Ruby's heart swelled with warmth as she walked beside her mother through the grand hallways of the Quinn estate. Today was a big day—the day Ivy, her identical twin, would finally settle down.
"It's good to see Ivy making this commitment," her mother said, adjusting the delicate lace on her sleeve. "I know Stefan losing his sight two weeks ago was unexpected, but love is about more than just seeing, isn't it?"
Despite being dismissed that way, Ruby nodded, though she knew her sister well. Ivy had always been free-spirited, sometimes a little reckless, but she had seemed genuinely happy with Stefan before his accident.
She hoped she would be even happier after the marriage.
They reached the dressing room, the air filled with the lingering scent of roses and fresh linen.
A soft smile played on Ruby's lips as she pushed the door open. "Ivy, it's time to—" her words died in her throat when she realized the room was empty.
The makeup artist's station was neatly arranged, the untouched bridal bouquet rested on the table, and most alarming of all—Ivy's wedding gown lay abandoned on the chaise lounge.
Ruby's mother furrowed her brows. "Where is she?" She glanced around, moving toward the closet as if expecting Ivy to jump out in a mischievous surprise.
"Ivy?" she called but was greeted with silence.
She and Ruby exchanged nervous glances before Ruby hurried to check the bathroom. But just like the room, it was empty.
"She's not here. Where could she be?" Ruby muttered out loud enough to catch her mother's ears.
"She wouldn't just leave," her mother whispered, her voice laced with uncertainty.
"I'll call her now. Maybe she just stepped out or something," Ruby said as she took out her phone to dial Ivy's number.
She glanced at her mother nervously when the call didn't connect. "It's not connecting," Ruby said and narrowed her eyes when she recalled Ivy asking her two nights ago if she could ever marry a blind man.
Was it what she was thinking? Ruby mused, her heart skipping a beat.
"Try calling her again. I hope all this is not some sort of a sick joke on her side," Regina Quinn said as she started pacing around.
"Still not connecting," Ruby said and her mother started shaking her head.
A sudden wave of unease settled in Ruby's chest. Ivy was unpredictable at times, but this was her wedding day. The day she had been ranting about six months ago when Stefan proposed to her.
Ivy had been actively involved in planning the wedding and had even been updating her about it for the past six months.
There was no way she would just—
Ruby's thoughts were cut short when the door swung open again, and Elizabeth Winters, Stefan's mother walked in.
She was dressed in an elegant emerald gown, she beamed as she stepped in, clearly expecting to see her future daughter-in-law in her wedding dress.
"I hope she's ready," Elizabeth said brightly. "Stefan will be waiting at the altar soon."
The silence in the room must have tipped her off because her smile faded as she glanced around. Her gaze landed on the untouched wedding dress, the absence of her son's bride striking her instantly.
"Where is Ivy? What is going on? Why are you both looking tense?" she asked, her voice sharp with concern.
Ruby's mother swallowed, forcing a reassuring smile. "Nothing. We were just waiting for Ivy. She must have stepped out for a moment. Maybe to—"
A crisp white envelope, partially hidden beneath the wedding dress, caught Ruby's eye.
She walked up to it, her heart pounding fast in her rib cage as she hoped it wasn't what she was thinking.
Her breath hitched as she picked it up, her fingers trembling slightly as she recognized Ivy's handwriting.
"I'm sorry, but I can't marry a blind man."
The words were simple but heavy, each letter dripping with betrayal.
Elizabeth saw the shock on her face and snatched the note from her. Elizabeth gasped softly, bringing a hand to her chest as her complexion paled when she read the words.
"No… no, this can't be."
Ruby's mother shook her head in disbelief. "She… she wouldn't do this." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in her eyes.
Ruby could barely breathe. Why? Why would Ivy do this? She had always thought her sister loved Stefan, that their relationship was genuine. How could she just abandon him—on their wedding day and say she couldn't marry a blind man?
But he had been okay and had only lost his sight because of the accident he had been involved in just two weeks ago.
Before they could process the shock, Mrs. Winters phone started ringing with a call from her brother, probably to let her know they were at the church now.
"Yes?" she called the moment she answered.
"The groom is already at the church, waiting for his bride," Fredrick said and Elizabeth hung up immediately.
Tension spiked in the air immediately.
Elizabeth clutched Ruby's mother's arm, panic evident in her eyes. "We have to do something. If Stefan finds out Ivy left him because of his blindness, it could destroy him," she pleaded, not wanting to think what Stefan could do if he found out.
Ruby's heart pounded. What could they possibly do? Ivy was gone. The wedding was in minutes. All they had to do now was call of the wedding. She thought, a frown creasing her brows.
Elizabeth took a deep breath, then turned to face Ruby, wanting to plead with her to find her sister however they could.
But just staring right back at Ruby, an idea started forming in her desperate gaze.
"Ruby," she said carefully. "You have to take Ivy's place. You're both identical, the same voice, body, face and hair color. No one would notice, not even Stefan since he's blind."
Ruby's head snapped up, her eyes widening in sheer disbelief. "What?"
Her mother looked just as stunned. "Elizabeth, you can't be serious—"
"How can I not? They're identical," Elizabeth pressed, her voice urgent. "Stefan won't know. He already loves Ivy—he won't suspect a thing."
Ruby took a step back, shaking her head. This was insane. How could she possibly—
"No. This has to be a joke," she said, wanting to leave.
**********
Hello there, lovelies!
It's your Author BabyAngel!
And I'm here with another book straight from my heart. If you are here because you read and enjoyed my other works, then I hope you enjoy this one as well. And if you're new to my work, I also hope you enjoy this one.
I love you all and thank you for checking out this book. Don't forget to add it to your library. Vote for me and comment your thoughts.