Married By Mistake (English)

VERONICA LUNA

"Luna, I want you to meet my boyfriend." My twin Camille promised as I was dragged outside.

My hair stood on end when a tall man got out of the car. I was at a loss for words over his sheer hotness, and far too fascinated by the man walking toward us. Camille hugged the man by the arm. I don't know but Camille seems to be forced to act.

"Luna, I want you to meet, Dylan Caden. My boyfriend."

"Hi." He smiled.

I saw him extend his hand but couldn't bring myself to shake it. And I couldn't tear my eyes away from his face. When his brows snapped together at the delay, I lurched back to reality and hastily placed my cold hand in his large, warm one.

"Luna," I murmured breathlessly. His strong handshake sent tingles up my spine and through my body.

"Veronica was right. You're identical." His laughter was music to my ears.

"Ahm, yeah." I smiled sparingly and both my cheeks warmed.

Veronica is what she calls Camille. We both have Veronica by name, I am Veronica Luna and my twin is Veronica Camille. It was our mother's name, but we never saw it because she died giving birth to us.

"How long have you been together?" I asked as we walked into the house.

Dylan turned to me and I averted my gaze. My heart is beating so fast. "Let's see, six months."

I just nodded and we went inside. We found Papa sitting on the one sitter sofa. His eyes were cold when he looked at me. I bowed my head and stopped walking.

"What's wrong?" Camille whispered.

"I should leave. Papa might get angry."

"No. Don't leave. Stay with me." Begging for it. Wondering at the tone of his voice I chose not to leave it.

Dad stood up as Dylan approached. "Dylan Caden! I thought you weren't going."

Dylan smiled and shook Dad's hand. "Hello, sir."

We sat down and the maid brought a snack into the living room. "Any special reason why you visited at this hour? It's past dinner time."

Dylan cleared his throat and took one of Camille's hands. "Uncle, I want to marry your daughter."

I think Dad expected the announcement because he doesn't look shocked. But I could feel Camille stiffened next to Dylan. I felt her anxiety.

"Isn't too fast? You both know each other for only a few months, am I right?" I butt in.

Dad glared at me, his expression was dark. "You're not involved in this conversation and you're not the one to decide on it. So, leave."

"B-But, 'Pa-"

"I said, leave! Now!"

I got up and headed to where our pool was. I removed my sandals and dipped my leg in the water. I don't know how long I've been mesmerized by the absence. I just felt that someone was beside me. Camille also dipped her feet in the water.

She sighed. "I'm going to get married, Luna."

"You didn't reject him? You've only dated for six months."

Her feet partly played with the water. "We need him, Luna."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Dad lost the gamble and got into big debt. We're going to sink, Luna."

I looked into the distance. "Camille."

"Yeah?"

"He's your boyfriend and you love each other; I think everything will be alright. You are kind and understanding, I'm sure your relationship will work."

She laughed softly. "Sometimes I think I'd rather be you. I want to be invisible too."

"You don't know how it feels to be treated like air, Camille. It's hard. Why did Mama die because of me?"

They thought Dad had only one child. I was not seen on the Ultrasound because Camille allegedly covered me and when Mama took me out, she was out of breath.

"It's not your fault at all. Other people's brains are just narrow, Luna. One day, he will realize that he's lucky to have a daughter like you." Camille said softly as she looked at the water.

"Congratulations. You're going to be a Reyes."

"Yeah." She laughed heartily. "Someday, I'm going to be free as a bird."

I never asked her what she meant by that. When Dylan left, I watched his car until I could no longer see it.

A few days passed and Camille was too busy arranging her wedding. We hardly see each other anymore because of the amount of work he does. While I do a lot of clothing designs because my customer needs to see that tomorrow. I drank almost a few coffees just to keep from falling asleep, because the deadline was small, and I still lacked the best design.

I was sitting in front of my table and my eyes were already closing when my door opened, and Camille entered. I was drowsy. I looked at my watch and found that it was four o'clock in the morning and I was still not sleeping.

"Hi," she says.

"Why are you still up?" I yawned.

She averted her gaze. "Uhm, because I just want you to sign something."

I looked at the folder she was holding.

"Huh? What?"

"Ahm, I want to make you a partner in the new business I'm going to build. Uhm, just sign here."

I held out my hand. "Give me."

When I touched the folder I felt dizzy. Camille immediately approached me.

"Sign that and go to sleep."

"Wait, I'll read more." I searched for my reading glasses, but Camille stopped me.

"Don't. I won't fool you because you're my sister. Just sign here," she says. I nodded and picked up the ballpen and signed it. I sparingly smiled at her and walked over to my bed.

After two days I flew to the Cagayan De Oro to deliver the drafts. I scheduled flights on the day of Camille's wedding because that's the only available day. After all, it's peak season this December.

When I entered the airport some passengers were upset due to the flight delay. I panicked because the ceremony would start in a few hours. I called Camille to tell her my situation

"I'm sorry, Veronica Camille. I can't reach your wedding." I said tearfully. I didn't want to miss my only sister's wedding. But because I also didn't expect my plane to crash back to Bulacan.

"What?!"

"I'm sorry. My flight will be delayed." I've been walking around the airport a few times and been restless.

"E-Even at the r-reception?"

I bit my lower lip. "Sorry."

"N-No, Luna. I-I'm the one who should apologize to you." Her voice was trembling.

"Huh? Why? Did something happen?"

"N-Nothing. All right. Be careful."

"W-Wait-"

"Bye, Luna." She says almost in a whisper.

"Hey, wait!" She didn't wait for me to speak. I called her several times, but she isn't answering the call.

After Camille's wedding day, I boarded the plane. I travelled quickly to Bulacan.

I paid for the taxi when I got to our subdivision. I walked towards the house. I opened the door and sighed when I saw Dad and Dylan in the living room.

My face lit up. Dylan is still here so that means, Camille is here too.

"Where's Camille?" Dad got up quickly and I was shocked when he threw the flower vase next to him at me, and I avoided it. I almost screamed in shock.

"W-Why?"

"You're still acting like you don't know?! Where's Camille !?" I looked at Dylan. This was the first time he had raised his voice at me and was furious.

"W-What? I don't know." I was so confused.

Dad came up to me and touched my hair. I cried when I saw the anger in his eyes.

"What did you tell her?!" He pulled me closer to where Dylan was. I winced at the pain I felt.

Dad released me and pushed me to sit next to Dylan.

I looked at Dylan. His eyes swelled as if he had just cried. "Don't you know better where she is? She's your wife."

"No. She isn't."

"H-Huh?"

He showed me a paper. It was their marriage certificate. But I was even more surprised when I saw my name written on it and I signed it.

"Tell me, Luna." Dylan touched my arms. I winced in pain. "Where is Camille and what does that mean?!"

"I do not know!" I'm confused. Why are they so mad at me? "I'm also confused as to why my name is on the marriage certificate."

"Bullshit!" Annoyed he says. "Come with me, and we'll check to see if I'm really at fault."

We went somewhere and checked my signature there. When I found out it wasn't my signature, the marriage was null and void.

"What's the result?" I was devastated to hear Dylan's authoritative voice.

I bent down and straightened up in my seat. Facing us was a man who had checked my signature and a lawyer.

"This is authentic. Miss Garcia, based on the strokes of your signature and your signature on the marriage certificate are identical." Said the professional who checked my signature.

"H-How-" I swallowed. "Can't a marriage be annulled?"

"Annulment." The attorney said we were invited as well.

I looked at Dylan. I saw the anger in his eyes. His jaw was also furious. I suddenly remembered Camille coming into my room and someone signing my document. Is this the marriage certificate?

"F*ck!" Dylan is very mad. "I have to get married to get Papa's inheritance for me! I did get married but not to the woman I love."

I was hurt by what he said.

"Let's have an annulment," I said.

"It's not possible yet. According to the law, you can't file an annulment one day after being married." The lawyer took a deep breath and looked at Dylan. "Mister Reyes, don't you have to get your inheritance? Why don't you suffer a little first? You can file an annulment after you get your inheritance."

"Damn it!" He stood up and left the conference room.

I was startled by the loud closing of the door. My tears flowed.

I feel so unwanted.

VERONICA LUNA GARCIA-REYES

It was almost dawn and Dylan was still not coming home. The house we live in is not that big but we meet often. He leaves home early and goes home in the morning. He makes me feel like I'm not the one he wants to go home to in this house.

I heard our door slam even though I was inside my room. I stood up on my bed and opened the door slightly. My body stiffened when he wasn't the only one to come.

A woman was hugging his waist and he was wearing almost a child's dress because of its shortness. This is his way of torturing me.

"You're the only one living here?" The woman's beauty.

"Nope. I have a maid here." Dylan responded and kissed the woman on her cheek.

"Maybe she'll hear us when ..."

Dylan kissed her neck. "I don't care. She doesn't matter."

My chest tightened in pain at what Dylan had said. It wasn't my fault that Camille chose to leave him. Why can't they believe me?

I left my room because I could hear the woman's moan from there. I went to the kitchen and spent time there.

Camille, you're so damn selfish. I thought Dad was the only person who wouldn't accept me, but here you are, and you added another one.

When I returned to the living room, I saw Dylan and a slender woman downstairs. He holds the woman's waist.

"Dylan, next time again huh?" The woman said softly.

Dylan smiled. "Of course."

I was just like air to them. It didn't look at me until he had delivered the woman out of the house. I heard the woman's car leave.

"Ahm, Dylan..."

He looked at me coldly. "What do you want?"

"C-Could you stop bringing all your bitches in this house?" I'm afraid to say that but I have to. I'm just a human being, I also have the right to be angry. "For as-"

He grabbed my arm. His fingers were dipping so I winced. "My bitches? The only bitch in this house is you, Luna."

The corner of my eye heats up. "I'm not a bitch."

"Yeah, you're right. You're a pest that needs to vanish." He said, mercilessly. "Thank you and I still need you. When I get my inheritance, I will treat you worse than garbage."

Garbage?

"It's not my fault for losing her. I didn't poison Camille's mind. I didn't do anything."

"Who are you kidding? Who would believe you? You know, Luna, don't play clean because you've been dirty for a long time."

I couldn't stop slapping him. Sometimes you also have to fight. Immediately his cheek turned red. I screamed when he pushed me hard. I sat down on the floor.

"How dare you, a piece of trash, slap me?" He knelt. I moaned in pain as he touched my jaw. "You don't deserve this angelic face. You don't deserve anything in this world. So, Luna, go to hell!"

He violently let me go. I shivered at the extreme pain I was feeling. I could not stand; the strength I had fled my leg.

"Two days from now is the birthday of one of our board of directors." He says coldly. "The two of us were just invited but I'm the only one going. I'll just say you're sick. I don't want them to see you. You're embarrassing."

"But my da-"

He smirked. "Are you still hoping your father will ask anything about you?"

I went up to my bedroom with tears in my eyes. I faintly sat up in my bed and stared at the letter Camille had left me.

Luna,

I'm sorry I did this horrible thing to you. I know you love Dylan. I can feel it. I want you to be happy. I know someday he will love you too.

I'm not coming back anymore.

I'm sorry.

Camille

Stupid Camille. She is the most selfish bitch I have ever met. He didn't even think about how Dylan and I would feel. And because of what he did, the important people around me hated me more. My chest tightened. I took the inhaler and put it in my mouth until I could breathe. I lay down on my bed.

Why can't they listen to me? Why of all of us, am I the only one who can understand? Why do I love them so much that I can't miss them?

I went home early to cook Dylan dinner. I went out the door when I heard noises from outside. When I opened it, I was exposed to three cars parked outside our house.

Dylan got out of his car. He looked at me coldly. Two men got out of the white car and two from the black car.

"Oh. Here's your fake bride, Dylan!" The man said with braces on the tooth.

Do they know?

"Just ignore her," Dylan said as they walked into the house.

One by one his friend brought in a large quantity of wine and laid it on the living room table. I was taken aback by the kind of looks Dylan's friends had.

I am currently washing the plates they used when someone pulled my arm. I saw Dylan, his cheeks flushed like he was drunk.

"Dylan? Wait, why?!"

He pulled me into the living room. All four of his friends are drunk as well. We stopped in front of her friends. I felt nervous.

"Strip," Dylan said.

"W-What?"

"I said, strip." He said coldly. I tried to get out of his grip, but he just tightened up even more. "Oh, come on! We are bored! Why don't you entertain us? You're a whore, right?"

"Dylan, heck! I don't! I'm not like that." I try to get rid of him.

His friends approached me except for one who just sat on the sofa and drank beer while watching. One held my hand.

"Wait, don't!" My system panicked.

The man touched my jaw. He smiled scarily. "Please stay close. We know what you did to set up Dylan so don't act like you're clean."

My tears flowed and I struggled with all my might. "Release me!"

I was startled when someone grabbed my thigh.

"Shit! She has porcelain skin. Good luck, Dylan." The man with the braces licked her lower lip.

"Don't, please!" I looked at Dylan. His expression was blank as he held one of my hands. "Dylan, that's enough! Help me, please!"

My knees trembled when I felt the kiss of the man with the braces on my neck. I avoided. I tried to walk away but Dylan and a man held my two hands.

"Taste like a pearl."

I beg to look at Dylan. His eyes widened.

Help me, somebody.

I cannot take it anymore.

I sobbed louder and struggled. I felt Dylan lose my hand. He stopped the friend and pulled me away.

"That's enough. She's too boring. Let's just call a professional whore." Said Dylan.

I had a chance to escape so I immediately ran to my room and locked myself in there. My whole body trembled with fear. My knees were weakening so I fell on the carpeted floor of my bedroom. My tears flowed incessantly.

Where is the good Dylan?

I never thought I would get to the point in life that everyone would treat me like a toy.

I keep crying. I feel so scared. I was startled when there was a knock on my door. I didn't open it. I cannot do it.

"Luna?" It was Dylan. I was swallowed up in fear, so I did not answer.

"That's enough, please," I whispered while sobbing.

"Damn it." I heard nothing else after he said that.

LUNA

I waited for Dylan to leave before I left my room. Until now, I still feel the fear caused by what happened last night. No one will protect me, so I have to be more careful. Now that I know that there is no hope that Dylan will appreciate me, I have buried my feelings for him.

By noon I had left our house. It was a little afternoon. After all, I woke up because I didn't sleep well right away. I had to go to one of the branches of our Salon in Valenzuela. There was a problem there.

I just concentrated on driving until I got to the Salon. When I entered, I was greeted by my employees.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am Luna." They greeted.

"Good afternoon. How are you?" I greeted them in return. I put my bag down on the table reserved for me.

I was surrounded by my employees. Their faces are worried. "Oh, Ma'am. We're a little sluggish now. Our satisfaction rate has also dropped."

I took a deep breath. "We can't please everybody, right? We'll just find a way. I'll think of solutions. As soon as possible."

"Besides, it's September now. There are very few customers now but I'm sure that when December and January come, there will be a lot of makeovers." I added. They nodded.

I looked at the door when its bell rang at the top, a sign that someone was entering or leaving. I saw a white woman enter. She was wearing leather shorts that further emphasized her long thighs and a pink hanging blouse. Its brown hair is wavy and shiny.

"I need a trim." authoritatively she says when her gaze lands on me.

I stopped trying to stand up when the bell rang again. My eyes widened. Dylan. He looked at me coldly and then he approached the woman who had just arrived.

"Hey, babe. Why did you get out of the car?" Said the woman and hugged Dylan's waist.

"I missed you," Dylan said softly and lowered his face. My hand went numb as their lips applied. Everyone looked at the two.

The woman moaned as Dylan deepened the kiss. I covered my mouth so that my employee could not see the trembling of my lips due to the suppressed crying. I also cast spells a few times to hold back my tears. I also averted my eyes.

Why does he have to make me look like he doesn't care how I feel? Why does he even have to make me look like I have no right to him?

I fought once. Just included. I went to his office then. When I saw this woman kissing I scandalized and insulted the woman. The fruit? We lost one of the biggest deals of our company. I am at fault. If. Again. What's new?

So often, I just pretend not to know even inwardly, very sick. I was scared to see my father and Dylan angry again. It was as if I was small in their eyes.

"Wait. I'll trim my hair first." The woman pulled Dylan away weakly. She smiled and gave Dylan a quick kiss on the lips.

The woman sat in the chair reserved here and was gently cared for by my employee. I look at Dylan from time to time. It sat and just stared at the woman. Neither turned to me it did not bother. I took a deep breath and bowed.

Just a few minutes later the woman's hair was trimmed. She stood up. Dylan also stood up and approached her. The woman hugged his waist.

Dylan touched the woman's face and smiled. "Beautiful."

I smiled bitterly. I would never hear that from him.

I looked up as a bulk approached the front of my desk. I met Dylan's cold stare. I was swallowed.

He dropped money on my desk. "Keep the change."

I followed him with my gaze as he turned around. I watched how he put his hand on the woman's waist and how he kissed the woman's forehead. Until they came out I was still staring at the door they came out of.

It's okay, Luna. Stop.

My employees became noisy. They talked about the two coming out of the salon. He talked about how handsome Dylan was, the PDA of the two and how lucky the woman was with Dylan.

My chest aches. I can't tell them 'Hey! That's my wife and she's hooked! Isn't that cool? '.

Then what? Will they think my wife is so stupid and masochistic? I will not embarrass myself.

"I-I need to go home. I'm feeling worse." I lied and went out.

When I got home, I took my suitcase and put all my belongings there. If I don't get rid of his powder he just keeps on hurting me. My heart could no longer bear what Dylan was doing. I loaded the suitcase into my car and checked into a hotel. Maybe he won't look for me, because I'm not important to him.

I looked out the window and examined the lights from the surrounding building. Only now have I felt peace like this.

I opened my tool to pick up the sketch pad, but it wasn't there. Maybe I left it on my bed because I was in a hurry. I drove there, it was only seven o'clock, so Dylan was not there yet.

When I parked my car I slowly went inside the house. As I climbed the stairs, I was surprised to see Dylan lying on the flooring near his bedroom door.

I approached him immediately. "Dylan?"

His every breath is heavy. When he didn't move, I touched its arm. His warm skin stung me. "You have a fever, Dylan."

He stared and looked at me sharply. "'Don't touch me!'

"I'll help you stand up."

"I said-" He suddenly coughed.

The second time I offered help, he accepted. When I got to the bedroom, I laid him down.

I removed his shoe. But he stopped my hand as I attempted to remove his polo. "You need to get dressed. To make you comfortable."

Maybe because of weakness he has given up. I was devastated to see his elegance. Is it hot? I get a white t-shirt in his cabinet. Fortunately, he cooperated so I quickly dressed him.

"My head hurts." He moaned.

"Have you eaten?" He shook his head. "Eat first before taking medicine."

"Get out. I'll just sleep. Get out." He said coldly and covered his face with his arm.

"Dylan..."

"Leave my room!" He removed the arm and looked sharply at me.

I took a deep breath and stood up. When I left the room, I went straight to the kitchen to cook it porridge. He needs to take medicine to make it easier to heal.

I put the porridge in a bowl and placed it on the tray. I also put in water and medicine. I took it to Dylan's room. I put it on the table by the side of its bed and sat on its bed.

I touched him. "Dylan, wake up."

He stared and frowned. "Didn't I tell you to come out?"

I took the hot porridge and showed it to him. "I c-cooked. Eat first then take medicine."

"I do not want it."

"Please, Dylan. You'll be fine." I insist on him.

"I'll be fine if you get out of here. My head hurts more!" He said a bit loudly.

"But, Dylan-"

"I said I don't want to!" He suddenly shook the bowl with hot porridge.

It spilt on my arm and thigh. I stood up and cried out in pain.

He got up and looked at me angrily. "Shit! I warned you!"

I ran to the comfort room and hurriedly opened the shower. I endured the pain as I soaked the burn in cold water. I also covered my thigh in the shower. I just close my eyes. My arm and thigh were red.

After I soaked you in water, I came out of the bathroom. Dylan's cold stare at me.

"Clean my room. It's a mess!" After he said that, he turned around and sat on the sofa.

"S-Sorry," I said tearfully.

I went out and went down to the kitchen. Because of the light, the redness of my skin became even clearer. I took an ointment and blinked at the pain. When the pain subsided, I brought the basins with only water and rags.

I carefully carried it to Dylan's room. I started wiping the cement.

"Do it faster! I want a rest!" He said as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry."

"Next time, when I say I don't want to, I don't want to." He said coldly. I was trying to help him.

The next thing I changed was the bedsheet that was also filled with porridge. I also changed the pillowcase and blanket.

I endured the pain of my burned skin while cleaning his room. After I cleaned it, he went to bed right away. I came out with the basin and his bedsheet resting on my shoulder.

I put the bedsheet in the laundry and then ate a little. Out of concern for Dylan, I sat on the edge of his door and wondered if he would wake up. I also put a glass with water by my side in case I needed it.

I slowly opened his door. I peeked. I saw him rolling on the bed. Even though he was afraid he would get angry with me, I still approached him. I touched his forehead. Her fever got worse.

I wiped the sweat off his forehead. I also turned down the air conditioner so it wouldn't get too cold.

I was adjusting his blanket when he suddenly looked up. "Camille."

I bit my lower lip. I'm not her.

"Camille, you came back." His hand went up and landed on my cheek. "Y-You're not leaving me, are you?"

I held Dylan's hand. I don't want to talk. I can see her longing to see and be with Camille. The expression in his eyes returned to the former Dylan I knew. Gradually its eyes closed. She is already asleep.

"I'm sorry, Dylan." I carefully lowered his hand and kissed it. I took a pillow from its bed and sat on the sofa. Gradually drowsiness visited me.

I was dazed by the sunlight hitting my eyes. I adjusted my seat and looked at Dylan.

I was hesitant if I would touch him, but I chose to touch his forehead. "You're still hot."

I got off and called delivery. When it arrived, I prepared it right away. I took it to Dylan's room. He was already sitting on the bed and looking coldly at me.

"Ahm. Eat it. I called your favourite restaurant; I know you won't eat my food."

"Just put it down." He says coldly.

"Here's the medicine too," I said lowering the tray.

When I turned to Dylan, he was looking at my arm. I hid that. "I-I'll be outside if you need me."

"Luna." I stopped at the exit and looked at him. "It's... It's nothing. Get out."

When I closed the door, my cellphone suddenly rang. I quickly snatched it out of my pocket. I hurriedly answered that when I saw who the caller was.

"H-Hello, Pa?"

"You are useless! You let Dylan get sick! That's all you have to do yet you didn't do it well." His angry voice came to me.

"No. He just went home and dropped-"

"You're still making excuses! The general meeting had to be cancelled! You're worthless! Neglect! A pest!" My tears fell from my eyes as I took all the painful words he threw at me.

"P-Pa-" He didn't let me explain anymore. He immediately cut off the call.

I took a deep breath and calmed the feeling. I caressed my burnt skin and asked myself, am I still flawed?