The CEO Replacement Bride

SCARLET

On the 5th of July, 2014, Scarlet Lawson died holding white roses.

"Where is he?"

The priest's eyes held an impatience that didn't mirror the calm words that had left him. I turned to the church doors, a part of me hoping he'd miraculously never come through.

So that this whole charade would get cancelled and I wouldn't have to go through with it.

Hope was a fickle thing, but was it so bad holding on to it now?

"He should be here anytime soon."

My mother had gotten out of her seat in the front row and was now standing a small breath from the altar.

I bit my lip when she continued to stare.

I knew what that look meant, and it only made the silk lace gown feel heavier.

For some reason, my eyes wandered to the placard that stood at the far end of the room. Vivian weds Julian.

A cold hand slid over mine as my mom leaned forward, in what looked like affection. I knew it wasn't. She never really gave a damn if I was alive or not. Not until now.

"No mistakes, Vivian." She sneered. "Understood?"

My chest tightened, a wave of nausea crawling up my throat. But I nodded still. Right.

Because to every single one of the wedding guests here, I was Vivian Lawson, the woman who would be getting married to one of their own.

My mother began to make a show of smoothing down my wedding gown, but I couldn't even look. Every now and then, I'd glance at the guests behind me, all eagerly watching a bride they didn't recognize.

Slowly, my mother stepped back to admire her work. Her eyes glinted with something I couldn't put my finger on. "Oh, my beautiful Vivian."

My skin felt clammy at her words, the urge to hurl the contents of my stomach at her clawing at my throat.

"I'm not, Vivian," I wanted to scream out.

But no one here could know that.

To any other person, we could pass off as twins if you put us side by side. But I wasn't anything like her.

She was supposed to be here. Not me. How I wish he wouldn't come...

The thought of him alone sent a wave of dread down my spine. If the stories were true, then I'd be stuck with a paraplegic for the rest of my life. A monster, if I can call him that.

I turned to my mother sharply. "Mother."

She must have noticed the look in my eyes, as her expression soured. "Vivian."

I can't do this.

"Mother, I am afraid I have been jilted at the altar."

She took a shaky breath. "He'll be here, Vivian."

When she reached out for my hand, it seemed like an affectionate gesture. But I had to stay inhumanly calm even as her nails subtly dug into my skin.

"He'll be here, darling. You have nothing to worry about."

I turned to the guests, all eagerly watching in anticipation. Memories of what happened the night before hit my mind. Every single one of my senses screamed to run away from this sham of a marriage.

"Would you rather have your father dead?"

My stepmother's sharp glare found me. I knew what that look meant. I couldn't run. Not even if I truly wanted to.

Julian Cross's proposal two weeks ago had been the silver lining we had been praying for. My father's illness had reached a fatal stage. If I wanted him to survive, then there was no other choice.

They were counting on me to play the part well. But the thought of having to put myself through this threatened to drive me nuts.

I shook my head. "I can't."

My mother glared. "Vivian, you-"

"I can't!" I insisted, tears blurring my vision as I took a shaky step back. "I'm not doing this. I can't-"

The door swung open before I could finish my words. Every whisper was hushed into silence as the silhouette walked in.

For a moment, I wasn't sure I could breathe.

"He's here." My mother's words somehow reached my ears.

The man who walked in was not disabled. He wasn't in a wheelchair. And he was not the monster I'd been made to believe.

I simply stood in shock as he made his way to the altar with the aura of someone who didn't have to waver.

Eyes remained glued to him, jaws hung slack. I couldn't blame them.

He stopped in front of me, eyes briefly holding my gaze. His dark hair glistened effortlessly, his steel eyes holding an obvious disinterest.

Every other man in the room paled in comparison to him; a man who looked like the embodiment of Adonis himself.

When he stepped closer, a glint of something unreadable echoed behind his eyes. "It would seem my bride isn't eager to marry me."

My breath hitched. He wasn't smiling, and something about his words made my stomach churn. In silence, he turned to the priest and sent him a nod.

The man awkwardly took his place at the podium and began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today for a most beautiful union..."

I wanted to run. As far away as I could from a man as beautiful and dangerous as this. My heart was slamming into my chest faster than I could keep up.

The priest presented the rings and turned to me. "Do you, Vivian Lawson, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

My stomach fluttered when Julian glanced at me. Cold enough to thaw away at my act. I nodded, my voice cracking a little.

"I do."

And now Julian. He looked...almost bored as the priest recited the vow to him. "I do."

Almost like he was signing some contract. There was no emotion or hesitation from him. The officiant smiled and held out his hands to both of us. "You may now kiss the bride."

Wordlessly, Julian pulled my waist in, my body now dangerously close to his. I could feel his warmth, feel the tension radiating off both of us.

His eyes furrowed a bit, and my heart did a painful backflip. Had he noticed? I thought he'd say something.

Instead, he leaned forward, pressing his lips against mine. A chaste kiss. But one that had an astounding effect nonetheless.

The whole room fell into loud applause. I started to lean back, but he pressed me closer, threading his fingers through my carefully styled waves.

A small gasp of surprise left me, but that was quickly drowned out when he slid his tongue into mine.

It might have seemed sweet, but it wasn't meant to be anything but possessive. This was him marking me as his before everybody here.

He pulled away, ignoring the deafening cheers from the people in the cathedral. I was dazed, my finger subconsciously moving to my lips.

My first kiss.

He turned to the crowd, sending them one clean wave and a perfect smile for the cameras. I simply stood there while he exchanged some pleasantries with the priest.

When he turned to me again, my stomach did a little flip. His grip on my waist was tighter this time as he pulled me closer, his mouth dangerously close to my ears.

"Quite the actress, Scarlet."

My blood went cold. Dread crept up my spine as I turned to him. His smile was chiseled, perfect for the cameras focused on us.

"I asked for your sister. Not you."

He knew the truth. All this time, and he'd already known from the moment he walked in.

How did he know?

I was trapped.

SCARLET

He's going to kill me.

Those were the words that kept echoing through my mind as the car zoomed forward.

Despite all the celebration and splendor, we had left the cathedral in Julian's limousine. The metaphorical start to our new lives as newlyweds.

Julian's gaze was focused on the window. The fact that he wasn't even looking my way only made my stomach twist harder.

"Julian." I didn't realize when his name left my lips.

Steel eyes turned to me, and for a moment, my breath was caught. I summoned back all the courage I could muster.

"It's not what you think. I-"

"Farlow."

My stomach dropped. His eyes were on the driver now.

"Yes, boss."

"Privacy." His order was crisp.

The man nodded, and a black partition slowly slid down behind him. It was just us now. No one was watching.

Slowly, Julian moved an inch towards me. I backed away on instinct, trying to put as much space between us as I could.

But I was no match for him. He grabbed my chin roughly, his nails sharp enough to dig into flesh.

Was he going to hurt me for lying? I wouldn't fault him if he wanted to. We had lied to him, and now I'd be paying the price for it.

"Not here." He leaned forward, his lips only inches away from mine. "You'll sing like a birdie when I'm done with you."

And then, he let go of me.

It stung how easy it was for him to turn back to something else, like I wasn't even worth his time. Then again, it wasn't like he had wanted me from the onset.

He wanted my sister. I had forced my way in at my stepmother's insistence.

Would he understand if I explained it to him like that?

***

After about thirty minutes of long, grueling silence, we finally reached a building.

It towered over every other thing that surrounded it, high enough that I swore it could touch the clouds.

It was all glass, steel...and unending money.

"Out."

Julian's cold voice brought me back to reality. I tried to shuffle towards the door, but my ribs were hurting so badly from how tightly the dress had been fitted.

The doorman ended up coming to my rescue, opening the door with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Julian got out by himself and immediately walked to the entrance without a single glance.

I pushed back the tight feeling in my throat and hurried after him. He didn't slow down for even one second, and by the time I caught up with him, I was almost out of breath. Only when I finally calmed down did I realize something.

We were the only ones here.

Julian gestured to the open elevator. He walked in after me, then hit the option for the top floor. Ninety-ninth.

The ride there felt like it would take eternity. Julian was silent by my side, not even giving me so much as a glance.

Every now and then, I'd sneak a glance at him, and my heart rate would skyrocket instantly.

By the time the doors of the elevator opened, I stood face-to-face with his luxurious penthouse. A small gasp escaped me as I stepped in.

The place was more magnificent than anything I had ever seen. Expensive furniture and plush seats that probably cost more than I made in three years.

"Done with your sightseeing?"

My stomach dropped, and I was brought back to reality. I turned to Julian and slowly nodded.

He walked to the bar cart in the corner, poured out two glasses of whiskey, and then came back.

"Sit." He handed me one.

I took it with trembling fingers, then slowly lowered myself onto one of the sofas. Julian was still standing, eyes sharp enough to pierce through me where I stood.

"Drink."

My heart was slamming loudly in my chest with every passing second.

"I-I don't dr-"

"That wasn't a suggestion." His eyes darkened instantly. "Drink."

I took in a shaky breath, then pressed the glass to my lips and took a sip. The instant burn made me spit it out without thinking. I coughed and hacked a bit, my eyes turning to Julian with dread.

He didn't say anything, simply circling around me intently. I felt like a sitting duck, just waiting to be dissected by his sharp eyes.

"Scarlet Lawson."

My breath hitched.

"Sister to Vivian Lawson." He swirled the drink in his glass, one hand in his pocket. "The woman I was meant to marry."

"Stepsister." The words came out before I could hold back.

My situation was precarious enough. I didn't need people misidentifying the relationship between her and me.

Julian didn't react to this. Instead, he stopped before me, leaning close enough that I was sure he could hear how hard my heart was pounding.

"Why lie to me?"

Tears instantly blurred my vision at his question. "I didn't mean to. I swear I didn't."

"Save the tears for when I'm ready to punish you." He glared. "Answer my question."

I took a shaky breath and tried to calm myself. Then, I told him everything. How my stepmother had cornered me, my father being on the brink of dying. And how marrying him had been a final ultimatum from her.

"I've been told we looked identical for the longest time," I said, my voice surprisingly hollow.

"She said it would be for one year only. Once we were paid for the marriage contract, my father would live. And this...I'd be done with this marriage."

He held my gaze for a brief moment. It felt like he could read through me with his eyes alone.

Slowly, he swirled the drink in his glass, watching it like it was more interesting than me.

"Do you know why I went ahead with this shotgun marriage?"

I slowly shook my head. "No."

"My father's on the 'brink of death'. Stage four lung cancer. His goal has always been to make sure I'm settled before he dies. My mother...she wants to get my shares by manipulating someone close to me that she can control."

He finally met my gaze. "A daughter-in-law."

Carefully, he set the drink aside and turned to me.

"She wanted me to marry someone they could control. Someone prim, proper, and compliant enough. Someone like Vivian."

My brows furrowed. "I get that; I'm not Vivian. But if you're being forced to do this, why does it matter?"

His eyes narrowed sharply. "Because Vivian is the kind of woman my mother can easily use. She's pliable, eager enough to spend my money, and can play the role of a trophy wife."

I flinched when his two hands pressed against the headrest. His body was caging me now, making it almost impossible to move.

"But you," The glint in his eyes made me shiver. "I can use you."

I didn't understand what he meant. My stomach twisted as he leaned forward and grabbed my chin.

"You've committed a capital offense by playing pretence and lying to me, so how about we strike a little deal?"

Dread crept up my spine. "What deal?"

"You'll continue to be Vivian in public. You'll be the perfect wife, and wear your pretty little smiles whenever I ask you to. In secret, you're mine wholly. Your obedience, and every little secret you carry in your heart. All mine."

I tried to back away, but he only tightened his grip on my chin.

"Do this well, and I'll pay your father's medical bills to the last penny."

It was tempting what he had to offer. But the last part...

"And what if I refuse?"

His eyes glinted dangerously. "Well, then you'll say goodbye to your father. And then you and the rest of your family will spend a long time in prison for this deception.

He released his grip, trailing one long finger down my neck. When he reached my chest, he paused.

"How long do you think you can last in prison? Five? Ten years?"

I tried to breathe, but it was hard to focus. My heart was hammering so hard that I feared it would leap out of my chest.

He reached for my face again, breath dancing dangerously against my lips.

The look in his eyes wasn't love. It was unbridled darkness. I swallowed, realizing I was completely trapped.

"You have no other choice, Scarlet. It's decided."

SCARLET

I rarely ever had dreams. But that night, I had a very strange one. It was my father. He was fine this time, smiling and even waving at me.

When I tried to reach him, I couldn't move. I cried and tried to call out to him multiple times, but he didn't move.

"Please...please don't leave me."

He smiled again, this time slowly disappearing into the light beside him.

"Please!"

I woke up with a sharp gasp, something wet hitting my face almost simultaneously.

Another gasp left me again, and I tried to wipe some of the water that had gotten into my eyes.

Julian's dark eyes nearly made me jump. When did he get into my room?

He tossed the cup that had been in his hand, irritation laced in his eyes.

"My mother will be here in a little over an hour. She wants to have breakfast with us. Get your sorry self ready before she gets here."

Without another word, he left the room. His cold words stung, hitting a painful spot I didn't even know existed in my heart. A small shudder hit my shoulders, tears blurring my vision. I let the grief sink in.

"You know what you signed up for." I scolded myself in between sobs.

Of course, I hadn't expected love in this marriage. But this stung more than anything I had ever felt.

After a while, I wiped the tears away and got out of bed. As much as it hurt, I would be meeting Julian's mother soon. I had to get ready.

The bathroom was bigger than our apartment back home. There were luxury soaps and enough body treatment products to open a new store.

As soon as I was done with my shower, I moved to the closet. The different designer labels stared back at me. Bright colors, expensive fabrics, and tags I'd seen in magazines. All Vivian's taste in clothes.

I picked a cream-colored off-the-shoulder gown. The makeup took longer than it should have, as I struggled to hide my dark circles under my eyes.

I made sure the makeup was done in shades that Vivian usually wore. By the time I looked at my reflection in the mirror, you could barely tell me apart from her.

Same eye color, different souls behind them.

As soon as I stepped out of my room, Julian appeared from the one at the opposite end of the hall. It had to be the master bedroom.

He sized me up quietly, eyes devoid of any emotion. Then he finally stopped at my face. "Manageable."

It was offhand enough that I wasn't sure I wanted to thank him. He briefly adjusted his cufflinks before turning back to me.

"My mother is a shark," he explained.

"She'll smell blood in the water before she even sees it."

Just then, the doorbell rang. My heart nearly stopped.

Julian, on the other hand, beckoned towards the living room.

As soon as he opened it, Eleanor Cross walked in with the grace of someone who owned the place. She rivaled Julian in height with the heels she wore.

Her peppermint hair had been pulled back into an elegant bun, accentuating the diamonds on her collar.

"My darling."

She embraced Julian, giving him a kiss on both cheeks. He had a small smile on his face. "It's good to see you, Mother."

"Likewise, my dear."

Once she let go, she finally turned to me. The smile was still there. But it didn't meet her eyes.

"And you must be Vivian." She continued. "How lovely it is to finally meet you. You must forgive me for being absent at the...eh...wedding. Prior obligations."

My throat tightened with fear, but I tried to force a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, ma'am."

She grabbed my hand and gave it a warm squeeze. "Oh, please. Call me Eleanor."

Before I could respond, she let go of my hand and walked into the house. Her eyes left no stone unturned as she silently judged the place.

Julian quietly gilded to her side. "Breakfast, Mother. Shall we?"

Her lips curved into a smile as she took her son's hand. "Gladly."

The table was lined with various dishes. Pastries, fruit, bacon, smoked salmon, and whatever you could name.

Eleanor sat at the head of the table while Julian and I took opposite sides. Something about the whole thing felt twisted.

"So, Vivian." Eleanor smiled, reaching for a fork. "Tell me more about yourself. I feel I hardly know a thing about you, despite the information we were given."

Information?

I swallowed quietly. "I-uh-I studied Business Administration at Ashford College."

"How lovely. And your father's company. Imports, what was it? What exactly does he import?"

"Textiles." My mind scrambled for lies. "From Asia."

"Interesting."

She took a sip of her coffee. "I heard you spent a summer in Paris. Which arrondissement did you stay in?"

I had no clue what to say. Vivian had been the one who went there. Not me. The pause was stretching on for too long.

"The sixth," Julian cut in smoothly, dabbing his lips with the napkin. "Near the Luxembourg Gardens, if my memory hasn't failed me."

"Is that so?"

Eleanor's eyes glinted. Barrage after barrage of questions followed after that.

Each one was intended to be a test. I couldn't count on Julian's help after the first one, since he quietly ate his food and stared.

He must be enjoying it too.

"Do you remember the Red Gala, Julian?" His mother's eyes never left mine.

"Where did you and Vivan first meet?"

"Yes," Julian answered smoothly.

"Yes, what were you wearing again?" Eleanor asked.

"Oh, uh," I thought of something to say. "It was green."

Eleanor turned to her son. "Oh, was it now?"

My heart slammed in my throat the longer Julian stayed quiet. Something in his eyes darkened, and I knew I was utterly screwed.

"Was it, my love?"

Those two words of endearment sounded like a complete mockery. He was toying with me in front of his mother, knowing full well what would happen if I was exposed.

"Oh, I remember." A slow smile spread across his face. "It was emerald green. Matched her gorgeous eyes."

His mother's gaze swept across mine. Was she suspicious? Slowly, she smiled.

"How delightful."

The rest of breakfast went on in mostly silence. Then suddenly, she got out of her seat. "I simply must be leaving. But before then..."

She opened an encrusted box and pulled out a ring. "This is a family heirloom. Julian's grandmother wore it. As did I. And now, it's your turn, Vivian."

She reached for my hand and slowly pushed the ring on.

It was too loose.

Too big for my hand. Eleanor's eyes narrowed slightly. "That's strange. I had it sized based on the measurements you gave us. Or perhaps you lost a bit of weight?"

"Must have been stress," I lied through my teeth. "Had to diet for the wedding so I could fit into my gown."

Eleanor's eyes were as sharp as a blade, like they could cut through me where I stood. She nodded her head in understanding, then made her way to the door.

Just as she reached the threshold, she paused. "Oh, and by the way, I got a call from your sister yesterday."

My blood went cold. "My sister?"

She nodded, her smile as sweet as poison. "Yes. She introduced herself with your name. Is that something you both do? A running joke in the family?"

When I struggled to get my words out, she went on.

"She seemed really confused as to why you hadn't rang since your ceremony yesterday. Said she's been in the Maldives all week, with her new boyfriend, I believe." A thoughtful look found its way to her face. "Isn't that odd?"

My breath stilled, my heart hammering so loudly in my chest that it was all I could hear. I tried to speak, but my lips wouldn't budge.

Eleanor shrugged, the smile returning to her face. "I must have misunderstood. These things happen, after all. Have a good day."

And with that, she was gone.

I was frozen on the spot for a while, unable to move as the ring hung loose on my finger. My whole body felt numb and paralyzed on the spot.

Julian was staring at me now, and he looked furious. Before I could open my mouth, he grabbed my hand roughly, nails digging hard enough that I whimpered.

"You really are naïve and utterly foolish.

I frowned, trying to speak, but his nails only dug deeper. "I really don't know how she found out. Bht--"

"She knows."

My eyes widened. "What?"

"My mother knows." He answered, eyes cruel enough that I felt I was about to be consumed.

"She knows you're not Vivian. And you walked right into her fucking trap."