In the opulent world of New York's billionaire elite, deception and desire entwine in a tangled web of lies and passion. When vulnerable Elma Wright, a stunning identical twin, assumes her sister Zoe's identity, she unwittingly ignites a forbidden romance with Marcus Dante, the powerful and enigmatic CEO of Dante Enterprises. Their whirlwind marriage, forged in secrecy and convenience, soon becomes a tempestuous dance of seduction and betrayal. As Marcus's passion for Elma deepens, he begins to unravel the mystery of his wife's hidden past. Will the truth destroy their all-consuming love, or will their hearts find redemption? Amidst the glittering facade of wealth and privilege, Elma must navigate the treacherous landscape of her own deceit, confront the darkness of her family's secrets, and face the shocking consequences of her sister's twisted games. As the stakes rise, and the lies escalate, Elma and Marcus must confront the ultimate question: Can their love overcome the devastating truth, or will deception tear them apart forever?
Chapter 1 Zoey's dilemma
Sonia's pov
"Your alliance with Mr Marcus has been agreed upon, Zoey '' I smiled in a white T-shirt with a boldly written sign DO NOT GIVE A F**K,
''So I heard'' she said, giving off an awkward smile as she excused herself to her room.
I grew up loving the Schweitzer; they were filled with elegance and graciousness alongside. I and Zoey have been friends since high school after a mismatch and finding out a lot of things we had in common.
''She should be leaping for joy in all this; she's getting married to one of the finest bachelors in the city and a Dante'; What more could I ask for than to be in her shoes?'' Sylvia says as she continues to chop the vegetables.
''chop now", Mrs Cynthia has just requested her dinner; we sure do not want to keep her waiting, do we?'' Mrs Oliver says with her white cook hat as she tries to sublimate the current discussion in the kitchen.
''we are all going to hear some wedding bells soon'' Joy says before walking out of the kitchen
''Did you see the look on her face, I bet she isn't happy with the decision'' Joyce whispers
''I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, maybe she's on her period ....maybe'' I said, taking a big bite of the apple I had in my hand.
''I would be so excited to get married to such a fine and rich gentleman'' Peculiar says,
giving way to giggles from the other maids.
''Yeah, emphasis on the rich....'' she added, snapping her fingers in our faces as we all let out a laugh.
''Sonia darling, when would you be getting married to your prince charming?'' Mrs Oliver asked sending all the maid's attention to me
''Yeah, that's right, tell us,'' Joy yelled. I laughed trying to find a distraction for the ladies
"Tell us!! Tell us!!" They all chanted in unison
"Brant, he's overseas and we have both stopped communicating"
"I guess he had found someone interesting, girl; you are a cute girl. Don't let him hold you back, dear" Joy pitched in, leading to a fake laugh from me.
'Also you and Zoey have been inseparable since you both had your clash in the mall during high school' 'Joyce added.
''Aren't you ladies supposed to set up the table?'' trying my best to deviate from the questions being thrown at me.
'' And yeah, I need to go check on our future bride; it's almost lunchtime,'' I let out a cringing smile before popping a grape as I exited the kitchen.
'' Zoey,'' I knocked, waiting for her response, which wasn't forthcoming, '' Zoey, it's Sonia'' The door opened right immediately. I was welcomed with a pale face filled with tears and a running nose; her eyes were already scorching red; my heart couldn't take the scene before me as I walked in, closing the door behind me.
''Why the tears, Zoey?'' feeling a tug in my heart, trying my best to hold up my tears. She had on a pink inner gown, letting her hair graze upon her shoulder; she had me wrapped around her arms as she laid her head on my shoulders.
''You are scaring me now Zoey '' I whispered into her ears
''We need to stop this alliance or wedding whatsoever'' she says lifting her head off my shoulder
''Why would you say such? Any girl in the city would give anything to be in your shoes,'' watching her walk towards the window.
''you don't get it Sonia'' sending her gaze back at me
''Oh no, Zoey, you are in love,'' I whispered my thoughts so she could hear, as she nodded in agreement.
''And who is this mister? '' I asked with my brow raised as I anxiously searched for a reply from her lips.
Tears flowed down her cheek, and her lips moved but I heard nothing.
''Who?''
''Zach'' she screamed
I had my hands upon my lips already in shock, my eyes widened in confirmation
''your dad's right hand, man?"
"yes"
"Is that why you are crying? We can both fix this problem and get you married to your new suitor"
She nodded in disapproval, I watched her in confusion.
"Is there something you are not telling me?"
I walked up to her, her hands positioned on her stomach as she tried rubbing it.
"I'm pregnant"