CHAPTER 2
The thumping in her heart was louder than the music played by the actual musicians. It wasn't just a recorded track. There was an actual choir and orchestra being conducted at the side.
Wow. She was trying to distract herself from the anxiousness that was flowing in her veins. She couldn't even look at the people who all turned to her.
"Breathe." She heard someone at the side of the door. She thought she was just imagining it. That voice was all too familiar. But her head snapped to the side, and her eyes bulged.
The fucker that she was just talking to on the phone was actually standing at the side in a security uniform.
She wanted to glare, but a flash of a camera blinded her, and she blinked and turned in front again. She took a deep breath and smiled in front of everyone. The faces that she saw in pictures and video clips her family showed were helpful enough to recognize their relatives, work allies, and other acquaintances. Even from the McIntyre bloodline.
She started to walk down the aisle. She was looking at everywhere aside from the man waiting at the altar. Brianna's groom. Not hers. But her heart was pounding so loud. It was ringing in her ears.
Anthony was waiting at the side of the aisle. She focused her gaze on him. The 61-year-old widower looked younger than his actual age. He could say that he was still in his 40s, and no one would doubt otherwise.
Her brother, Brylle, was one of the best men, standing at the left side of the groom. She entwined her arm around Anthony's elbow. He smiled down at her.
"You're doing great. Just smile more. Imagine this is actually your day." He said that only the two of them could hear.
She grinned; it almost slipped into a grimace. She was thankful for the veil that was somehow covering her face.
Her day? Right. She never imagined it. She didn't even have anyone to be her prospective groom if it ever popped in her mind. Kira was an aromantic. She never felt emotional attachment to anyone. She couldn't feel it. What she had was only physical pleasure. That was why she was an expert in no-strings-attached situationships.
She noticed that he was blinking tears away as he stared at her. "You look exactly like your mother." He uttered shakily and averted his gaze. Leading her down the path covered with rose petals.
Her body turned rigid at that. She knew that was meant for the real Brianna. But it still affected her. She never exactly knew her mother, as her Aunt Rachel said she died when she had just turned one year old. Aunt Rachel took responsibility for her.
"Brianna." Anthony uttered. "You're Brianna. Smile, dear. I'm giving you the first half when the wedding is over."
That's it. She beamed instantly. She was now grinning from ear to ear. No one would suspect it as a fake smile. When money was involved, she could never fake it.
The closer they looked at the groom, the harder her heart was pounding. The man was looking bigger and bigger in her vision.
She had already seen Dominick through video calls, news, and other social media platforms. But seeing him in person was entirely different. This man knew Briannah since childhood. Her family also warned her that he would be the biggest threat in her disguise. She had to work the hardest with him.
Just a few more steps, three, two… Then they stopped in front of him. He was staring at her. Scrutinizing her through the soul. He noticed his eyes twitch. His rich brown eyes, a color of chocolate, turned into slits. He wasn't smiling. He looked ready to devour her. Not pleasurably, but because of rage. Like he knew something was wrong. That everything was entirely wrong. Not that she would admit it.
He was much more handsome in person. He was on par with Shirk. From his towering height and perfect build. Any woman could fall for him. Just by his looks, plus the wealth. Brianna had such a fairytale life; she even had her prince.
Did she feel envious? No. Not really. Because no matter how perfect someone looked, everybody had skeletons in their closets. Nothing was ever perfect. It was just how deep they kept it all inside. She bet even the saint Brianna they all loved had it too. Everyone does.
But she wasn't interested in digging it as she was busy portraying, and she could care less about it.
Kira swallowed hard as her father gave her hand to him. She was thankful that she was wearing gloves. She was hesitant to touch anyone by her skin. They were all actually strangers to her. But she had to act all familiar, especially to her fiancé, who would be her husband in just a few moments. Brianna's husband.
She just noticed that Dominick's hair looked slightly longer than on their last call a week ago. And right now, he wasn't even smiling.
Is it true then that appearance wouldn't deceive where a heart flutters? I would likely know for sure. Let's just see.
She gave him a shy smile. As a gentle girl would do. Anthony tapped Dom's shoulder, and he left them to go on their way.
"I'm nervous, love." She could play this out. She was also trained on how Brianna would react in certain situations. She actually hated it that she was a little whiny. Well, she had to act on it.
For the billions.
And she had to call him 'love'. She almost grimaced at it.
Dom opened his mouth and his expression finally changed. "Don't be, love. I'll get you out of here once everything is done." His voice was deeper in person also. She liked it. And it sounded sensual. This guy was oozing with sex appeal. It wasn't stated at the contract that she couldn't slept with him. Why not? She wasn't a prude. And while she was aromantic, her physical emotions were always active.
But then, one thing that she didn't know about Brianna was that she wasn't sure if she was still a virgin or not. Dom was the only guy she was with as what they all said. As ironic as it may seem, when she had discussion with Brianna's family, they all inwardly thought that she couldn't be pure anymore, because damn hell, her impostor wasn't. Kira said to them to leave it to her.
Billions and a fuck from one of the hottest man alive. It's really too great to be true. This is my temporary fairytale.
And she'll make the best of it.
He led them to the rest of the altar. The wedding march changed into a wedding song. Her ears could have bleed from it.
She was oblivious that her grip in his arm had tightened. Dom glanced at her and held her hand. "You sure are excited, love. Rest-assured, I wouldn't run away." His lips quirked and that made her smile as her core vibrated. She wondered how those lips would have felt if it was eating her core.
Bad, naughty thoughts, Kira. She chided herself. But I could return the favor as well. She could almost see herself licking her bottom lip as imagining his body.
"Oh, please don't." She was about to cry. "I… I don't know how to face this people. But—"
"—Stop." His gaze turned hard. "I wouldn't do that. How about you? Do you want to run away from this?"
She met his gaze and she felt his hand tighten on hers.
Why would I run away from my billions and the upcoming fucks?
Kira gave him a genuine smile. "Never, my love."
Then they stopped in front of the priest as they were about to seal their vows. Brianna's rather.