Chapter 1 Carriage switch

"Don't take too long, Elena. Alexander won't like his bride looking like a stray cat," Ivy's sharp voice echoed through the room.

Elena's trembling hands fumbled with her veil as she tried to secure it. She stood in front of the mirror, dressed in an elegant white gown, but the nervous flush on her face made her feel far from beautiful.

"I'm doing my best," Elena muttered quietly, avoiding Ivy's piercing glare.

"Your best?" Ivy scoffed, adjusting her glittering jewelry in the mirror. "That's why you ended up with Damon, isn't it? The second choice. My Alex wouldn't settle for someone like you."

"Ivy!" Elena's voice cracked as she looked over her shoulder. "Can you stop? Just for today?"

"What?" Ivy smirked. "Am I lying? Damon is practically giving you charity by marrying you. You should thank me for taking Alex off the market."

"I didn't choose Damon. The families decided,"

"And the families knew better than to let Alexander marry someone like you," Ivy interrupted with a snort. "God, just look at you." She stepped closer, brushing invisible lint off Elena's gown. "All your life, you've been the quiet little shadow, following me around, hoping for scraps of attention. But guess what, Elena? Today, everyone's attention will be on me."

"Enough already" came a stern voice. Their mother, Mrs. Calloway, swept into the room, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Her gaze immediately softened as it landed on Ivy. "You look perfect, darling."

"Thanks, Mother," Ivy said, her tone dripping with sweetness. "I just hope Elena doesn't embarrass us in front of the guests."

"Mother..." Elena started, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Calloway turned to her, her expression hardening. "Elena, I've told you before. Today isn't just about you. This is about the Calloway family's reputation. Do you understand?"

"I understand," Elena said, lowering her gaze.

"Good. Now fix that veil and stop looking so nervous. You're lucky Damon agreed to marry you at all," Mrs. Calloway added coldly.

Elena swallowed the lump in her throat. She had grown used to this,a lifetime of being overshadowed by Ivy, the favored daughter. Ivy, with her confidence, beauty, and charm, had always been their mother's pride. Elena, on the other hand, was the mistake.

"Don't listen to her, Mother," Ivy said with mock concern. "I'm sure Damon doesn't mind a bride who looks like she's about to faint." Mrs Calloway laughed as she walked out.

"I'm the bride, Elena. You're nothing but a mistake," Ivy continued with a smirk as she fixed her veil.

Elena swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "I never wanted to take anything from you. Why do you hate me so much?"

Ivy's eyes turned cold. "Because you exist. That's reason enough."

Elena clenched her fists. For once, she decided to push back. "Why do you always have to tear me down, Ivy?"

"Because someone needs to keep you grounded," Ivy replied smugly. "Honestly, Elena, do you think I enjoy doing this? It's exhausting being the one who holds everything together while you just float through life, hoping someone will save you."

"I don't need saving," Elena said, her voice shaking.

"Oh, please," Ivy snapped. "If it weren't for Mother, you'd be living in some tiny apartment, probably working in a diner. You should be grateful for this marriage. Damon's doing you a favor."

"Ivy, that's enough," Mrs. Calloway interjected, though her tone lacked conviction. "We don't have time for your games. The carriages are ready. Let's go."

Ivy smiled victoriously and grabbed her bouquet. "Don't trip on the way out, Elena," she whispered as she brushed past her sister.

____

The grand Calloway estate buzzed with activity. Guests milled about, admiring the decorations and eagerly awaiting the twin brides. The carriages stood ready at the front entrance, each one adorned with flowers and ribbons.

Elena stepped out hesitantly, her heart pounding. She glanced at Ivy, who walked with the confidence of a queen. Their carriages were parked side by side, ready to take them to their respective grooms.

Ivy smirked as she climbed into her carriage. "Good luck, Elena. You'll need it."

Elena didn't reply. She took a deep breath and stepped into her own carriage. As the door closed behind her, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling growing in her chest.

The carriages began to roll down the driveway, the horses' hooves echoing against the cobblestone path. Elena stared out the window, her thoughts swirling.

---

Halfway down the road, the carriages slowed.

"What's happening?" Elena asked the driver.

"Just a minor delay, Miss Calloway," he said without turning around.

Elena frowned but stayed silent. She was too nervous to question him further.

A few moments later, Ivy's carriage came to a stop as well. She opened the window and yelled at her driver. "Why are we stopping? I don't have time for this!"

"Apologies, Miss Calloway," the driver replied. "We'll be moving shortly."

But instead of continuing on their way, the drivers exchanged brief, hurried whispers. Then, without warning, they switched carriages.

Elena's heart raced as her carriage jolted forward again. She leaned out the window to speak to the driver, but he ignored her.

"Ivy?" she called, but her sister's carriage was nowhere in sight.

Meanwhile, Ivy leaned back in her seat, unaware of the change. She adjusted her veil, a smug smile on her face. "Alexander won't know what hit him," she muttered.

---

Elena's carriage arrived at a grand estate, but it wasn't the church. Her eyes widened as unfamiliar staff opened the door and helped her out.

"Wait... where are we?" she stammered.

"Right on time, Miss Calloway," a deep voice said. A man stepped forward, his face unreadable. "Your groom is waiting."

Elena froze, dread creeping up her spine.

Far away, Ivy's carriage arrived at the church. She stepped out confidently,still full of herself, looking up to....