Married The Mysterious Billionaire in My Sister's Place

Chapter 1 (The unwanted daughter)

"The veil covered half my face. My hand shook as I reached for the pen. I hadn't seen his face yet. No one had. And yet... here I was, signing my name beside his on a marriage that was meant for my sister"

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Three Days Earlier...

I had woken up to a bad headache, probably because I didn't have a proper night's rest. I was up until one o'clock in the morning.

'I want this document sorted out by morning' the stern voice of my father rang in my ears.

They were documents that should have been sorted out by Aria, since it was from her company and she was the CEO.

Aria's my twin sister. We share the same face and family name, that's all. We don't even have the same skin tone or voice. Basically everything is different about us.

She is the director of one of my dad's companies, though she is bad at handling company affairs and that's the reason I'm doing her job for her.

She was the pretty one. Elegant and a true epitome of beauty. Men desired her and were willing to do anything just to spend a few minutes with her.

She is a walking mannequin and a very fine young lady. She is the darling daughter of the Monroe family, everyone loves her and she's also the spoilt brat... ouch.

While me, I'm nothing. I'm often described as the unfortunate daughter, and my parents, if it were possible, would find means to make it happen so I wouldn't be their daughter...and my offence, I didn't know.

And that made me believe my father the day he told me I was worthless.

I wasn't the pretty one, not so smart as they often say. I don't even consider myself pretty.

I held no position at all...in my father's company or at home. I only earn from working for my sister in her company because my father can't bear to have his name smudged on the internet.

I can't be seen working for someone else while my father had a few companies. Well...that's basically it about me. I'm boring.

I quickly brushed my teeth and ran downstairs. I didn't want another fit of shouting from my parents.

"Are you blind?"

I was so drowned in my thoughts that I didn't know I bumped into someone. It was the chief maid.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going" I quickly apologised.

"Yeah...Your eyes are damaged" the maid replied rudely and left.

Yeah...that's how it is. Even the housekeepers looked down on me.

That was my fate.

I got down just in time when the prayer was about to be said.

I quietly took my seat beside my mother and opposite my sister.

Aria usually sat closer to my father, while I sat closer to my mother.

After the prayer, I muttered a silent greeting as I knew my parents weren't happy I was down late.

"You're late" my father said, without looking away from his plates.

"I'm sorry" I muttered under my breath. He didn't say anything again.

We had breakfast in peace and quiet, after which I returned to my room.

I had nothing to do for the day. I heard noises outside and looked out through the window. Aria was heading out. She had the freedom to do whatever she wanted.

She had singing lessons. Dancing lessons and horse-riding lessons.

I sighed and went back to my bed and lay down. I didn't know when I fell asleep.

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I woke up in the evening. The sun was already setting. My headache was gone and I felt a lot better.

I was slightly hungry as I didn't come down for lunch and no one cared to call for me. I went out of my room to look for food.

I came across my father's chamber and saw the door slightly open.

His chamber was separate from his room. It was near the library. He stayed in his chamber whenever he wanted to work or clear his thoughts.

I simply walked by but stopped in my tracks when I heard my mother's voice.

What was going on?

My mother rarely enters father's chamber. I took a step into the room, careful not to make a noise.

I walked closer in and stopped when I was within earshot and could see them.

They were standing behind the glass wall that demarcated father's chamber from the library.

They couldn't see me because their backs were facing me. I was taking a big risk because if they turned back and caught me...then I'm dead.

"Is it that serious?" My mother asked my father in a hushed tone but I could still hear her.

"The case right now is out of our control. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do to save the situation " my father lamented.

"You know we can't just let Aria go, even if the problem was from her company signing a contract they couldn't comprehend" My mother chipped in.

I didn't fully comprehend what was happening but I knew Aria caused trouble and now my parents didn't want her to go in for it.

"What about Alina? They're twins you know. No one would suspect a thing" my mother continued.

"It's better if...

I heard noises from outside and I knew it was my queue to leave. I left without fully grasping what they were saying.

I went downstairs, dished my food and took it to my room.

As I ate, I wrote my book. I was writing a book. The book was about how I wished my life would have been, having the best parents and family, the perfect husband and job.

I didn't want to think much, cause I knew that wasn't going to happen. Not wanting to disturb my head, I simply dropped my plate on the side table and went to bed.

And after that I thought about my first love. It was tragic...yes, but it made me strong. I wondered if he still thought about me.

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"You'll marry him, Alina. That's final."

I stood there in silence, blinking back the shock. I wasn't the beautiful twin. That was Aria. The smart one. The one he praised. The one who could do no wrong.

I was just... the leftover daughter. The spare. Now, why was he asking me to marry him?

"But this particular mistake was Aria's. Why am I the one to fix it?" I whispered, my voice trembling. He didn't even look up from his drink.

Speaking of Aria, I hadn't seen her since this morning. I just woke up to bad news.

Aria's company signed a deal with two different companies at the same time.

A popular and well known company... none other the famous Blackwood Enterprise, one of the... if not the biggest and richest company in the country and world-wide. She had a deal with them and another unpopular company.

They... I mean Aria didn't bother to confirm if the unpopular company was legit before handing over all the money to them. Aria's company was all about keeping huge sums safe for other companies. I even wonder why the Blackwood Enterprise would bother coming to her company, since they were popular and rich.

Let's just call the Blackwood Enterprise, the popular company, and the other, unpopular company.

The unpopular company was not legit and ran away with the money invested by the popular company.

The popular company's directors are requesting compensation and my parents have given all they had but still not enough. Billions of dollars was made away with. The final verdict was to marry the CEO who made such a mistake to the popular company's CEO.

My parents plan on switching my sister and I since we were identical. I would get married on Aria's stead.

"Aria is not for sale."

The words slammed into my chest like a slap. Was I? Was I that easy to hand over to a stranger?

I turned to my mother, hoping... just hoping... that she'd say something. Anything. But she didn't meet my eyes. Her fingers twisted the edge of her scarf nervously.

That's when I knew.

They had all decided. This was their discussion yesterday.

The man I was being sold to was powerful, ruthless, and rich beyond imagination. A mystery to the world. No social media, no interviews, no parties. Just whispers.

They said his company could wipe out debt with the flick of a pen. They said he ruined people for fun. They said he never showed his face unless he had to.

And now, I was going to be his wife.

"Aria can't handle a man like that," my father added coldly.

"But you... You're used to hardship."

That was his twisted way of calling me strong... Or disposable.

*******************

Later that night, Aria slipped into my room, her silk robe floating behind her like she was some sort of princess.

"I'm sorry," she said softly.

But there was no regret in her eyes. Only relief.

I stared at her, the girl who had my face but none of my pain, and smiled bitterly.

"That wouldn't change anything, so please leave me be" I said coldly.

She was the reason I was in this mess.

PRESENT DAY...

Here I was signing my name close to my husband's whom I was yet to see or know.

I looked up to see the face of his stand in, the man who represented my husband, he took a glance at me before looking away.

There was something about him that seemed familiar, like I had known him before in the past, but I wasn't sure.

My parents have finally succeeded in pushing me into something I didn't sign up for.

I looked around me. I was in a black limousine with some unfamiliar and intimidating men.

I looked at each of them and they all were looking mean and ready to kill. Had it been this wasn't a legal marriage and the company was known globally as a legit company, I would have thought this was a kidnap in another form.

Although the car was well ventilated, thanks to the air-conditioner, I was still feeling hot and very uncomfortable.

The man who stood in for my husband was the one driving. He didn't even look anywhere else other than the road. His hands were firmly fixed on the steering and his gaze was boring. It bore into the road.

Very soon we approached a very big mansion. It looked like a villa. It didn't look like a place someone lived because it was too big.

I was expecting some sort of gatekeeper to open the gate but was surprised when the gate opened on its own and we drove in.

Wow! An automatic gate. The car came to a stop and I noticed a light from behind us and that was when I realised three other cars were following us all this while.

"It would be really easy for someone to track and kidnap me with how short my senses were" I thought to myself.

The men all alighted from the car leaving me inside the car.

The stand in for my husband--yes, that's what I'll call him for now until I know his name, knocked at the window and I wind down.

"We're here" He said almost in one syllable. He seemed to not be much of a talker.

I got myself together and got down. They started heading inside and I followed along.

The wedding dress was making it difficult for me to walk as fast as they did. I had to run a bit in order to meet up with them.

I was awed the moment I entered the house. It was a sight to behold. I had never seen anything like it in my entire 24 years of existence.

The pillars of the house were gold. The walls were painted golden. The stairs were curled inside in such a way I couldn't understand. There were some artwork paintings on the wall. I loved the golden colour and artwork. Someone special from the past knows that, but it is all history now.

I was gaping at the house. I didn't know my mouth was hanging open until someone called my attention. "Jack will be taking you to your room" the stand in said.

The Jack came forward and took hold of my luggage before I cut in.

"Excuse me" I started. "Which one of you is my husband?" I asked. I couldn't take it anymore. They were treating me like I was some kind of goods getting delivered. If my husband was to be among them, I wouldn't know because no one knew who he was. He was just a very popular billionaire, running various industries and companies.

Silence. No one opened up to speak.

"Even if this isn't a marriage that started from love or the kind of marriage that would be lovely dovey, I still have the rights to know who my husband is" I declared. My voice and temper was rising.

"Jack, just take her luggage up" The stand-in ignored me and spoke to Jack.

"I won't go anywhere until I see my husband" I stood my ground but a part of me was saying I should succumb and go up as I was dealing with people I did not know.

Maybe my father had sold me off to serial killers in the pretense of a business deal. The stand in guy started approaching me with a deadly look in his eyes.

I felt scared and started moving back. I began saying my last prayer, asking God to forgive me of all my sins and to welcome me in heaven.

"This Is the end. My parents sold me off to get killed and get out of their way" I thought to myself.

He was still approaching me, this time very close to me. Our faces were inches apart that for a moment I thought he wanted to...you know.

Before I knew what was happening, a hand came from behind me and covered my nose with a white handkerchief. I struggled to release myself and breathe but his hold was strong.

How could the others stay there and watch this unknown person kill a newly wedded bride?

Soon enough, I stopped struggling as I became dizzy and my eyes started closing, but before I blacked out completely, I saw the stand in guy smiling wickedly at me.

__________________________________

I opened my eyes and discovered I was lying on a bed. I turned and looked around to know if anyone was there. I saw no one, it was just me and the very big bed.

My luggage was beside the bed. The last thing I remember was me being suffocated with a white handkerchief and the wicked smile on that evil man's face.

I checked my body for missing body parts. My body parts were in check and I couldn't feel any pain to show that I was r*p*d. I thanked God.

This marriage was something I couldn't fathom. I was still in panic. What if they were waiting for the perfect time to strike. I took a bra out of my luggage and took out the little piece of iron that was put there for another purpose. This was better than nothing.

Anyone that comes to me will have this iron destroy his face. I was feeling paranoid. After a few minutes of waiting, there was no suspicious person or action taking place. My nerves calmed a bit and that was when I observed the room.

The room was beautiful and lovely. It was specially decorated for a woman. I felt touched. At least, this unknown husband of mine cared for me. "You wish" came the voice in my head.

It wasn't me he cared for, it was my sister cause she was supposed to be the one here and not me.

I felt sticky. I had been inside this uncomfortable wedding dress since morning. I needed a warm bath...but where was the bathroom?

I looked around the room until I found it. I quickly unzipped the dress and slipped out of it. I was in my inners as I went into the bathroom.

The bathroom was not exempted from the beauty. It was painted pink and feminine scents filled my nostrils.

There were scented candles on the counter. They all smelled lovely. I entered the tub and that feeling of peace and quiet filled me. It completely calmed my nerves.

I didn't realize I had slept off from the feeling. My alarm was what woke me. I usually increase the volume of my alarms because I was a heavy sleeper and if it wasn't high enough, I wouldn't wake up.

I usually did my journaling by this time, 11 o'clock. By this time of the day nothing was sure to happen anymore , except emergencies and then I would journal experiences and thoughts of the day.

I came out of the bathroom in a pink towel I got from the bathroom. I took my creams and lotions out from my bag and applied them on my body.

I remembered a song I had formed a few years back and I started singing it. I had a good voice, my friends always said that. My sister would never agree I had anything better than her.

I was lost in the song and the memories behind it when someone put his/her hands around my waist. I jerked and stopped singing. I tried freeing myself from the person's hold.

"Please don't push me away again" the person said. It was a man.

The voice was familiar and sounded like sweet melodies to my ear, but I won't be deceived.

I tried again to free myself until he kissed my neck softly from behind and I froze.

That feeling...

The feeling I got when he kissed my neck was something I never forgot over the years and it was towards a special someone.

Continuation Request

I woke up feeling weak and tired. Yesterday was so stressful for me. I tried rubbing the back of my head but my hand was numb. I must have laid on it for a long time.

I started hitting it to revive it. After several attempts, it was back to normal and I rubbed my eyes.

The morning sun was visible in the room and it gave the room a new look, different from how it was yesterday night.

Speaking of yesterday night, I remember someone held me and kissed my neck.

I touched my neck and looked around the room to know if anyone was there. I've been checking this room a lot ever since I arrived.

"Was I hallucinating?"

"No, it can't be. It was so real and the kiss had an effect on me...

A knock came at the door and I wasn't sure if I should open the door.

I just sat on the bed, staring at the door with my hand still resting on my neck.

"Ma'am, your breakfast is served" A feminine voice outside spoke.

"Ma'am"

I didn't respond. It felt new to me to be referred to as ma'am. Normally, I was usually the one saying that to someone.

"Ma'am are you awake?" she asked again.

"Y...ye..es thank you. I'd be out soon" I was stuttering. The feeling of being respected was heavenly.

I went towards the mirror by the counter and stared at my reflection.

Will this marriage actually favour me...or am I just a pawn in all of this? In less than a day of arrival, I've felt strange emotions.

An emotion long buried, it would be difficult to revive it and the joy and goodness that comes from being respected.

I remembered the way the female outside sounded. I didn't see her but I knew she trembled while speaking.

I put my hands on the counter and touched something. Someone did enter here last night. I wasn't imagining things.

What exactly happened? How did I end up sleeping on the bed? The last thing I could remember was applying my body lotions.

Regardless, I checked what was on the table.

Lying there was a little bracelet. My bracelet or...

I rushed to my bag–my unpacked luggage...and searched for my own bracelet.

I found it in the small outer pocket of my luggage.

What exactly was going on here?

The bracelet I found looked exactly like my bracelet.

I remember making these bracelets years ago and only two people had them.

Myself and...

I didn't bother thinking further. I dashed out of the room in a haste, eager to find out how this bracelet was in that room and who kept it there cause it wasn't there last night.

The way out of my room was straight and I took I took that way.

I came to a place and I couldn't navigate my way around the house. It was like a junction. There were three routes.

Oh no! I was drugged and brought up last night so I didn't know the way around.

I took the second path that led to...God knows where. The path was narrow and there were no doors or anything, but I kept going.

What exactly has gotten into me?

How could I be running so free and carelessly in an environment I was unfamiliar with?

I reached a dead end. I was tired and frustrated. Tired of all the running and dashing about and frustrated that I couldn't find out how this bracelet got into someone else's hands.

I stared down at the two bracelets in my palm. Each of them had a letter attached to it.

Letter I was attached to mine while letter U was attached to the other. The other bracelet belongs to someone from my past. Someone I may never see again.

I am U and U are me.

I felt nostalgic as memories flooded my mind.

My greatest concern was how the bracelet got into this house.

I stood there thinking about all these, I didn't realize someone was behind me.

"What are you doing here?" came a male voice behind me.

I screamed and dropped the bracelets on the floor.

I spun around and–

– it was the stand-in.

I scoffed.

I quickly bent and picked the bracelets. I looked at him just in time to see him staring at the bracelets in my hands with a look I could call surprise.

I covered the bracelets properly with my clothes. I didn't want any interrogations, besides, where did he come from?. There were no doors around.

"I was looking for the dining room and got lost" That sounded like a pretty good excuse.

"You shouldn't be here and I don't want to see you here next time" His tone was commanding, demeaning and...rude.

I should show him who's boss. I took a deep breath before responding.

"You shouldn't speak to me in that manner. You work for my husband" I countered, putting him in his place. Where was all this husband thing coming from?

He had no right to speak to me in that manner. I was his boss's wife, and as long as he respects his boss, he should equally respect me...unless...he was my husband.

I took a lasting look at him.

"Nah. He can't be my husband" I concluded.

The Bluetooth in his right ear beeped and he seemed to be listening to something.

"The dining's this way" He said and walked away. His strides are long and his shoes echoing along the hallway.

I got a good view of him. He was very muscular and his shoulders were broad. His body build was nice–yeah, I'm going to leave it at nice.

Below his hair, was a mark that seemed to have been caused by a severe injury.

He walked ahead while I walked behind. The thought that I was yet to meet my husband still troubled me. If this man Infront of me was really my husband, then I'd run away.

I turned back to look for where he came out from, but nothing. This house looks luxurious but it was cold and held many secrets.

__________________________________

I met with all the staff working there. They were so nice and lovely people to be around with.

At least my stay here won't be boring.

I met the female staff that came to my room this morning.

She was quite young and looked naive. She was beautiful as well. Her lashes were long and her lips were pink and full.

I bet all the male staff would be falling for her.

They greeted me after I had my dinner and was leaving. I was surprised. I just waved my hands at them.

I'd never get used to this feeling of being in authority. You can't blame me. I haven't really experienced power.

__________________________________

I was in my room now, dialing my best friend's number. She had called me 17 good times and I missed them all. She would probably be mad.

"Hey M" I sounded casually when she connected.

"Do you really think it was alright to ditch me at the waterpark yesterday and miss my calls, huh? She fired, obviously not happy.

OMG! I completely forgot about it. I was volunteering to work at a marine park where I catered and took care of the sea animals. I was supposed to meet Miriam there yesterday.

I tried to explain but no word was forthcoming. I didn't tell her about this marriage switch and everything. She probably thinks I was at home and left her.

"I'm sorry M. It completely slipped my mind...and to make it up to you, I have a special gist for you" Miriam was a gossip. She could sell you just to hear gossip. She loved gist more than her own life.

She was the best thing that had happened to me, regardless.

"You see...

I heard a knock.

Can't I have peace and quiet in this house?

"Girl, I'll speak with you later okay. I need to sort something" I said and hung up.

"Who's there?"

"Mr. Darren calls for you"

I recognise that voice. The stand-in.

"Who's Mr. Darren" I was the least concerned about this 'Mr. Darren'.

"Your husband"

My heart froze...