Twin Dilemma

"You better not mess this up for us," Mr. Thompson said as he led Charlotte to the altar. "We cannot afford to offend such a powerful family."

Her heartfelt heart as she looked around, hoping Mia would change her mind and return. Her eyes met her mother's, who was wiping away tears. To an outsider, she might have seemed like a heartbroken mother sending her daughter away, but Charlotte knew better. Her mother didn't care about her; she only cared about Mia. Unfortunately for Charlotte, Mia had run off, leaving her to bear the burden of getting married instead. The fact that they were identical twins was a big help.

That morning, when Charlotte informed her parents about Mia's disappearance just minutes before the wedding, her father had slapped her hard. Now she stood at the altar, a veil covering her face as she awaited her future husband.

"He's not coming," Mr. Thompson said, approaching Charlotte. A smile began to form on her face at the thought of the wedding being called off. "Our family may not be as important as theirs, but they can't disrespect us like this," he fumed. Sending his driver? How could he send his driver to stand in? I'm glad this isn't happening to Mia. I'm glad she ran off, and I just hope she's safe wherever she is. I wouldn't want my daughter to be married to a man who wouldn't even show up to his wedding, he said, wiping sweat from his face.

Charlotte's smile vanished as she processed her father's words. She realized she was still expected to marry in her sister's place. The wedding proceeded, appearing normal to the outside world.

"Make sure you get him in bed tonight," Mrs. Thompson instructed before sending Charlotte off. If you can get pregnant before the contract ends, you might have to get married for real. That would be the best thing you can do for this family, so I advise you to do it well, she said, walking away. Ever since Jasper died, his mother hadn't looked her directly in the eyes; they both still blamed her for his death, and the anger remained.

How was she supposed to lie with a man she didn't know? She thought. Maybe Mia should have stayed; she had a knack for getting men into bed within minutes of meeting them. It was both a blessing and a curse and, in this case, it would have been a blessing.

"Ma'am, it's time to leave," the driver said, opening the door for her. Charlotte got into the car, wondering what life had in store for her. She remembered Mia's anger at their parents for wanting to send her off to a man she knew nothing about. Was Mia right? She wondered. What if he was indeed a wrinkly old man? She wouldn't be surprised, as her parents cared only for wealth.

*****

The house was gigantic, with a big garden at one end of it. Even though it was late, there were workers around doing a thing or two. They all stopped to greet her immediately when they saw the car come in. He led her in as some other workers lined up to greet them. She wondered how rich the family was to have maids everywhere.

"This is Penelope, the head maid," he said, pointing at an older woman. "Trust she'll provide you with whatever you need before your husband gets back," he said, looking at Penelope as she gave a reassuring nod.

"Wait," she said, grabbing his hand as he attempted to leave. "He's not home?"

"No, ma'am, he had some urgent business to attend to," he replied with a bow and turned to leave.

Charlotte turned around to look at the household staff who had their heads all bowed, except Penelope. "How long has he been away?" she inquired.

"Two days, ma'am," Penelope replied. "I'll show you to your room now, ma'am," Penelope said, and sent the other housekeepers away.

Feeling a sense of relief that she wouldn't have to get in bed with him that night, she followed Penelope into her room, which was beautifully decorated with everything she needed. "He really prepared to have a woman in the house but didn't bother to show up?" she thought.

"Is your master usually not home?" Charlotte inquired, and Penelope nodded.

"Okay, you can leave now," Charlotte said, trying to get out of the wedding dress.

"No, it's fine, I can handle it." Charlotte said as Penelope came closer to help. She always hated letting people see her body because of the scars on her back. Whenever her parents got angry, they pulled out needles and pushed them into her back until she passed out. She knew they would kill her if people found out about it. She was lucky enough to not get punished when Mia ran away, so she couldn't afford to ruin everything now.

You can call on me anytime, ma'am. Just press that button on the wall, Penelope said, pointing to the button. She bowed and then exited the room.

*****

Unable to sleep that night, Charlotte decided to take a shower to calm her nerves. Suddenly, she heard a loud bang outside followed by unfamiliar footsteps. Her heart raced at the thought of a break-in. When the bang sounded again, even louder, she panicked and ran out screaming.

She opened her door and saw a man attempting to walk up the stairs. He looked at her in confusion. Hearing the bang once more, she panicked further and ran to him, jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his waist. Her breasts pressed against his face as she clung to him for protection.

"Ma'am? We heard you scream, Penelope said as she ran over with some other maids. "Master Chase," she added, bowing immediately upon seeing him. "You are back."

"Mas... Master Chase? Charlotte asked, still in shock. "This is your master?" she asked, and Penelope nodded. Embarrassed by her behavior, she tried to get down but realized she was naked and quickly clung back.

"Get me a blanket!" she screamed, immediately regretting coming out of her room.

Penelope rushed into Charlotte's room and quickly returned, wrapping a blanket around her. Embarrassed, Charlotte slowly slid down from Chase, her head bowed. "My apologies, sir," she murmured.

Chase gave Penelope a cold, disapproving look. "This will never happen again," he said sternly, then started to walk upstairs. He paused briefly. Elizabeth is coming for a visit soon. Prepare a room for her, he instructed, before continuing up the stairs.

*****

This person Elizabeth your master speaks of. Who is she? Charlotte inquired as she dried her hair.

She's a friend of Mr. Benjamin. They have been friends since childhood. To be honest, she has always had feelings for him... romantically, I mean. But your husband has never reciprocated those feelings. She stopped coming over for a while. Do you not find it ironic that she's visiting right after you got married? Penelope's words sent a spark through Charlotte. "A woman likes him?" she thought. "Then why didn't he marry her instead of my sister?"

However, this was her chance. If Elizabeth was there, she could distract Chase enough to avoid performing marital duties. "Oh well," she said to Penelope as she changed into new clothes. "She's your master's guest; treat her well."

"But ma'am, I think you..." Penelope began but stopped immediately as she noticed Charlotte's hair was caught in a button. "Thank you," Charlotte said gratefully as Penelope freed her hair. "You seem to not like this woman," she observed, wrapping her hair into a bun.

"I'm not allowed to say that about my boss's visitors," Penelope replied. I will leave now, ma'am. You know how to reach me, she said with a bow and left.

*****

She woke up to the sound of rustling. "You are awake," Penelope said, approaching her. Mr Charles, ordered that these people bring their new clothes. Oh, and also, she added, lifting a green dress from the bed, "he requested that you wear this when you go out with him today."

Charlotte looked at the dress, trying to process everything through her sleepy eyes. She leaned in and picked it up as the workers bowed and left.

Where was your boss last night? Why didn't he show up to our wedding? She inquired.

Penelope felt uncomfortable; she knew these questions would come sooner or later, though she had hoped for later. Chase had been in his study all day, being the workaholic he was. "I don't know, ma'am," Penelope lied.

"Okay, thank you. You can leave," Charlotte said, noticing how uneasy Penelope looked. She bathed, had breakfast in her room, and then slipped into the green dress Penelope had brought. The dress beautifully defined her curves and revealed her pale thighs. But there was a problem -it also exposed her back. She couldn't let Chase or anyone else see her scars, so she quickly opened her closet to find something else to wear. After a fruitless search, she finally settled on a pink button-up shirt and black pants.

"Oh, ma'am," Penelope said, walking in. Why didn't you wear the gown? The young master will be furious. He wanted you to wear that; he doesn't like to be disobeyed.

"It was too tight," Charlotte lied, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. "What time are we leaving?"

"Yes, ma'am, the master says it's time to leave," Penelope reported.

You look terrible. What happened to the dress I picked out for you? Chase said as he saw Charlotte walking toward him.

"It was too tight, sir," Charlotte said with her head slightly bowed, still too embarrassed to look at him after their previous encounter.

"Look up," he said authoritatively. Charlotte looked up immediately. He walked closer and leaned down to her ear.

Call me Chase when there are people around. Didn't you read the contract? We're going to meet my father. You had better sell it to him so that we appear happy. He doesn't need to know that I wasn't at our wedding either, is that clear? he asked.

Charlotte nodded, wondering why he referred to it as her wedding when it was theirs. He stood up straight and grabbed her hand, leading her to the car.

"Here," he said in the car, handing her a copy of their contract. I'm going to think you can read. This is the contract you signed. Read it again. I won't be nice next time you do something against it.

Charlotte looked at the contract in her hands. This was the first time she had held it; she couldn't believe how many terms there were. Suddenly, he snatched it back from her. I'll read it to you instead. You look at it like you're going to eat it. Are you hungry? He asked rather rudely.

Charlotte leaned into her seat, not daring to say anything. If Chase complained to his parents about her, it would be the end of her.

"And I'm adding to it," Chase said after reading it.

"There's more?" Charlotte asked in surprise, already overwhelmed by the countless terms in the contract. She melted back into her seat when she noticed his cold gaze. "I'm listening," she said, wondering if adding terms on a whim was allowed.

"You are not allowed to fall in love with me during the time we are married. Do you understand?" he asked.

Charlotte looked at him, wondering how he could say that with a straight face. Did people fall in love with him despite his attitude, or was it just her he treated this way? Yes, Mr. Benjamin," she responded.

He tossed the contract onto the seat between them. This was the first time Charlotte got the chance to look at him closely. The sun hit his hair from the window, highlighting his black hair that shimmered with a subtle blue sheen, his sharp jawline, and his deep brown eyes.

They arrived at the house a few minutes later. It was much bigger than Chase's house, with maids everywhere who bowed and greeted them upon sight. Chase walked past them without a word, and Charlotte did her best to keep up with him.

He stopped abruptly in front of the door and turned to Charlotte. He's sick. Don't talk too much. We're here for business, he said, finally observing her closely. She had gorgeous brown eyes, full lips, and brown curly hair perfectly wrapped in a bun. That was the only difference between her and Mia; they both had curly hair, but Mia always straightened hers. He leaned in and pulled the scrunchie from her hair, letting it fall perfectly onto her shoulders. "You look like a maid with your hair wrapped up like that," he said, placing the scrunchie on her shoulder.

Mr. Benjamin lay on his bed with maids attending to him. He looked seriously ill. The maids bowed immediately upon seeing Chase and then walked out. At a young age, Charlotte had been overworked by her family, often caring for them when they were sick. Unable to control herself, she moved over to him, knelt beside him, and placed her hand on his forehead to check his temperature.

"Get up from there!" Chase's voice thundered

Mr. Benjamin woke up to the sound of Chase's outburst. Looking around, he recognized his son's voice. "Chase?" he called out weakly. "Is that you?"

I'm sorry I woke you, Dad. If you're not feeling up to it, I can leave and come back another time, Chase said, kneeling beside him.

"Nonsense! Where is she? Where is Mia? He asked.

Charlotte started to move toward him, but Chase quickly grabbed her hand and led her out of the room. Her heart raced, panicking that she had done something wrong.

"Don't humor him," Chase said coldly. It's just a cold. He always overreacts like that when he wants something from me. Now stop touching him and just stand there as I asked. He walked back into the room, shutting the door behind him.

Feeling hurt by his words, Charlotte stood outside the room, feeling uncomfortable and helpless. She then moved downstairs to the kitchen where a few maids were cleaning up. "Hello," she greeted them, and they quickly turned to acknowledge her.

"Has your boss eaten yet?" Charlotte inquired.

"Yes, ma'am. You don't have to worry; he ate just fine. He lay in bed shaking as soon as he heard Mr. Chase's car pulls in. He seemed to want something from his husband again, one of the maids said, and they all let out a little laugh.

Charlotte felt relieved. While Chase had mentioned it, hearing it from the maids put her mind at ease. I can make him porridge. He might be pretending, but he's still sick. That might help.

Of course, ma'am. We'll get on it immediately, they said.

"No, I will," Charlotte interrupted. "You can join me, of course," she added with a smile as she walked over to them.

*****

Chase scanned the room and noticed Charlotte's absence. Curious, he excused himself and stepped out. The smell of food hit him immediately, which he found strange since his father had already eaten. He headed to the kitchen.

His eyes darkened upon seeing Charlotte, her hair in a bun and sleeves rolled up, instructing the maids who followed her orders. Charlotte's smile vanished as soon as she saw Chase standing in the doorway. She feared his reaction, given his usual displeasure.

"I thought I could do something to help your father feel better," she said before he could speak. He stared at her, expressionless.

"Oh," Charlotte said, letting her hair down. I was cooking and had to make it up. I wasn't trying to offend you, she added nervously.

"Serve him," he said, turning away. Relieved she wasn't scolded, Charlotte served the food. Moments later, Chase's father went out to eat. Charlotte watched, pleased, as he seemed to enjoy the meal.

"Mia, did you do this?" Mr. Benjamin asked, smiling. "Maybe I should get sick more often so you can cook for me," he joked.

"I'll cook for you anytime, Mr. Benjamin, she replied, smiling but cautious, aware that Chase always seemed angry with her.

"Oh, please, call me father," he insisted.

"Okay, Father," Charlotte said, her smile widening.

Chase observed her, noting the glow that appeared whenever she smiled, stirring something within him. He didn't know her intentions, but whatever they were, he wanted them to stop.

"You can make these for my grandchildren when they get sick too," Mr. Benjamin said, smiling as he continued eating.

Charlotte's smile faltered. She looked at Chase and then at his father, wondering if he was unaware of their contractual marriage.

"Father, I'll leave you to get better," Chase said, grabbing Charlotte's hand and pulling her out of the room.

*****

"Don't you think we should make sure he's fine before we leave?" she asked, concerned.

"What the hell do you think you were doing in there?" he demanded as they reached the car.

"What?" Charlotte asked, bewildered.

He's my father, not yours. You don't have to pretend to care. This is just a stupid contract that will end in months. Don't pretend to be a good daughter-in-law. I hate pretenders the most, he said angrily, getting into the car.

"If you don't get in here in five seconds, you're walking home," he snapped. Charlotte quickly got into the car, her heart pounding.

*****

Chase went up to his room without a word to Charlotte. She watched him walk up wanting to apologize, but her phone rang suddenly.

"Hi, Mom," she answered, retreating to her room.

"Well? How was it? Her father's voice asked.

"How was what?" she replied, confused.

Your wedding night. Did you sleep together?, he pressed.

She bit her lip, unsure and afraid of the consequences of what would be if she said no.

"I knew she would be useless," her mother muttered.

You have become willful. Visit us tomorrow, her father commanded, and hung up.

She opened her door and glanced at Chase's room, unable to muster the courage to ask him to join her. Flinging herself onto her bed, she buried her face in her pillows, dreading the visit. She couldn't face her parents alone; maybe Chase's presence would convince them they were happy.

*****

She knocked on her parents' door, trembling. As she heard her mother's footsteps walk towards the door, she quickly composed herself. A few seconds later, his mother opened the door, looking at her disapprovingly.

"Where is he? Your husband? She asked.

"He's busy. He couldn't make it, Charlotte said, stepping back in fear.

How useless are you? You couldn't get a man to sleep with you, and you came along. Mia could have done better, her father yelled from the house. "Bring the needle," he commanded. Her mother sent in immediately, and she quickly went in as she pleaded.

As her mother approached with the needles, Charlotte's heart pounded. "Please!" she pleaded, kneeling with tears. "I'll do whatever you want from now on."

Her father pulled out two needles mercilessly as her mother moved towards her and her mother ripped open her buttons, exposing her back. Mr. Thompson raised the needles and inserted them, making Charlotte scream in pain.

"Stop!!" They heard a voice snap at the door, causing them to come to a halt.