"Jane, what did you just say?" Rosemary leaped to her feet, her voice almost reaching a scream. "You are crazy!"
Jacqueline hastily grasped the table, which was nearly knocked over by Rosemary's sudden and forceful reaction. She glanced at her best friend and then lowered her head, completely unwilling to answer her question.
For the first time, the typically shy and indecisive Jacqueline fell completely silent.
Rosemary's brow furrowed, allowing Jacqueline a moment to collect her thoughts, but the silence persisted. Evidently, Jacqueline had made up her mind.
Fear gripped Rosemary; she couldn't allow her friend to fall into his clutches. Having known Jacqueline so intimately, Rosemary understood the profound psychological impact of the school violence she had endured during her school years. How could she possibly be safe living with a mafia don?
No, even if Jacqueline were in perfect psychological health, Rosemary would never permit her to reside with that cruel and domineering man. Their friendship dated back to childhood, and for Rosemary, Jacqueline was more than just a friend.
Resolute, she stated firmly, "You cannot marry him. He's a mafia don. You know his profession, don't you?"
Jacqueline bit her lip, fully cognizant of the fact, but she had no choice. She hesitated in the face of Rosemary's unwavering stance, yet ultimately, she resolved to confide, "I had no other option. Everything has already been decided." She whispered under her breath, "I'm sorry, Rose."
"No, Jane, you haven't signed any contracts yet," Rosemary attempted to change the situation. "Stop right now!"
Jane's silence was her only response.
In a bid to persuade her friend, Rose raised Jane's chin, locking her eyes, and was startled to perceive fractures in those once-bright turquoise orbs. Rosemary was dazed, "No, Jane, you can't. It's far too dangerous. If he uncovers you're just a doppelganger, he'll kill you."
Jacqueline gently pulled herself away from Rose's grip, her voice unwavering, "I can't abandon my father. I'll go see her and finalize the agreement. I'm sorry, Rose."
Jacqueline repeated her sorry. She understood better than anyone that Rosemary was the only true friend who cared deeply for her. Yet, what choice did she have now but to marry into a mafia family?
Her father, Micah Kelly, had become bedridden from years of relentless toil, trying to make ends meet and repay his debts. He had never wanted Jacqueline to shoulder his burden.
Thoughts of her father stirred in her mind, Jacqueline's eyes were watery. Her determination was strengthened.
Rising from her seat, she left Rosemary's room. After softly shutting the door, she leaned against it, trying to hold back the tears that were about to flow.
The fear was real, not solely due to the prospect of impersonating her twin sister in order to wed a powerful and malevolent mafia boss, but also because this might be the last time she saw her closest friend, her only confidante. Once she signed that contract, her life could never be normal again. She'd be compelled to distance herself from those she held dear to shield them from danger.
Jacqueline sniffled, then dried the corners of her eyes. Glancing at her wristwatch, she realized she had only two hours left before she had to arrive at the Turner family mansion to meet with Madam Claire Turner and officially sign the binding contract.
Jacqueline's fist clenched. She was determined, even if she had to impersonate her twin sister, she would marry Benjamin Turner to save her father.
"Creak."
Jacqueline jolted at the sound of the door opening.
Rosemary emerged from the room. Jacqueline saw a mix of sadness, disappointment, resignation, and concern in Rosemary's eyes.
A sigh reached Jacqueline's ears as Rosemary spoke, "Where will you sign the contract? I'll accompany you." Rosemary seemed a bit flustered, and then added, "Don't misunderstand, I don't support this marriage, but I can't let you face it alone."
Jacqueline's eyes welled with tears, touched by her best friend's sincere concern.
Rosemary approached her, lightly patting her head as they used to do when they were children. "Don't cry, I'm always here for you, silly Jacqueline."
On their way to the Turner family mansion, Jacqueline couldn't shake off thoughts of her twin sister and the improbable union she was entering.
Their family was once happy. Jacqueline and her elder sister, Jasmine, have a special spiritual bond which was common among twins. But at the age of eight, tragedy struck, and their parents divorced.
Jacqueline went to live with her father, while their mother took custody of Jasmine. In the beginning, life was stable for Jacqueline and her father, but it didn't last long. Their mother remarried, and then her father's business fell on hard times, eventually leading to bankruptcy and mounting debt. He shielded Jacqueline from the truth, working tirelessly to make ends meet and pay off the debts until he was exhausted and bedridden.
Thinking about her twin sister, Jacqueline sighed. Following their mother's remarriage, Jasmine adopted the surname Martin and became the lady of the wealthy Martin family. Jacqueline had the chance to visit her mother and sister in the opulent Martin mansion when she was young, a memory she couldn't forget. Jasmine lived a life of luxury, treated like a pampered princess by the mansion's residents, her days filled with leisure. The only thing she did during the day was to order.
Jacqueline held no jealousy toward Jasmine; instead, she felt grateful and fortunate to have been raised by Micah. She simply hadn't seen her sister and mother for the past ten years. Micah had never disclosed the reasons behind their separation.
A fortnight ago, Madam Claire Turner's assistant, reached out to Jacqueline. She informed her that Jasmine had eloped with her lover just before the impending wedding. This unexpected event forced the Turner family to postpone the wedding and looked for an alternative. Jacqueline was one such solution that Claire had considered.
Without warning, rain began to fall. The serene blue sky and warm sun rays were replaced by gray clouds and raindrops. Jacqueline rested her head against the car window, observing and listening to the patter of raindrops.
Rosemary's aging Beetle came to a halt at the entrance gate of the Turner family mansion, where a security guard halted them.
After a futile attempt at explanation, Rosemary's frustration culminated in a frustrated slam against the steering wheel. "Damn it, didn't she inform security about your visit?"
"It's alright, Rose. I'll talk to the security guard," Jacqueline unfastened her seatbelt, picked up her umbrella, and stepped out of the Beetle.
The rain grew more intense. After a brief exchange with the guard, Jacqueline was ushered into the mansion by a maid. Meanwhile, hot-tempered Rosemary and her old Beetle remained outside in the rain.
Jacqueline followed the maid's lead. Even though she was worried, she couldn't help but be amazed by the sight of the mansion. Spectacular and opulent – that was her initial impression. The building even seemed larger than her recollections of the Martin family mansion.
However, Jacqueline did not have time to contemplate it in detail. She was confused when she had to keep the bottom of her skirt from getting dirty while moving She had to cautiously lift her dress. Wanting to make a good impression on Madam Turner, she had chosen an ankle-length baby blue dress. Unfortunately, the heavy rain made it difficult for her to maintain a dignified appearance.
As she stepped into the Turner mansion, Jacqueline was taken aback by the sophisticated and lavish architecture. Her eyes scanned the vases and artworks used for decoration. She realized that she might never afford anything like them in her lifetime.
Led by the maid, she arrived at the tea room. The door swung open, revealing a woman with honey bee blonde hair sitting gracefully on the sofa, engrossed in a book. As the door's creak caught her attention, the woman looked up and smiled warmly. Her smile embodied the gentle and melodious beauty of a lily.
The maid guided her to the sofa where the woman was seating.
Standing before this graceful and delicate woman, Jacqueline felt both apprehensive and confused. She was confused as to make a favorable impression, especially since this meeting would change her life entirely.
"Are you Jacqueline Kelly?" the woman inquired, rising from her seat.
Jacqueline nodded, then confused as to how to properly introduce herself.
"Nice to meet you, Jacqueline. I am Claire Turner," Madam Claire Turner greeted with a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. It was simply a polite smile. "You truly do resemble Jasmine, despite the years of separation."
Her mention of her twin sister, whom she hadn't seen in a decade, took aback Jacqueline. She took a deep breath, knowing that she need to respond to avoid seeming impolite, "Thank you, Madam Turner. You can call me Jane."
"Jane, please take a seat," Madam Turner invited, gesturing to the sofa opposite her.
"Madam, when can we proceed with signing the contract?" Jacqueline inquired, then pursed her lips when she realized she was in a hurry
"I understand that you're facing dire financial circumstances. However, do you know exactly what you will have to do?" Madam Turner spoke deliberately, taking a sip of her tea.
Jacqueline pressed her lips together, realizing she was sounding impatient in Madam Turner's eyes. She regained her composure, "Yes, I am aware. I will need to assume my sister's identity and marry your son, Benjamin Turner."
Madam Turner chuckled softly, "Correct! But that is just a fragment of the contract. I wouldn't expend a substantial amount of money merely for a wife for my son. In fact, I wasn't originally in favor of this marriage."
Jacqueline was surprised and a little confused, yet she managed to keep herself from interrupting Madam Turner. She recalled the initial encounter with Madam Turner's assistant when the offer of a marriage contract was extended to her. At the time, she had been informed of her elder sister's elopement with a mistress, and the proposal to marry Benjamin Turner, a mafia don.
Jacqueline felt a sense of being deceived, and her grip on her skirt tightened as bewilderment flickered in her eyes.
Madam Turner perceived Jacqueline's internal turmoil, yet she chose to overlook it. She recognized her advantageous position in this negotiation. This little girl has absolutely no advantage in negotiating with her. A faint smirk played on Madam Turner's lips. This was the only opportunity to alter Jacqueline's wretched circumstances. She would have to agree to any request she made.
Setting her tea aside, Madam
Turner leaned forward slightly, her gaze intent, "I want you to oversee Benjamin Turner."