Chapter 2 THE WEDDING

Chapter 2

EMMA'S POV

Finally!

"Damn it! She always wants to get the best." I mutter to myself, eyeing the unconscious girl on the floor. I've known Caliste since childhood, she has always gotten everything I've wanted. But not Mason , I won't let her.

I've known Mason since I was in highschool, a successful, powerful, ravishingly attractive man and I tried hard to make him mine.

Even when the tabloids confirmed that he's not the type to engage with women or have any sexual or romantic attachments, I was still determined to claim him. And now, Caliste has effortlessly captured his attention,basking in it and flaunting it to my face. No, I'd rather die than let that happen.

The designer is still knocking at the door so I make haste to drag her to the backrooms. Being caught now will put me in a precarious situation I can't afford to get out of.

"Ma'am, Caliste!" the designer calls out again. I stay silent, continuing to pull her along. She's got some weight to her, but it's no surprise-a daddy's girl who always gets what she wants, eating well and enjoying the finest things in life.. My stomach churns with envy.

Just as planned, a guy I hired for the next move was waiting in the room, ready to finish up.

"Help me pull the corset off, don't let anyone see you leave with her"

He is shaking, a blubbering mess as he pulls the corset off her and shoves her in a bag "oh God is she dead?"

"I wish. Now pull off the fuckin dress and stop shaking." I whisper yells at him, staring at him, "Get her out of here, now," I command again, surveying the area with urgency.

"I'm just trying to be careful," he replied, his voice tinged with unease.

"Be quiet, it'll fall through," I decided, confident that it would all work out.

The boy would leave soon, and I'd be alone in the room again.

"Are you okay, ma'am? Would you like me to call your dad? It's almost time," the designer called from the corridor, her tone tinged with concern.

I'd almost forgotten about her.

I crossed to the door and opened it just enough to speak. "You can go now. I'll get ready myself."

"Miss, are you sure?" she asked.

"Absolutely, I'm sure," I replied, dismissively closing the door. I pressed my body against it until I heard her footsteps fade away.

With a determined sigh, I turned away from the peephole, ready to take charge of the situation.

I only need to embody Calista for the wedding and the month that follows. By then, it would be too late for anyone to contest the union, and they'd all see that I'm far better than her. I'll be too valuable to toss aside.

I've gone to great lengths to replicate Calista's appearance-same weight, same hair, same stature. Sure, she's a few inches taller, so the dress drags on the floor, but I doubt Mason will notice, not with the expertly crafted mask I wear.

I've even swapped my eye color from blue to green with contacts.

I glance in the mirror and twirl.

I'm ready.

For the wedding.

My wedding.

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The church is filled to the brim with people, the New York sun streaming through the windows, casting a fairytale-like glow around the room.

I step out of the car, wearing a confident smile. Mason stands outside, his frown a stark contrast to the joyous occasion.

I throw him my brightest smile, but he remains unmoved, which is annoying.

Still, despite his stern demeanor, excitement surges through me at the sight of him. His intense gaze ignites my desires as I walk closer, lost in visions of our wedding night.

He takes my hand firmly, making my heart race.

"You're late."

"I had..." I start, but he interrupts me.

"That's no excuse. We discussed this yesterday."

They had a conversation yesterday?

"Can we please focus on the joy of today, Mason? Don't you think I look stunning?" I tease, lightly tracing my finger along his chin.

He scrutinizes me, confusion flickering across his face. "You're different today."

Oh, if only you knew. I smile at him, but he sighs, and that intensity between us grows stronger as Mr. Orson approaches to take my hand.

As the ceremony begins, Mason adjusts his tie, glancing around at the guests. Their collective sighs make me chuckle. I'm the bride now. I've won.

"You looked ready to tear into me yesterday, and you even threw some insults my way, but today you seem all giddy and happy. What gives?" he questions.

"Maybe I spent the night thinking about you and realized it wasn't all bad," I whisper back, our exchange mistaken for sweet nothings by the congregation, drawing another round of sighs.

Mason shakes his head, his gaze piercing through me. "No, something is off." His intensity leaves me feeling bare.

"We are here today to unite this man and woman in marriage," the Priest announces. Mason's skepticism remains, but I'm determined.

"Caliste Orson, do you take Mason Darius to be your husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, till death do you part?"

I glance at Mason and nod decisively, my voice unwavering. "I do."

Father Silas turns to him, and we wait.

Mason's hands are clenched, his jaw set. "I... I don't."

Gasps reverberate through the guests, and my heart stops.

"Mason?"

"I do," he finally says, his voice softer but firmer this time. He takes my hands, locking eyes with me. "I will marry you, Caliste Orson."

Internally, I release a breath of relief. We're almost there.

Just as Father Silas prepares to continue, a loud crash echoes through the church, followed by screams and chaos. Everyone turns in confusion as a body crashes down.

The figure hits the floor with a sickening thud, sending guests into a frenzy.

A woman lies crumpled on the floor, her white wedding dress spread around her. She remains motionless, eyes shut tight. A wedding dress.

My blood runs cold, and my eyes widen.

"What... wh-" I struggle to gather my thoughts.

"Caliste?" Mason strides forward, wrapping his arms around her.

"Seize her!" Mason commands, and I feel unfamiliar hands gripping me tightly.

"No... no... please," I plead, the mask itching against my skin. I was so close.