The Substitute Twin Bride

"Is this the place?" the woman murmured.

Rose stopped in front of a luxurious hotel and checked the address on the message she had received on her phone. It was correct-Rose's sister had indeed asked to meet her there.

It had been seven years since Rose Baxter had heard from her sister, and then this message came out of nowhere.

"What is she doing in a place like this?"

Rose entered the hotel lobby, only to be immediately stopped, more like intercepted, by security. Given her plain appearance, anyone accustomed to serving the upper class would instinctively block the entry of a mere commoner.

"Wait, miss, where are you going?" the guard asked.

Rose showed him the screen of her cell phone. "I'm Rose. I was invited by Romilda Baxter, who's staying here. In a suite."

The hotel staff's demeanor changed instantly. "Ah, yes. She specifically requested that you come."

Rose's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes, Miss. Please follow me."

As Rose followed the hotel staff, she thought, "Seven years wasn't that long to rise to the highest ranks of wealth. How had Romilda done it?"

Rose and Romilda were born into an ordinary, borderline-poor family. Financial struggles had been the root of their parents' endless arguments for years. Their father, a gambler and drunk, had run up debts everywhere.

Finally, their parents divorced seven years ago. Rose went with their mother, while Romilda went with their father.

Rose had tried to contact Romilda to reconnect as sisters. But the divorce had caused Romilda to treat Rose like a stranger. She never responded to Rose's messages.

Until last week, Rose had told Romilda that her mother was seriously ill and that her dying wish was to see Romilda.

After years of ignoring her messages, Romilda suddenly responded that day. She agreed to meet Rose at a five-star hotel.

Rose grew tense as the hotel staff stopped before a tall, grand door. What should she say? Should she give Romilda an immediate hug? Or start with small talk? Her mind was spinning with uncertainty.

"This is the room, miss. Please go ahead." The hotel staff rang the bell and promptly left.

Rose took a deep breath as the door opened. And...

She nearly screamed as she saw a half-naked man standing in the doorway. Rose's eyes widened, as did his.

"Shit! Honeeeey!!!" the man yelled.

"What is it?" came a voice from inside.

"She looks like you!!"

Rose froze and quickly covered her eyes, unsure of what to say. Had she walked into the wrong room?

"Hey, come on in. You're Romilda's sister, right?" the man said casually.

Rose nodded hesitantly and stepped inside.

The hotel suite was larger than her tiny apartment. It had a spacious living area with floor-to-ceiling windows, a sleek kitchen with high-end appliances, a center island, and bar stools.

The man gestured for Rose to sit on the plush and inviting sand-colored couch. She watched him disappear into the bedroom, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Rose hesitated to sit, so she stood anxiously, waiting. Then, a woman emerged from the bedroom, wearing a crimson satin robe. Her damp hair fell over her shoulders.

They stared at each other as if in a mirror. Rose saw herself in Romilda, and Romilda saw herself in Rose.

"Oh, wow... seven years," Romilda mused with a soft chuckle. "You haven't changed at all, Rose."

"Well, yeah." Rose swallowed hard. "You... look different."

"Isn't that a good thing? Our faces may be the same, but I refuse to end up like you."

Rose fell silent and took a deep breath. The sting of Romilda's words hit her hard.

Not only had her sister's demeanor changed, but her words were cruel.

Was there no love left in Romilda's heart after all this time? They had been inseparable since birth, sharing both joys and sorrows.

But now?

Being born from the same womb as identical twins apparently wasn't enough to keep their bond intact. Romilda felt like a stranger to Rose.

"How have you been?" Rose asked, changing the subject.

"Better." Romilda shrugged. "So, what do you want? To talk about your mother?"

"It's our mom."

"Well, since she chose you, I haven't had a mother since that day."

Rose wanted to tell Romilda that their mother had no choice when their father forced Romilda to go with him. Her mother had never wanted to separate the twins.

But Rose and Romilda's father, a master manipulator, convinced the court to split custody, with one parent for each child.

Unfortunately, Romilda didn't seem interested in hearing this. The bitterness in her eyes told Rose that Romilda still hadn't put the past behind her.

"And Dad? How is he?" Rose asked, trying to change the subject.

Romilda chuckled darkly. "I don't know. Probably dead."

"What happened, Romilda?"

"Enough, Rose. I don't want to talk about the past." Romilda crossed her arms. "Just say what you need."

"Mom is sick, Romilda. She's been in and out of the hospital the last few years." Rose cleared her throat. "She misses you and wants to see you, Romilda."

"You mean she needs my money for hospital bills?"

Rose clenched her fists. She had worked tirelessly to care for and support her mother, never once thinking to ask for help. Romilda's words were insulting.

" Mom just wants to see you! If we had known you were living like this, we would never have asked you for anything!" Rose snapped.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, making her jump. She quickly pulled it out and saw that the hospital was calling.

"Hello?" Rose's voice was strained with concern.

"Miss Rose, your mother has had another attack. Can you come to the hospital? We need your signature for emergency bypass surgery."

Rose's body grew weak. The doctors had been putting off the surgery for months because she couldn't afford it. Neither she nor her mother had health insurance. Where would she get the money?

"All right, I'll be there soon," Rose said.

"Thank you, Miss Rose. We'll be waiting."

The call ended. Rose exhaled shakily, her eyes dull as she turned back to Romilda.

"I have to go. Mom had another attack and needs surgery," Rose said. "I'm glad you're okay, Romilda. Mom will be happy to know that you're thriving."

Romilda didn't respond immediately; she just stared at Rose with an unreadable expression.

"Goodbye, Romilda," Rose said.

"Wait, Rose..." Romilda sighed. "What kind of surgery?"

"Heart surgery."

"And the cost?"

Why did Romilda ask that? It wasn't as if Rose would ever ask her for money.

"I'm working on it," Rose replied firmly.

"You need money fast, Rose. This surgery is going to cost a fortune." Romilda smiled.

"Yes, I know that. That's why I'll do whatever it takes for Mom!"

Romilda let out a little laugh. "How about we make a deal? I'll pay for it... but you have to do something for me. Sounds fair, right?"

"What kind of deal?"

*

Romilda never specified what kind of deal she had in mind. She simply asked Rose for the hospital's address.

Now Rose sat anxiously waiting for Romilda to arrive. Her mother's bypass surgery was scheduled to begin in an hour, but Romilda was nowhere to be seen.

As time passed, Rose's desperation grew. Maybe Romilda had never intended to help. Perhaps she had just been playing games with Rose and her mother's life. If that were true, Rose couldn't understand how Romilda could be so heartless.

But she was wrong.

Romilda showed up along with the man Rose had met in the hotel suite.

Draped in a scarf that covered her head and wearing oversized sunglasses, Romilda looked like a movie star from the '60s or '70s. Clearly, she was trying to hide her identity to avoid being recognized by anyone at the hospital.

As soon as she spotted Rose, Romilda stopped walking. She leaned over to the man on her arm and whispered something before dismissing him. He stepped aside to give the sisters room to talk privately.

Rose approached Romilda.

"You actually came. Thank you for visiting Mom," Rose said.

"Has the procedure started?" Romilda asked coldly, crossing her arms.

It was a rhetorical question - how could the surgery begin if the hospital hadn't been paid yet?

Rose sighed and shook her head weakly. "Not yet."

"Then what have you been doing? Just sit around and wallow in misery?" Romilda scoffed.

Rose lowered her head, feeling small and powerless before her twin sister.

"So you are ready to accept my offer, are you? That way, your mother can be saved," Romilda said firmly.

"What exactly is it you want from me, Romilda?" Rose asked.

A cruel grin formed on Romilda's lips.

"I need your virginity, Rose."

"My virginity?" Rose's eyes widened in shock.

"You're a virgin, aren't you?"

Rose's cheeks flushed red, and she nearly exploded at Romilda's question. "Of course I am!"

Romilda clapped once, looking pleased. "Perfect! Then that settles it."

"No, stop! What do you need my virginity for? What kind of crazy deal are you making that involves me?"

"Oh, dear!" Romilda let out a dry laugh. "This is a great deal for you too! You'll profit from it, too."

"Are you trying to sell me?"

Romilda's eyes widened in disbelief. "I'm not that stupid, Rose! Besides, how much could I get for selling you?"

Yes, Rose and Romilda were undeniably beautiful, they were identical twins. The only difference was that Rose had kept her long, wavy black hair cascading down her back, while Romilda had dyed hers blonde and cut it to shoulder-length.

Both had equally alluring figures, but while Rose dressed modestly, Romilda preferred to show off every curve.

Rose took a deep breath. "So what is it, then? Can you explain it to me?"

Romilda sighed in annoyance. Rose was stubborn, but refusing to explain would make things more difficult.

"I want you to take my place as the wife of a billionaire named Matteo Cavanaugh. In a few days, I'm supposed to marry him," Romilda finally revealed.

Rose frowned. Where had Romilda even met this Matteo? And how had Romilda gotten involved in something so entangled that she now needed Rose to be a part of it?

Romilda continued. "Your job is simple: give Matteo your virginity. Because I can't possibly sleep with him. The most important thing is to silence his family. They always accuse me of not being a virgin."

"Well... you're not, are you?"

Romilda's eyes narrowed slightly. "No, I'm not! But if I can prove otherwise, not only will your sick mother be saved, but your life will be saved as well! I'll even give you financial compensation for your virginity."

"Can't you just be honest with your fiancé? If he really loves you, this shouldn't be a problem."

Romilda let out an irritated sigh, her expression growing increasingly annoyed.

"Look, we don't love each other! I barely know him! Just do your part and do it right! Because if you don't, your mother's life is at stake. Do you really want that, Rose?" she said, her tone laced with a veiled threat.

"Romilda, Mom is our mother! And you're still thinking about making a deal with me?"

Romilda let out a mocking laugh. "I'm giving you the opportunity of a lifetime, Rose. All you have to do is give up your useless virginity. At least that way, it'll actually serve a purpose. Your mother gets her surgery, and you get your reward!"

Romilda extended her hand to Rose, her lips curling into a devilish smile.

"Do we have a deal?"

Rose hesitated, still torn. But who else could help Rose save her mother's life? Time was running out.

With cold, trembling fingers, Rose took Romilda's hand. Her voice was barely beyond a whisper.

"Okay."

After the agreement they made, a few days later, Romilda contacted Rose again. Her order was very clear-Rose had to meet her at one of the most expensive salons in the city.

Rose was actually reluctant to go, especially since she had to work. However, she could no longer ignore Romilda's insistence. And once she arrived there, Rose was completely made over from head to toe.

Rose froze as she stared at her reflection-she looked just like Romilda. For a moment, she hated how alike they were.

Behind her, Romilda sat leisurely, getting a manicure. When Romilda saw that Rose was finished, a smug smile curled her lips.

"All done? You'd better go," Romilda said casually.

Hesitantly, Rose stepped closer. "But what about Mom? I can't just leave her in the hospital."

"Relax, I've already arranged for a nurse to take care of Mom during her recovery. They say it'll take about ten days, just in time for the wedding and your honeymoon." Romilda looked at Rose. "And remember, make a good impression for me so Matteo knows he's marrying the right woman."

Rose wanted to curse her.

Romilda was in a hotel with her lover, lying to Matteo about visiting her mother for her blessing. She hadn't even seen their mother.

Then Romilda reached into her bag, pulled out a folded piece of paper, and handed it to Rose. "This is a list of Matteo's family members. I've written down all their names so you won't look like an idiot when you arrive."

Rose unfolded the paper-just a bunch of names, no explanations, no details. This is what you call complete? Rose scoffed inwardly.

"Now, off you go!" Romilda waved her hand dismissively.

"'This is per our agreement, isn't it? After ten days, it's over, and I can go back to taking care of Mom," Rose confirmed. "Don't go back on your word, Romilda!"

"Of course, silly! As long as you give Matteo your virginity, everything is settled!"

The beauty salon employees looked at each other with confused expressions. Even Rose was embarrassed at how blunt and shameless Romilda was.

Finally, Rose left the salon without even saying goodbye. She carried only a small bag with her cell phone, wallet, and the clothes she was wearing. Romilda had assured Rose that everything she needed was already at the Cavanaugh estate.

After hailing a cab, giving the driver the address, and setting off, Rose's anxiety only grew.

First, she had no idea what to expect at Matteo's house. And second, she still hadn't checked on her mother after the surgery.

What if Mom was worried because I didn't show up at the hospital? she thought.

Rose tried to push her fears aside and stay calm. Like it or not, she had to do this. Romilda had already held up her end of the bargain by paying the hospital bills. But Rose was paying a high price.

The cab pulled up to a towering gate surrounded by stone walls. Rose stepped out and took a deep breath, staring at the imposing entrance. Beyond it was a long driveway leading to what appeared to be a secluded estate.

She hesitated before approaching the guard. A middle-aged man with a stocky build stepped out, his tight black uniform clinging to his stomach. His name tag read Andy.

The moment he saw her, his eyebrows furrowed.

"I thought you weren't coming back! So you really plan on milking this family dry, huh?" he said bitterly.

Rose didn't even have to ask if this was the Cavanaugh residence-she had already been greeted with sarcasm the moment she arrived.

She didn't argue. Rose simply remained silent as the guard reluctantly unlatched the smaller side gate and let her through.

As Rose stepped inside, her thoughts turned to Romilda. What had Romilda done to make these people hate her so much?

Romilda had always been challenging, but hadn't always been so heartless. Rose remembered when they were younger, Romilda was the one who always stood up to their father.

Rose's steps were slow as she followed the long path to the manor. It was about a quarter of a mile to the front door, lined with towering trees and elegant black lampposts. The whole place had a classic, almost dreamlike beauty.

"How did Romilda end up with this family?" Rose muttered to herself.

As the mansion came into view, she took a deep breath.

It was a massive two-story mansion, old but immaculately maintained.

Then her eyes fell on the driveway, where rows of luxury cars were parked on the neatly paved lot.

"So this is how billionaires live?" she whispered in awe.

When she reached the grand entrance, she pressed the doorbell and waited. Minutes passed before the door finally swung open. A maid stood there, her eyes wide with shock.

"What are you doing here?" the woman hissed.

Another warm welcome.

"Well, I..."

Before Rose could finish, a deep male voice rumbled from inside. "Who is it?"

The door opened wider, and a man in his early thirties stepped into view.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, his sculpted body highlighted by a fitted black t-shirt.

His chiseled features were undeniably handsome-a sharp jawline, well-defined cheekbones, thin lips tinged with natural color, and a perfectly straight nose. His deep blue eyes were piercing, framed by wavy dark brown hair and a faint stubble along his jaw.

Rose's breath caught.

"Sorry, I... I-"

The man cut Rose off before she could form a sentence. "Go around to the back entrance. We're not officially married yet."

Then, without another word, he slammed the door in her face. Rose stood there, stunned, her body shaking.

"That... was Matteo Cavanaugh?" she whispered in disbelief.

Rose had barely spent an hour at the Cavanaugh estate and already wanted to run away. The maids who worked there stared at her with pure hatred as if Romilda had committed some unforgivable crime.

And Matteo's attitude was equally cruel.

Rose doesn't understand why Romilda is so determined to marry Matteo when they don't even know each other, especially when Romilda is despised in this house. Rose didn't have to guess; she could feel it from how everyone treated her.

Even when Romilda was escorted to one of the bedrooms, the maids whispered behind her back, loud enough for her to hear, "Lucifer has returned!

How terrible had Romilda been in this house?

The room itself was recently vacated. No personal items were on the vanity or closet, and Romilda had left nothing behind. How was Rose supposed to change clothes if there were none?

Uneasy, she sat on the edge of the bed and read Romilda's notes.

Four people with the last name Cavanaugh were present; one was Matteo. The others were women, but Romilda had not indicated whether they were his mother, sister, or some other relative. The names of the maids weren't mentioned either.

How was Rose supposed to figure out without any useful clues?

Suddenly, the door opened, and Rose jumped. Two women burst into the room, and they had similar brown hair to Matteo. One looked younger than Rose, while the other looked older.

"What? Did you expect us to knock?" the younger one sneered.

"No... that's not it." Rose shook. "I was just surprised, and..."

Before Rose could finish, the older woman lunged and raised a hand to slap her. Instinctively, Rose grabbed the woman's wrist in midair. Rose's grip was too tight, out of sheer reflex, making them both freeze.

"You bitch! Let me go!" the woman screamed.

Rose immediately let go of the grip, guilt washing over her. Even though she hadn't practiced martial arts for a long time, the basic techniques were still ingrained in her.

"I'm sorry," she said sincerely.

The woman scoffed and turned to her younger sister. "Did you hear that, Nicole? She's apologizing! What kind of act is this? Another trick to trick us?"

"You know better, Letty! Romilda is nothing but a shameless viper!" Nicole spat.

From this exchange, Rose pieced things together. The older one must be Letizia Cavanaugh, the oldest sibling. That meant Nicoletta Cavanaugh was the youngest. Matteo was the middle child.

"What is it, Romilda? What are you pretending to be now? You've already cheated our family, and now we have to deal with the consequences of your actions! Haven't you done enough damage already?" Letty accused.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know what's going on!" Rose began to panic. "Forgive me, and I will make things right."

Letty and Nicole exchanged confused glances, taken aback by the sudden change in Romilda's demeanor. Nicole scoffed and crossed her arms.

"You want to make things right, huh? Then leave our house and never come back!" Nicole snapped. "We don't want a sister-in-law like you! You don't belong in our world, Romilda. Stay in yours!"

Letty's patience had clearly run out; she grabbed Rose's arm and yanked Rose toward the door. Nicole joined in, dragging Rose down the hall as a commotion started.

Rose had no choice but to endure this because of her deal with Romilda. If she failed to keep her end of the bargain, her mother's life could be in danger.

Even though the surgery had been successful, Rose's mother still needed intensive care. And the cost of that treatment was just as expensive as the surgery itself.

But Letty and Nicole had crossed the line.

When Nicole yanked her hair from behind, Rose acted on instinct. She spun, grabbed Nicole's arm, and pinned it. Nicole screamed in pain.

"Arggghh!!" Nicole squealed.

"STOP IT!"

A deep, commanding voice echoed down the hallway.

Rose immediately let go of Nicole, only to be roughly grabbed by the arm. She finds herself face-to-face with Matteo.

"Are you crazy?" Matteo's cold voice sent shivers down Rose's spine.

"I was defending myself!" Rose shot back. "I don't know what's going on here, but if I'm going to keep getting attacked, I have to defend myself!"

"Attacked?" Matteo scoffed. "Romilda, you stabbed us in the back! You already hurt this family, and now you want to play the victim?"

"What exactly have I done to all of you?"

"I'll give you an option. I'll pay you whatever you want so you can live your life in peace." Matteo pointed at the window. "Just leave us alone. Stop leeching off our family."

Rose shook her head. "I can't. I have a promise to keep."

Matteo exhaled sharply, closing his eyes a split second before turning on his heel. Without another word, he led his sisters away and down the stairs.

Rose hurried back to the bedroom and slammed the door. She pressed her back against it and slowly slid to the floor.

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Oh, Romilda... Why did I have to get into this mess? What have you done?"

She buried her face in her hands and sobbed softly.