POV: Audrey

The sinister scene before me made reflex tears stream down my tearline, ruining my mascara. I felt like my world was crumbling before me. Wanted to speak but I didn't know which felt heavier-my lips or my heart. Breathing suddenly felt like a crime.

My parents stormed in immediately. Turning to my mom, I yelled,

"Mom!!" My knuckles turned white from how hard i gripped my ruffle skirt.

"This is some kind of prank right?" I inquired but my mom rushed past me into the bathroom. Crouching down slowly, she lifted Jimmie from the bathtub into a sitting position and touched her face lightly.

Her face was elegantly dolled up and glistened in fine beads of sweat, her hair was packed into a loose messy bun, her locket sat prettily on her slender neck and, her blue sundress was stained at the waist hem, from the hairpin driven into her lower abdomen.

"My poor child!"

"Who could have done this to you!" my mom sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

My dad stood like a sculpture unmovng like, he just saw a ghost. Scared, my mom dropped Jimmie and ran to my dad, gripping his tuxedo pants,

"What are we going to do?" But she was met with silence.

"Hilary!"

"C'mon, say something."

"I'm calling the police." I said fumbling the contents of my purse in a frantic search for my phone when my mom grabbed it from me.

"You can't do that Audrey."

"What are you on about mom?" I asked curiously.

"We can't call the police, Audrey."

"I mean how do we even explain this?" Her gaze was hard.

"Mom!!" I called out.

"What other explanation do we need for this? It was clearly a murder." I shot out.

My mom instinctively covered my mouth with her right palm.

"Keep it down Audrey."

"And not a breath about this to anyone." She commanded.

"For fuck sake!" I muttered amidst tears giving up.

My mom paced round the room frantically, bitting the skin around her fingers desperately, like they would give her some answers.

"This won't do." She muttered repeatedly.

While believing that the worst has happened, I stared into the thin air when my mom said something that made my blood run cold. The dizziness I felt suddenly vanished as my heart sank and my stomach clenched hard, turning my fear to fury.

"You have to replace Jimmie." my mom stated coldly.

"What??" I yelled.

"I said you have to replace Jimmie."

"Come to think of it, The Royales haven't even met her for a start, so they won't even know." She said boldly.

"This is so messed up!"

"How could you even think of that, mom?"

"My sister was just murdered and what, I should replace her and supposedly marry her husband?" I scoffed amidst my utter shock.

"That's impossible mom." I finished plainly.

"You know what?"

"I will actually pretend I didn't hear that to be honest." I stated.

"Audrey! You would do anything but disrespect me."

"The mom card isn't gonna work on me today mom." I took my stand strongly.

"Excuse me?" my mom was getting pissed off but I was not giving in.

"No, seriously mom!!"

"The only thing we should be doing right now, is taking Jimmie for an autopsy and probably calling the police, before it's too late.....!" I yelled at her; when she furiously grabbed my right hand and cut me off again.

"Henceforth, you have to live as the Royales bride. We can't handle the consequences that would come with losing them, not after I just lost a daughter!" She said as she let go of my hand which had already turned red from her stronghold.

"Your daughter?"

" I bet you think of us as tickets to get a luxurious life."

My mom's selfish attitude shattered me. She would do anything to live a luxurious life, even at the expense of her daughter's life. I turned to my dad knowing that my mom had made her stance clear.

"You are not even saying anything dad!"

But he just stared at me.

"You are in cohorts with mom?" my shaky voice asked.

"Audrey dear, your mom is right. We can't afford to handle what happened here." He said gently with his eyes nearly blood red from tears.

For a split while, I lost my sense of speech which I found almost immediately.

"What was I expecting anyways?"

"The both of you are just selfish and evil."

" I regret having you guys as my parents!" I blurted when my mom's warm palm met my face. Its sting resonated through my heart and cheek.

I turned to her furiously.

"Did you just hit me mom?" I questioned intently.

"Get it together Audrey!!" My mom screamed angrily.

"Report it to the police and what next?"

"Do you really think Jimmy's killer is a mere personnel? He clearly wants to use our family to bring down the Royales family and we can't obviously do that. Not after they agreed to help us."

"Help?"

"This is so crazy!"

"Like mom!! For the love of humanity, this is so unfair, to Jimmie especially."

"And you mentioned help?!"

"This doesn't help mom! You are just selling us to fulfill your selfish desires mom!" I concluded as I slumped to the floor hopelessly.

"I don't care whatever you may call it but, you are going to take Jimmie's place and that's final!"

"That's enough!" My dad cuts us short.

"Audrey, you have to replace Jimmie."

"So Jimmie gets no revenge?" I blurted.

"If you want Jimmie to get revenge, your only chance is to marry her husband." My mom concluded.

Left with no other choice, I picked up the wedding dress and stormed into the dressing room.

******

THE DRESSING ROOM

******

I locked the door to the room and brought out the dress, carefully surveying its details.

It was a long red satin gown with a plunging v-neckline while, its back had an open cut style with a crisscross slender strap support. The skirt was fitted and flared from above the knee, elucidating luxury and sweeping the floor magnificently.

I put on the dress and it suited my body, perfectly binding to my curves.Picking up the jewelries on the vanity table, I layered the look by quickly retouching my makeup and packing my auburn wavy hair into a high ponytail, I left out the bangs that nearly covered my eye.

As I gave myself one last look at the mirror, a heavy sigh escaped my lips, as it dawned on me that I had to live as Jimmie, henceforth.

As soon as I came out from the room, a strong arm yanked me back, slamming me into a broad and unyielding chest. My body stiffened in shock as the strong mint and chocolate mix cologne hit my nostrils.

POV: Alexander

The last thing on my mind was getting married. I wasn't interested in women and the fact that most of the women I have ever met, were just after my wealth, tops the cherry on the cake.

Perks of being the most eligible bachelor in Edinburgh.

As a meticulous and calculated person, I really despised getting into unexpected situations like getting married to someone whom I have never met, on a random Friday night.

It felt as if I was being obliged on what to do and I really hated it. My mom can be so unreasonable at times.

I walked through the lobby, ignoring the polite bows from the staff as I made a beeline for the private elevator. The few shots I had taken were playing tricks with my head and without my glasses, everything was a mess.

The elevator dropped me off at the last floor of the building and I found my way out.

I was headed to my suité when a slender figure behind a slightly ajar door caught my attention but I couldn't phantom what it looked like.

Damn chronic astigmatism.

I moved closer to get a clearer scene and there she was.

Something with colours in my monochrome day.

Her red dress hugged her like it was part of her skin and it's open back exhibited the butterfly tattoo above her hip, like a work of art being displayed at the museum. Her auburn hair which was pulled into a ponytail, gleamed under the light.

Something about her was just inviting.

I lingered, waiting for her to come out and her scent suddenly hit my nostrils. It was the familiar vanilla channel perfume.

God!!

She smelt like a tiramisu.

My intrusive thoughts took over, as I pulled her into my cold chest. Her body was so soft and felt velvety. A pang of guilt hit me for grabbing her aggressively.

The first thing I noticed was her hazel almond - shaped eyes with bangs that nearly covered them. With a defiant tilt to her chin and perfectly glossed pink lips, she was mesmerizing.

Even if I died today, I would have no regrets because I was lucky enough to behold such a light.

"What the h*ll dude?!" She snapped, jerking me back to reality.

Her response really took me back but I wasn't going to show it. Gently removing her hair tie, I slowly ran my fingers through her silky auburn hair that fell freely on her back.

"Excuse me?!" She said, voice rising.

"Look. I'm already having a bad day. Don't make it worse." She finished.

Her words sounded amusing.

"Hazel." The word escaped my mouth like air.

" Hazel???"

"You've got to be f*cking kidding me!" She cursed, rolling her eyes.

"Can't this day get any worse?"

"Listen up sir!!"

"First of all,..."

"I'm not impressed by whatever you think you are doing."

"Secondly,"

"I have a name and the last time I checked, it's not hazel."

"So just let me have my hair tie and finish up this b*Itchy day. I need to have my rest." She finished conclusively.

Fighting between the urge to walk away or reassure her, I blurted,

"Relax hazel."

"I just don't want anyone seeing that tattoo. It looked too delicious."

"What?" She exclaimed as her cheeks flushed crimson.

"I'm just doing you a favor hazel."

"Which I didn't ask for......"

"Your eyes......." I cut in.

"They are warm."

The words slipped out.

"You are insane."

"Can you let go of me? I have an engagement party to catch."

"And my husband won't be pleased to see you holding up his loving bride in this manner." she gestured to our romantic posture.

"Ohhh" I mouthed as a sneer smirk formed on my lips

Jimmie.

She was definitely not the quiet and polite girl I was promised. She was fire and I'm heavily interested.

"Interesting." I grinned.

"What's funny?"

"I'm not trying to snatch you from your high and mighty husband hazel." I said calmly.

"i just want to have some fun with my wife before the party"

"What do you mean....?"

She faltered in her steps as the realization hit her.

"Have you been teasing me all this while?"

"I wouldn't dare! Your husband was gonna have my head, if I did that." i replied cockily.

"You are so...?" She snapped averting her gaze but I cut in.

"Unbelievable?"

"I know hazel." I replied softly as I gently brushed her bangs off her face.

"Wanna know something?"

"You are not what I expected. You are better." I gently remarked.

But she really wanted to have the last say.

"I have a very broad knowledge of how mesmerizing I look, Sir. I mean I'm not blind."

"You really amaze me." I said smiling.

"A reward for it then?" She shot back arching her brows.

"Only the best for you, Hazel." I said gently stroking her cheek. I locked in her sweaty plan in mine.

" Let's go get married."

Maybe with her, marriage wouldn't be so bad after all.

Background song: constellations by Jade Lemac.

******

POV: AUDREY.

Alexander and I walked down, the majestically designed aisle, of the party venue. It was lined with a beautiful red carpet which was lavishly designed with lavenders, roses and orchids making them scream not just luxury but also royalty.

The party room was an open garden, which was situated at the heart of the hotel. It had a kidney shaped swimming pool in it which looked comforting. They also illuminated stars from the lights beneath them, causing the pool's surface to embody the sky. I could literally jump in it and forget all that just happened but, I wasn't a good swimmer.

The cotton garlands lining the garden could almost be mistaken for a roof. It was beautifully decorated, with white and green roses, which was a matching color with the carpet grasses. The lights which hung from them, shone brightly and were being aided by the stars that embraced the sky.

Everything looked perfect and for a moment, it felt as if the heavens were in support of what was going on that night, including Jimmie's death.

And if they were, then they were definitely not being fair.

The eyes of the guests felt like arrows that shot out angrily from its archer's bow. It was the look of disgust, sneer and jealousy. But for some weird reasons, it felt like they were also scared.

I was still carefully observing them when I lost my balance but was caught by Alexander just in time.

"Don't be scared Hazel. No one here would dare to do anything to my bride."

"No one here would dare touch your bride but my sister was murdered in cold blood right here." I whispered with anger.

"Hazel...." He proceeded again but I cut him short.

"I'm not scared Mr. Royales. I'm just exhausted." I retorted as I helped myself up and adjusted my dress.

"Let's go." I said to him coldly.

"You know hazel, a thank you would have been appreciated." Alexander said calmly, as we locked our hands together again, like magnet and metal.

"I didn't ask you to catch me Mr. Royales."

"I was definitely fine on my own."

" You just can't pass up any chance you get to touch me ." I blurted out immediately.

I was already getting furious by the turnout of things this night.

"That statement really hurts Hazel."

"Can you just keep quiet?!" I whispered.

"Let's just get this done quietly please."

"Anything for my wife," he replied calmly.

The event finally kicked off and all sorts of activities were going on. From recitals to auctions down to exhibitions. It dawned on me then.

This wasn't an engagement party but, a masked way for these hungry grabbers to make more money.

Soon enough, the guests came to greet us and also welcome me into the business. The lingering thought that, one of these guests could be Jimmie's killer was sickening and I felt nauseous from it. I quickly excused myself to go get a drink from the bar.

The bar was situated right next to the buffet. It was a mini bar and the drinks were arranged neatly behind the counter, which made it easier for people to identify the drink they would like to get.

"A shot of lager beer please." I gestured to the bartender.

"Incoming milady!" The bartender replied offering me a heartwarming smile.

I sat there in silence as I waited for my drink when my mom suddenly walked up to me.

"Jimmie's body has been taken care of." She said coldly.

I felt a burning sting in my chest as my mom dropped the bomb. I actually expected this from her but, for some reasons, it hurt.

I just nodded and gave her a fake smile.

The thought of never seeing Jimmie again lingered bitterly in my heart. More so that the killer could have been apprehended, if not for my mom's desires.

I turned and stared at my mom intently filled with rage and disgust, as I bit my lower lip sharply, causing it to bruise a little, all in an attempt to stop my tears from escaping.

"Audrey,"

"In no time, you will get to understand your dad and I." She stated plainly but I stared her in disbelief.

"Mom, spare me this crap already please."

"I have already had enough for a day."

She stared at me quietly.

The silence after was soul wrenching.

"Your drink, ma'am." The bartender said, breaking the silence.

"Thanks." I said as I stood up and walked to the buffet.

I wasn't really sure of what I was doing here. If there was something I was certain about right now, it was the fact that I wasn't hungry but I had no choice.

The buffét looked really inviting. It was a Scottish banquet buffét style, with many Scottish delicacies ranging from roasted Scottish beef, wild Scottish game pie, smoked salmon canapés, langoustine cocktail and Scottish tablets as desserts. I took a serving of Scottish tablets and was munching slowly when, the discussion between two ladies caught my attention.

"I mean she's not even up to his standard. I'm still amused at what could make Alexander settle for a girl like that."

"Don't get me started Sophia. She clearly seduced him because, she can only offer her body."

"Besides, her father is wretched."

"Yeah, the scandal really took a toll on his company."

"Which gives her no other option but to go after Alexander's money."

"She had absolutely nothing to offer."

"You need to see the way her mom sucks up to aunt Lisa."

"She could pass for one of our cleaners." The girl finished, as they let out a heartfelt laughter.

I thought I should ignore them.

"A poor shameless b*tch."

Her utterance lit up the anger I had felt all night.

I suddenly walked up to her furiously and emptied my drink on her hair as she screamed in shock, attracting the crowd to us. Everywhere suddenly went silent, that even the sound of a pin dropping to the floor could be heard.

She turned towards me in shock.

"What...... did.... you.... just.....do.....?"

I just stared at her nonchalantly.

"Sorry..." I said, making an irritated face.

"My intrusive thoughts took over."

"The drink looks good with your hair by the way." I replied sarcastically.

"You b*tch!!!" She cursed as she raised her slender hand to hit me but I held it in place.

"Don't you dare!" I threatened her.

"Let go of me!!"

"Now!!!!!!!!"

I forcefully let go of her hand and made to walk away when she gripped my right hand.

"And where do you think you are going?" She asked furiously.

"Pay for my dress."

"What?!" I scoffed.

"This dress cost me fifteen thousand dollars, and you just ruined it."

I stared in disbelief.

"Ohh really?."

"I can't afford it dear."

"I'm so sorry about that."

"Excuse you?"

"I'm sorry not sorry about your dress." I stated plainly.

"This has got to be some kind of sick joke right?"

"You've got some nerve girl.." her friend chipped in.

"I mean you just ruined a 15k dollar dress and you are not even bothered about it?"

"Ohh I'm sorry."

"Am I supposed to be scared?"

"What?" She scoffed.

"I see you clearly don't know whom you are messing with right?" She said as she pushed my right shoulder aggressively.

"You should have watched it before you called me a cunt!." I replied gripping her hand.

"And who the hell do you think you are?" She asked in fury.

I made to reply her when a husky voice echoed from behind and sent chills throughout the crowd.

"My bride." Alexander answered as he approached us, like he didn't just send chills into the crowd.