Substitute Wife For The Billionaire.

ROSALINE

The fleeting summer breeze settled on my face as I peered over the edge like a knock-off Rapunzel. Poorly created, wore shorter hair, and embodied a different kind of misery. Not to mention, that stifling pain that owned my chest because it was finally that day again.

My birthday.

I got a little lazier on days like this, carrying the ghost of past memories. The bathtub became my worst adversary, and my bed seemed to have claws that relentlessly pinched at me. The satin blankets turn into a pool of deadly, violent waters that selfishly suck my breath, so I cowardly run from them all and sit by the window like this, my eyes locked on the imposing silver gates down below.

At least Rapunzel's view wasn't a fleet of cars and an unusually wide terrace with men in black suits patrolling. As if to apologize for my unhappiness, the vast gates swung open, giving way to an army of cars that I instantly recognized.

My lips pulled into a smile, and I heaved a broken sigh, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I raced downstairs, almost tripping over the porcelain-tiled staircase. They were back.

How long had it been? Eight months? I got to the main living room and found that they'd already made their way in. My parents. I walked to them with open arms and pulled them both into a big hug.

Having business moguls as parents had its ups and downs. The downside is I could go a year without setting eyes on either of them.

"My sweet little princess!" My mother cooed as she flung her Fendi baguette suede bag onto the nearest mahogany table and blessed me with a kiss on my forehead. "I've missed you so much!"

"Did you grow taller?" My father joked. I could only ever tell it was something to be of humor by the tone of his voice, never by the look on his face.

He owned a stoic expression he'd mastered for the business front lines. I didn't fault him for it, and the world never appreciated a smiling face.

I beamed like a fool, nothing short of happy to see them, again. Happy not to be alone on this day. The butlers slipped by us in fleets, moving their luggage from the trip to their respective rooms.

"You must be so exhausted from the journey. Would you like for a bath to be prepared for you?" I inquired, specifically my mother.

"No, silly, I'd get settled in with time." She dismissed with a wave, pulling closer to me, her warm hands cupping my cheeks. My mother stared intently at me before uttering the words. "Happy birthday, my love."

It stung. I couldn't believe it still stung that hard. Not because she said them but because her words mirrored the melancholic residue that we'd battled on this day every year.

"Happy birthday, Rosa," My father said, too, his tone low.

I gulped hard, tasting the bitter lump at the back of my throat that almost seized my voice. "Thank you," I muttered. "I love you."

They chorused a response, and a moment of awkward silence passed. My stomach jerked at intervals. My mother cut through the silence with an announcement I never would have expected.

"And there is a surprise!" She chimed, clapping elegantly. "By evening, my love, we'll be organizing a birthday dinner in your name!"

A dinner? Me? My brows pulled together, and I stuttered. "W-what?" My voice conveyed every iota of doubt I thought I could hold back.

She smiled at me, tucking my floating tendrils behind my ears. "So beautiful," She whispered as she did. "You're just perfect. Rose, you may return to your room. You should be well rested for the party, especially since it's with the Thorne family."

My mother had this habit of divulging information in bits. The way that makes one's heart skip beats like mine did upon hearing the name. "The Thornes? Gerald Thorne?"

She nodded in the affirmative. "Yes, my love."

I couldn't ask why, or say anything that would sour the atmosphere. I liked the happiness she wore, and I would do anything to retain it. Still, it begged the question, why were we having dinner with Julie's fiance's family?

Especially since she died three years ago, on this day. "Alright, mother," I agreed, unwilling to say anything about my demised sister. "Thank you so much!"

I guess it was really happening. Regardless, I was excited, thrilled even. It was my first birthday celebration in three years, so it made butterflies flutter in my stomach.

Whatever this was for, I trusted them. I returned to my room with mixed feelings. A strange sense of anxiety crawled up to me, but it was eventually alleviated by my optimism and happiness. My birthday could finally break its angsty string of awkward silences and internal mourning.

The mere thought of it alone pleased me more than I expected. After a while, my mother came into my room with a parcel.

The bed dipped with her weight as she settled next to me, and I sat up, listening to her body movements.

"I got you something," She announced as she set the parcel on her leg and gently tore it open, revealing a small jewelry box.

A present? Even better. My eyes lit up as I watched her bring forth the dainty necklace. She shuffled closer, and I turned, allowing her space to put it on me.

"Here..." She finalized with a satisfied edge to her voice. "It's beautiful, just like you."

I looked down at the necklace, my finger perusing the pendant with the initials 'J.R' etched on it. I didn't know what it meant, but it was beautiful, and I was ecstatic to have it.

"I love it, Mother," I relayed dearly, ogling the precious item. "Thank you."

"Shh," She placed her index finger on her lips. "Say less. It's going to be a big night for you, Rosa. You should be prepared for it."

For no reason at all did her response cause goosebumps to scrub up my arms. Something didn't feel right.

The mirror said I was pretty. At least, that was what I read off it as I'd been there for the past hour, trying to find a look that succinctly defined the age I just turned. Elegance never came easy, Mother would say, and I guess that was why I'd pulled my hair into four different styles; I had yet to find the perfect one.

Night had fallen quicker than I expected, probably because it was enticed by my brimming expectations of the surprises this dinner would hold. One thing was certain, my mother had something planned for the night, and it was left for me to unravel whatever it was.

The mere thought of it caused my toes to tingle, and my head went wild with questions and ideas. What could it be?

'Say less. It's going to be a big night for you, Rosa. You should be prepared for it.' Her voice rang at the back of my mind, a distant echo, and I let my hair loose, frustrated from thinking too hard.

Nobody else was as strategic as my mother; not even my father could rival her knowledge.

I turned twenty-two today, quite a significant age for a young, protected lady like me, and it rang at the back of my mind that with each additional year came more responsibility. I was the only standing heir to the West Royal fashion industry. Least, I say, that title alone held weights that pulled down my shoulders.

"None of this should matter right now," I muttered to myself as I cleaved my hair with a rather heavy brush. "The celebration comes first." Especially as the Thornes were involved.

That was another enigma to ponder over. This set of people held enough power to bench the weight of the country economically. A family of nothing short of affluence and wealth, just like ours, if not more. Gerald stood at the top of the food chain, kinging over every organization in the fashion line, except ours.

For now, I guess. There'd been talks about their company and ours forming a merger, a conglomerate, they called it, but the plans seemed to vanish after Julie's death. I didn't ask about it. Julie had always been the model child until her accident.

My heart sank, and a tear threatened to ruin my mascara. As much as a happy day this was supposed to be. It sure was laced with a thick lining of sadness.

"Let's go." I spared myself one last glance by the mirror. The black satin dress owned me, hugging my body right, and the sequins sparkled in a pleasant union. It was just perfect. I didn't need to be told.

With the necklace I was gifted by my mother, which fitted like a tailor-made item for the dress, I was good to go. I sucked in a sharp breath and headed for the main stairs.

Our manor had three living rooms, one of which was practically a hall and designated for a night like this. The stairs were well carpeted- a red plush rug that connected straight to the long, silver dinner table, where I was headed.

I'd never felt so much nervousness in my entire life. I didn't think I'd sit at the same table as the Thornes even in Julie's lifetime. It made my stomach show off weird acrobatic skills, twisting and turning like a dancer managed to sneak in.

Up ahead of me was a small crowd of people: friends, families, businessmen, and women with an aura that practically instructed one never to utter a word again. It was elegant, the atmosphere emphasized by plain white walls and tons of candelabrum with golden glows.

My eyes landed on the set of people I was going to meet, and I realized that even before I looked, they were already looking- hard, penetrative stares. Especially one keen pair of eyes that set my brain to nuts.

Gerald's. The man was just as I remember him. His face was one to get used to as it belonged on billboards and every advertisement the internet has to offer. My heart leaped to my throat, and I choked it down, taking the steps one after the other, or I'd trip under Gerald's gaze.

Even though the distance didn't permit a good look at his face, there was no denying his locked attention was on me, measuring my every step, following me, and flinging me down the abyss of self-consciousness. I felt out of place under the pressure of his ogling.

His eyes held a distant yearning that I couldn't interpret. He was my sister's fiance. Why, then, did he look at me like I was something to devour, to tear apart?

I made my way to the table quickly and met their smiling faces. Gerald's parents and mine sat at the same table; the rest of the guests couldn't come close to the blazing union of two monster industries.

What should I say? What should I say? My head had gone utterly blank. "Good evening," I began. "It's a pleasure to meet you officially. I'm glad that you could-"

"Rosa?" My mother called out, zipping up my words. "Sit, my dear." I didn't know if that was a note of her disappointment in me or if she had something else planned.

I sat down; it was quite unfortunate that I was seated directly opposite Gerald, whom, for no reason, enjoyed staring at me. From my seat, his icy blue eyes were no longer impossible to hide, like the sea on a snowy day, they looked.

I knew how dangerous that was. This man looked as though he'd been sculpted fine by gods, and he knew it. His dark hair was slicked back, leaving just a tendril to thread his forehead, further flaunting his flawless porcelain skin.

For him to have such red, thin lips, Gerald must have saved a country in the past. I tried to tear my gaze away, but I was stuck in this magnetic staring contest that we both entered.

This must be why Julie fell for him, poor thing.

"She's perfect, isn't she?" Mother cut through the awkwardness that plagued the air, facing Gerald's mother.

I shot my head in her direction, aware that I'd been lost in my reverie. What was she saying that for?

Who was she saying that for?

Gerald's mother scanned me; her eyes bore the same shade as her son's and her lips were tightly pressed together. It was impossible to tell if she was livid or not. I didn't know why I felt compelled to make a good impression.

My seat seemed to be laced with cactus, and I couldn't stop squirming as this woman thoroughly checked me out like I would steal a purse at the mall. She exchanged glances with her husband and son before she gave a response.

"Well..." She took her time to gather her response while retaining eye contact with me. "Well, I suppose. We can't all be winners."

I twitched in my seat, but my mother was quick to place her hand on my thigh, grounding me into place. What the hell was going on here? The atmosphere suddenly felt twice as stuffy.

My mother chuckled lightly as if to bury the tension in the air. "You'd see with time that Rosaline is just as amazing."

She said, as if to alleviate the embarrassment from Gerald's mother's backhanded compliment. So much for a birthday, huh?

"She is quite the promising young lady," Gerald's father added. The first thing I'd heard him say all evening. "You know what it has come to."

It felt like they spoke in riddles, none of which I could piece together. It was too overwhelming for me, so I snapped up and pushed my chair backward. "E-excuse me, I need to use the ladies."

Without waiting for a response, I turned in the opposite direction. I had barely taken a step when I felt someone grab my hand and twirl me to them.

My breath hitched as I turned and slammed my face onto his chest. "Gerald?" I looked up at him, confused.

I noticed his eyes fall to my neck for a barely noticeable moment and I startled back, my body tingling at the slightest contact.

"What are you doing?" I bit into the words. Gerald had never spoken to me, and suddenly, he was comfortable enough to hold me.

I could almost hear my thudding heart. "This..." He mentioned and fished out a little box from his suit pocket.

I blinked once, then twice because I understood none of this madness. Gerald slowly getting on one knee before me, in front of all these people? Who could explain what was going on?

"Are you crazy?" I whispered. "What are you doing?!"

"Rosaline Jasmine Rivera, would you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

My brain screeched to a halt as I stared down at Gerald. He looked at me so earnestly, as though he'd been waiting for this to happen. Everything I'd rather say was stuck in my throat.

WHY WAS HE ASKING ME TO MARRY HIM!? I looked around to meet expectant faces, and my stomach caved. My mother made eye contact with me, and every feature on her face screamed, 'Say yes!'

This was it all along, the event planned out for tonight. The rest of the room seemed to fade into a blurry blurb, leaving me, my sister's ex-fiance, on his knees, and anxiety that sucked air out of my lungs.

Every single action had led to this moment, and they wanted me to accept his proposal.

Staring down at Gerald, I muttered. "Yes, I'd marry you."

The words were so heavy on my tongue. He stood up and fixed the ring on my finger without a care in the world while my world crashed from wall to wall. An applause rippled from the crowd, and they cheered, my parents included, as though I hadn't just signed my prisoner contract.

Immediately after, Gerald returned to the table, and I raced out of the room and headed to the ladies, out of breath and confused. I picked up my phone and hastily dialed the number of the person who could be of help at the moment.

Ava picked up immediately, my best friend and only confidant. "How's the party going!?" Her voice burst through the speaker from the other end.

"Ava..." I panted. "I just...got engaged."

"What?!"

"To Gerald Thorne."

*Wedding day*

I was marrying Gerald Thorne today. I kept chanting it in my head as though it made it less surreal. It did not. Somehow, everything that has happened still felt so far away from reality. I hadn't even recovered from the proposal yet.

Now, a wedding. Butterflies didn't flutter in my stomach. Instead, I felt stampeding horses in there, jeopardizing my organs and continuing to steer me further and further away from reality. Fear owned me, it was so crippling, yet there was a tinge of happiness that blossomed deep within me. I exhaled exasperatedly, steadying my tiara.

The limo finally opened from the other side, and I let down the mirror in my hand, focusing my attention on my mother, who settled next to me with nothing but adoration etched behind her gaze.

She stroked my cheek and smiled softly, her brows creasing. "You look beautiful, my love. It's going to be a wonderful day for you."

I nodded, staring down at the lacy dress but unable to give a response. I didn't know what to say to her; neither of us had spoken about Julie since the proposal. I just knew accepting it was the right thing to do, though I never knew Gerald had those kinds of feelings for me.

My mother took my hand and pulled me gently. "It's time, let's go in." She spared me one last glance. "Wear your brightest smile. The bride is the one who shines the most on days like this."

My feet seemed to glue to the ground as I was helped out of the car with my father and mother right behind me while some of our help from home helped me carry my train as I walked slowly towards the hall's entrance.

There were tons of flashing cameras and reporters who had come to witness the union of two prominent families. I put on a big smile, but it wasn't for show. I was excited to get married to this man, though the guilt weighed heavily on me that I should not be.

Yet, I couldn't help it. Marrying Gerald was perfection, even for the family, and if he felt the same way, then the romance I'd always dreamt of would be coming to fruition.

"And I'd take it from here," My father announced, stepping to my side as he anchored his hand to my side, and I linked mine in his.

Together, we walked into the main hall as the doors swung open. A gasp spilled from my lips as I reveled in the beauty of its exquisiteness.

I clutched the hem of my dress to stop fiddling my fingers. It became almost impossible to breathe when I looked up ahead and found Gerald's piercing gaze on me.

His attempt caused me almost to lose my footing, but I sucked my teeth sharply and took pride in looking at the seated guests, instead. My smile was intact, and I was delighted to be there, to be getting married despite how much misery this union was shrouded in.

I'd definitely get to the end of it. My dad handed me to Gerald, who took my hand and helped me up the platform. He wore a stoic, impenetrable expression, and I couldn't guess what he was thinking.

Did he like me at all? Even a little bit? We stood before the officiant, and the room fell into silence, worsening the tension, and I didn't dare to look into Gerald's eyes.

"We're here today for the union of Gerald Thorne and Rosa Rivera," the officiant began, and I felt myself zoning out.

His statement pulled me into the reality of the moment and stamped the fact that this was really happening. I got lightheaded, and the atmosphere dropped, providing me with uncomfortable silence and the siren sound that went off in my head.

"Miss Rosa?" The officiant called out, and I snapped back to the present. He wore a skeptical look as though he'd been saying something that I didn't catch.

"Uh?"

"Do you not want to marry me anymore?" Gerald scoffed as he muttered under his breath, and my eyes widened. This had been the first thing he'd said to me since the last three days that he proposed. "Answer the man."

"Do you take Gerald Thorne to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The officiant asked again.

I shot my head to Gerald and swallowed hard. It was too late to back out. "Yes, I do," I muttered.

"Gerald, Do you take Rosaline Rivera to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

I watched a muscle in his jaw thick and a flicker of thoughts cross his eyes before he voiced a response. "I do."

A row of applause rippled through the crowd, and before the officiant could say anything else, Gerald pulled me to him, his firm arm holding my waist. And he stared intently into my eyes, and I choked on my saliva.

I didn't look away. I couldn't. I hated to admit that I was smothered by a man who provided me with one statement per day and left me on the precipice of intense confusion. It was impossible to tell what his feelings were, but God, did I love what his hands felt like around me.

I was red in the cheek, looking stupid, when Gerald reeled me in. His face pulled closer, and I stiffened against him, calculating the air that I breathed. There was barely an inch between our faces when he slowly brought his mouth to my ears instead.

My heart sank from the embarrassment, but I could not have my body move on my own accord. Gerald had me frozen in front of all these people, and my heart cowered in trepidation, banging like a band of drums.

"We know better than to kiss the bride, don't we?" He whispered. His silky voice caused the back of my hair to stand. "This should be enough."

"W-what s- should-?"

A small peck on my cheek from his gorgeous lips had me stumbling back. My mouth fell agape, but he didn't let go of it. His fingers pressed my sides as his grip toughened, and he smiled plainly.

"Wipe the surprise off," Gerald instructed, and my face fell on impulse while I battled nerves.

We got off the platform together to meet the rest of the guests and our parents. I still couldn't get the kiss out of my head, so I turned to him to ask the one question on my mind.

Why?

"Gerald, I -"

"I have urgent business to answer to," He cut in. "I suppose you can do fine by yourself."

He slipped past me and walked out the door as though it wasn't both our marriage. I brushed it off. He was busy anyway, and for the Thorne's, business came first.

The celebration went on for hours, but I continued to feel out of place. Everyone seemed to have a circle of their own, including our parents, who seemed so engrossed in their discussion.

I slipped out of the hall and went to the back. It had a garden with an array of flowers that were aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. Just what I wanted in a time like this. I found a concrete seat and settled upon it, peering over the flowers as I swung my feet.

"Isn't she pathetic?" A voice spat. "Smiling and beaming with no shame when she's merely a replacement!"

The other laughed. "She's barely a replacement. Have you seen photographs of her sister? She was near perfect for him. This one seems more and more like a knockoff."

My heart stopped. It didn't take too long to know who they gossipped about. It was none other than me. I made no sound and moved closer in my seat to hear more, despite how violated I felt.

"Do you know what did it for me?" The first lady asked again. "Her audacity to be putting on the same necklace Gerald had specially crafted for her sister, Julie. He got the necklace from my aunt's jewelry store, and she told us about it!"

"What? I got goosebumps!" The other chimed. "That's scary. Was she trying to fit in her sister's shoes? What if she always had eyes out for him?"

I shuddered upon hearing their discussion, and my hand instinctively grabbed the necklace, coating it. Was that why mother had given it to me? Because it belonged to Julie?

Tears welled up in my eyes as vibrations skittered down my spine, and I stood up, stumbling against a flower vase that crashed with a loud thud. The sound revealed my presence, and they both looked at me, eyeing me.

They didn't look remorseful or shocked by those horrible things they'd said. I panted, blinking back tears, and turned away, only to bump into someone else.

"Get out of my way!" I yelled angrily without looking at who it was. I finally did, recognizing his strong cologne from earlier. It was none other than Gerald.

His expression revealed that he'd been there for a while. I heard more murmurings from the gossiping girls who chose to stay to witness my humiliation.

Within further hesitation, I attacked, tugging at the necklace. "I-is it true?! Did this belong to Julie?"

"I thought you knew." Gerald wore a baffled expression in response to my question. "You're so lucky to have the same initials as your sister, Rosa. You should be honored. What to do?"

"And you let me have it?" I asked in disbelief. "That's a sick thing to do, Gerald. Why would anyone even do that?"

I tried to retain the cool in my voice, despite my immeasurable rage.

"Look around. That isn't the only sick thing happening here."

Not the response I was expecting. A sharp sigh slipped past my lips, and I clenched my fists, biting on my lower lips as I glared at him and the lackadaisical look on his face.

I couldn't afford to lose my temper, not while these ladies were here, waiting for me to make a mess of myself, but it stung. It hurt so much more than I expected it to.

I was merely a replacement, nothing more. But I couldn't let that define me, not right now. I stepped closer to him, killing the distance between us. It took every courage I could muster to even speak.

"If you want this to work out, you might want to start acting like my groom," I paused. "Your guests are waiting, husband."