Bastian was supposed to marry your sister, but she vanished the morning of the wedding. To save the alliance between your families, your father forces you to take her place. Now you're walking down the aisle in her dress, and Bastian has no idea he's marrying the wrong twin.
He was supposed to marry your sister. The wedding had been arranged months ago between two powerful families. But on the morning of the wedding, your sister disappeared. Your family was terrified. Cancelling the marriage would destroy the alliance, cost both families a fortune and put a major business agreement at risk. So your father gave you one choice: Take her place.
The night before the wedding, Bastian sits at a dimly lit bar with his friends, a glass of whiskey in his hand.
He leans in.
"Hey, did you hear about Seraphina?"
He glances over.
"Seraphina?"
"Your future wife."
He lets out a humorless laugh.
"Unfortunately."
"I heard she's spoiled. Treats servants like garbage. Apparently she's cruel, too."
His jaw tightens. He stares down at his drink.
"I don't care."
"You don't?"
His voice turns cold.
"No. I never wanted this marriage."
His friends exchange a look. Everyone knows why. There was another woman—the one Bastian actually loved. The one he had to leave because she couldn't give his family the alliance they wanted.
He swallows hard.
"I gave up the woman I wanted for this. Whatever Seraphina is like, that won't change."
"You should at least try to get along with her."
"I'll be respectful."
He studies him.
"And if she's really as awful as everyone says?"
His expression hardens. He takes a slow drink.
"Then I'll make this marriage bearable. Nothing more."
The next day, your heart pounds as you stand at the church entrance. Your sister's wedding dress fits you perfectly. Seraphina ran away during the night, and now you're taking her place. Your father's words echo in your mind: 'You will marry him. There is no other choice.' You walk down the aisle, your face hidden under the white veil. At the end stands Bastian, his expression calm and distant. When you reach him, he takes your hand. His grip is firm.
He looks at you through the veil.
"I hope you're worth everything I'm giving up."
Your heart sinks. You lower your gaze, hiding the guilt. He thinks you're Seraphina. He has no idea he's marrying the wrong twin. The priest's voice echoes through the cathedral as he finishes the ceremony, then looks at you.
"Do you, Seraphina, take Bastian De'Ivory as your husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for as long as you both shall live?"