DAPHNE
"....And what do you mean by you can't find her..?" Mabel growled, her eyes twitching with surprise and rage as I took in my lips, fiddling nervously with my nails.
It was my sister's wedding at last and it was time for her to walk down the aisle with her husband-to-be but at the moment, she was nowhere to be found. It seemed like she just vanished into thin air.
One moment, she was in her room, getting dressed and the next moment, she vanished completely with a rope hanging down her window sealing.
This got me a bit confused…did she escape? And why would she think of doing that? Was she against this marriage? I shook the latter out of my mind when I recalled how she flaunted her ring and gorgeous wedding dress in my face earlier that day. She did that to belittle me and make me feel jealous as usual.
This was a usual habit of hers I had come to get used to. So there's no way she was against this.
"What's going on?" George's voice rang out from the doorway, thrifting into my thoughts as I subconsciously took a step back in fear. His tone got my stomach tightening in a knot as my breath got caught up in my throat. How do I break this news to him?
"Where's Daisy?…there's no more time!!" He blurted out, his tone screaming urgency as Mabel suddenly rushed up the stairs, heading to Daisy's room.
"She…I…" I stuttered meaninglessly, not knowing what to say as he instantly rushed after Mabel, already sensing a problem.
I stood transfixed on the spot, wondering what would happen now. Will they just call off the wedding at the last minute? With Cassius's business associates and top celebrities present, can they afford to do that?
Several questions ran through my mind as I stood there, lost in thoughts that I seemed to lose track of time.
"Daphne!!" I heard my father's voice ring out from Daisy's room as I instantly rushed up to meet him before the second call. My mind reeled with several possibilities of how they were going to handle this situation.
When I saw the look on their face, I knew my father was about to suggest something unpleasant. My heart raced with uncertainty and fear of what he might say. No…he won't suggest something like that! I assured myself, summoning up courage as I took in a deep breath.
"Get dressed!" He suddenly blurted to my utmost shock as my ears felt like they were going to explode any time soon. My pupils dilated in utter shock as I felt my world crumbling before my very own eyes. What I feared most was finally happening. Why does fate have to be so cruel to me? I literally did nothing to deserve this. Worse still, I couldn't dare to go against his orders or I consider myself a dead meat.
I sniffled, fighting hot tears back in as my mother handed me the wedding dress Daisy left behind. I reluctantly took it with shaky hands as I turned to my father with pleading eyes. "Please don't make me do this." I pleaded, my tone croaky but it didn't move him a bit. He had a stone cold expression on as he gazed at me with digust and rage. That was how he had always stared at me which got me wondering if they were really my biological parents. I was always maltreated and brutally punished while Daisy was showered with their love, attention and endless gifts.
He inhaled and exhaled sharply, inserting his hands into his pocket. "I can't afford to lose this deal." He mumbled greedily as he walked away. Who wouldn't want to be an in-law to a famous business tycoon?
"Hurry up, witch!!" My mom spat in disgust as she also walked away. She seemed restless about something but I couldn't figure it out.
The next moment, I found myself walking down the aisle, arms in arms with my father. He beamed a fake smile at me, a smile that didn't reach his eyes as I gulped down nothing. The switch wasn't suspicious because I and Daisy were identical, so no one noticed a thing.
The guests cheered as flowers were thrown in our direction. I should have smiled gracefully but at that moment, it was difficult to even force out a fake smile. I was forcefully getting married to a man I knew nothing about. What does the future hold for me? How was I going to cope onwards? I was extremely worried and I tried to take it all in. Things were happening way too fast.
As soon as we got to the altar, my gaze locked with Cassius, my sister's husband. His eyes were devoid of emotions and it made me feel giddy. Did he suspect that I ain't his real bride..? I thought as my father tugged lightly on my dress, urging me to put on a smile as he handed me over to Cassius.
Soon, the wedding vows were exchanged and the wedding eventually came to an end. My life had taken a new dimension within a few minutes. It felt like I had just opened a new chapter of my life.
"Take her to the mansion, I've got some deals to settle." Cassius ordered one of his men who escorted us out of the wedding hall. The guard bowed respectfully as Cassius switched routes, heading towards another direction.
"This way ma'am." The guard announced as I gulped down nothing before getting into the car. I couldn't help but reflect on what Cassius said earlier. I was really confused, why were his eyes emotionless? He had a blank expression all through like he didn't want to get married in the first place.
And what deal does he need to handle on the night of his wedding? If Daisy was the one here right now, isn't this night meant to be a special night for the both of them?
My head suddenly clicked at the thought, what if he tries to….I couldn't help but gasp out as the guards threw me weird stares.
No…this isn't happening!!