Chapter 1 Family Decision

"You better not mess this up for us," Mr. Thompson said as he led Charlotte to the altar. "We cannot afford to offend such a powerful family."

Her heartfelt heart as she looked around, hoping Mia would change her mind and return. Her eyes met her mother's, who was wiping away tears. To an outsider, she might have seemed like a heartbroken mother sending her daughter away, but Charlotte knew better. Her mother didn't care about her; she only cared about Mia. Unfortunately for Charlotte, Mia had run off, leaving her to bear the burden of getting married instead. The fact that they were identical twins was a big help.

That morning, when Charlotte informed her parents about Mia's disappearance just minutes before the wedding, her father had slapped her hard. Now she stood at the altar, a veil covering her face as she awaited her future husband.

"He's not coming," Mr. Thompson said, approaching Charlotte. A smile began to form on her face at the thought of the wedding being called off. "Our family may not be as important as theirs, but they can't disrespect us like this," he fumed. Sending his driver? How could he send his driver to stand in? I'm glad this isn't happening to Mia. I'm glad she ran off, and I just hope she's safe wherever she is. I wouldn't want my daughter to be married to a man who wouldn't even show up to his wedding, he said, wiping sweat from his face.

Charlotte's smile vanished as she processed her father's words. She realized she was still expected to marry in her sister's place. The wedding proceeded, appearing normal to the outside world.

"Make sure you get him in bed tonight," Mrs. Thompson instructed before sending Charlotte off. If you can get pregnant before the contract ends, you might have to get married for real. That would be the best thing you can do for this family, so I advise you to do it well, she said, walking away. Ever since Jasper died, his mother hadn't looked her directly in the eyes; they both still blamed her for his death, and the anger remained.

How was she supposed to lie with a man she didn't know? She thought. Maybe Mia should have stayed; she had a knack for getting men into bed within minutes of meeting them. It was both a blessing and a curse and, in this case, it would have been a blessing.

"Ma'am, it's time to leave," the driver said, opening the door for her. Charlotte got into the car, wondering what life had in store for her. She remembered Mia's anger at their parents for wanting to send her off to a man she knew nothing about. Was Mia right? She wondered. What if he was indeed a wrinkly old man? She wouldn't be surprised, as her parents cared only for wealth.

*****

The house was gigantic, with a big garden at one end of it. Even though it was late, there were workers around doing a thing or two. They all stopped to greet her immediately when they saw the car come in. He led her in as some other workers lined up to greet them. She wondered how rich the family was to have maids everywhere.

"This is Penelope, the head maid," he said, pointing at an older woman. "Trust she'll provide you with whatever you need before your husband gets back," he said, looking at Penelope as she gave a reassuring nod.

"Wait," she said, grabbing his hand as he attempted to leave. "He's not home?"

"No, ma'am, he had some urgent business to attend to," he replied with a bow and turned to leave.

Charlotte turned around to look at the household staff who had their heads all bowed, except Penelope. "How long has he been away?" she inquired.

"Two days, ma'am," Penelope replied. "I'll show you to your room now, ma'am," Penelope said, and sent the other housekeepers away.

Feeling a sense of relief that she wouldn't have to get in bed with him that night, she followed Penelope into her room, which was beautifully decorated with everything she needed. "He really prepared to have a woman in the house but didn't bother to show up?" she thought.

"Is your master usually not home?" Charlotte inquired, and Penelope nodded.

"Okay, you can leave now," Charlotte said, trying to get out of the wedding dress.

"No, it's fine, I can handle it." Charlotte said as Penelope came closer to help. She always hated letting people see her body because of the scars on her back. Whenever her parents got angry, they pulled out needles and pushed them into her back until she passed out. She knew they would kill her if people found out about it. She was lucky enough to not get punished when Mia ran away, so she couldn't afford to ruin everything now.

You can call on me anytime, ma'am. Just press that button on the wall, Penelope said, pointing to the button. She bowed and then exited the room.

*****

Unable to sleep that night, Charlotte decided to take a shower to calm her nerves. Suddenly, she heard a loud bang outside followed by unfamiliar footsteps. Her heart raced at the thought of a break-in. When the bang sounded again, even louder, she panicked and ran out screaming.

She opened her door and saw a man attempting to walk up the stairs. He looked at her in confusion. Hearing the bang once more, she panicked further and ran to him, jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his waist. Her breasts pressed against his face as she clung to him for protection.

"Ma'am? We heard you scream, Penelope said as she ran over with some other maids. "Master Chase," she added, bowing immediately upon seeing him. "You are back."

"Mas... Master Chase? Charlotte asked, still in shock. "This is your master?" she asked, and Penelope nodded. Embarrassed by her behavior, she tried to get down but realized she was naked and quickly clung back.

"Get me a blanket!" she screamed, immediately regretting coming out of her room.