'm sure you were told what to do...tell Kate to take her to the room and get her ready," the chubby lady said seriously, I shook my head trying to stop them.

"Then she better do his right or else," the blonde warned with a glare. I was so confused.

"Esme, don't worry...she guaranteed me that this girl is the best," the chubby one remarked and came to inspect me. I didn't know what to do. But I was just a flower girl.

"I'm sorry but..."

"Don't blow this...go Kelly, make sure she's ready for tonight," the blonde said like an order and left from there.

"Come with me...it seems you can't walk without those crutches ...at least you can talk and have a beautiful face," the lady she called Kelly said, eyeing me from head to toe. I was hesitant but she dragged me away without hearing me out.

"Please...let me out...I don't know what's going on here but there's a huge mistake!" I shouted while banging on the door. The lady took me to a room upstairs and locked me up. She said something about executing the plan at tonight's party and left.

"No, this can't be." I was helpless as I watched the sun going down. Only then did I realize how beautiful the room I was in was. To know my phone was downstairs in that waiting room I went to.

"Argh," I sat on the floor and placed my crutches to the sides. It was getting dark, I would wait for those people to come back so I could explain everything