Chapter 5 Like Kids in Kindergarten

"Don't embarrass me-behave like Elsie," Damian warned. He parked the car a little ways away, then let the driver take over.

Selena had picked up a lot just by watching Elsie's mannerisms over time. Being a lowkey fan of hers made it easy to mimic her vibe.

"Miss Elsie, you always move so gracefully," the stylist said, throwing out a casual compliment.

"But this time, I'm so nervous," Selena replied, using it as an excuse to cover her nerves.

"Are you so nervous you've forgotten how you usually act?" the stylist teased with a laugh.

"Guess so." Selena's palms were sweaty, and the thought of blowing her performance today kept messing with her head.

"Don't stress, Miss Elsie. I've been married, and yeah, the start can feel super scary. Just imagine everyone at your wedding is a bunch of cute little kids," the stylist offered with a reassuring smile.

Selena nodded, trying to steady herself.

Selena stepped outta the car, clutching a bouquet as two stylists fixed her veil, nerves hidden behind a calm face.

The whole scene screamed fancy-flower arches everywhere, a vibe so serious it almost felt holy.

The soft notes of "Canon in D" floated through the air, and all eyes locked on the aisle, waiting for the "bride" to make her grand entrance.

Charles linking his arm with Selena's. He was dad for Elsie, while Selena slipped into her role as Elsie like she'd been born for it.

Strutting like a runway queen, Selena flashed a practiced smile, every move oozing grace.

Charles handed Selena off to Damian with a firm look, saying, "Don't hurt her, and treat her right-or you'll regret it."

Damian gave a solemn nod, though it felt a bit weird. After all, his bride wasn't Elsie. 'Maybe Charles is just playing his part,' Damian thought to himself.

Now, Damian and Selena stood before the priest. The Catholic ceremony began, with them exchanging their vows.

"I promise to be a faithful partner, to respect and support you through every step of this journey-through the highs and the lows, together in faith with God."

They exchanged rings.

Afterwards, Damian gently pulled Selena close and kissed her forehead. Just the forehead. But the guests weren't having it. After the sacrament, someone yelled, "Kiss her!"

"Kiss her!"

"Kiss her!"

Damian sighed, leaning in again. This time, the kiss was longer. Selena's heart raced, and she felt the world slow down around her.

"Oh no, my first kiss!!!" Selena's mind screamed.

She never expected Damian to go to such lengths just to impress others.

A string of extravagant events unfolded from noon to night. Selena had to admit, her acting skills were truly put to the test today.

But it was worth it. Why? Because she gets to meet a ton of A-list actresses!

Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lawrence, Margot Robbie, Gal Gadot, Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, and many more. They pose for pictures and talk endlessly!

"Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!"

"Thanks."

Even though it's just acting, Selena couldn't be more satisfied.

"Feels like I've hit the jackpot for life," Selena thought, a small smile playing on her lips.

And let's not forget all those luxurious dishes. The extravagant meals she's never had before. She tried them all, even just a taste.

But Selena couldn't wrap her head around the fact that the real bride, Elsie, would just give it all up.

Was she really that bored with her wealthy life that she asked someone else to step in for her wedding?

Thinking about it, Elsie and Damian were already married. At least, that's what everyone believed.

"I don't even know how my life-uh, come on Selena, it's just one day. After this, you'll walk away with a cool million dollars for all your hard work today. Wow, Damian Jorch sure is a kind soul!" Selena thought, picturing how much money she'd have in her hands tomorrow, hahahaha.

***

The night had fallen before Selena even realized it. And everything was done.

"You look just like Elsie."

Selena froze. "Sorry? I am Elsie," she said quickly, trying to cover. Don't let anyone find out I'm not Elsie! she thought nervously.

The woman's hand gently touched Selena's cheek. "Relax. I'm Vivian, Damian's mom."

Selena stood still, her mind racing. "Mother-in-law?" she asked awkwardly. What the hell is this? I have a mother-in-law-no, wait, it's just acting. Why am I getting caught up in this! she thought, trying to stay grounded.

"I know you're not Elsie. Elsie ran away. I'm glad you're helping us," Vivian said kindly.

"I was surprised by what Damian said earlier today about Elsie. I hope they find her soon," Selena said, trying to play it cool.

"Yes. We all love her dearly. Even if she's gone, at least we'd find her body." Vivian's expression shifted.

Selena froze again. But then she hugged Vivian tightly. "I believe Elsie will be found soon. And you'll all be together again," she said softly.

After the hug, Vivian nodded.

"Let's head into the car," she said.

Selena hesitated but let herself be pulled into the car.

"But Damian?" Selena asked, feeling off about the situation.

"Damian will be out with his friends tonight. He won't be back until late," Vivian said nonchalantly.

Selena went along quietly. She got in the car with Vivian.

She noticed two men in the front seats.

"On the right is my husband, Richard. And the one driving is Charles, he played your dad earlier," Vivian explained.

Selena smiled and greeted, "Hi."

"Yeah," Richard smiled back. "What's your name?"

"Selena Hart," Selena replied awkwardly.

Charles, however, was not as welcoming. "So where exactly are we going?"

"Maybe to house," Vivian answered.

Charles' brow furrowed. "You're letting them take her place and forget about Elsie?"

"Not really. But we need to make her take Elsie's place before the real Elsie returns," Richard said coldly.

Charles was seething. He hated the idea of anyone-no matter how much they looked like Elsie-replacing her permanently.

Selena could sense the tension building. So she said, "Sorry. But I only agreed to play the part for one day. Maybe it's time I head back."

"You do know your place," Charles sneered.