“You’re not Sofia Monett.” Anger in his eyes lingers to her bones.

Athena swallowed hard gripping the bedsheet tightly.

“W-What are you talking about? I am Sofia Monett, Anton.” she tried to be calm.

“Don’t lie to me. Who the f*ck are you?” His voice fears her.

Athena couldn’t say or do something but just cover her naked body with a blanket trembling. She just married the richest CEO in town, Anton Almeda, but it wasn’t supposed to be her but Sofia Monett, the spoiled rich daughter. But he was right. She’s not Sofia Monett.

“Tell me!” Anton shouted.

“P-Please… It’s not my intention to deceive you.” A tear rolled down her cheek.

Anton felt her honesty. Looking at her, she really looks like Sofia, but Athena is just weak. How come he just realized all this time?

Athena also couldn’t believe she deceived such an angel. Anton is kind and generous. A huge regret stabbed her.

“Did Sofia do all of this?” He calmed down.

“Y-Yes.” She admitted.

Anton scoffed and stood up. He picked up his shirt and wore it.

“How did you know I’m not her?” She felt shy.

His eyes looked at the red stain on the bed sheet. She gasps in embarrassment.

“Sofia isn't a virgin.” That made her eyes widen.

Athena couldn’t believe her husband would find out the truth in their first night together.

“Get up and change and we will talk about this downstairs.” He seriously said and left her.

She sighed deeply and tears rolled down her cheeks. She couldn’t believe what was happening. If she just knew, she didn’t agree with Sofia and her friends.

Few days ago…

“Athena! Come on, they will pay us huge.” Sharon pouted.

Sharon is her best friend, and her boss is looking for one more maid for the party tonight.

“Sha, I wouldn’t think my boss would let me.” She sighed.

“I already talked to her, Athena.” She smirked.

Her eyes widened making her have no choice but to go with Sharon. In fact, she needs more funds for her schooling expenses.

“Sharon, you didn’t tell me this is a huge party. There are many people.” She felt shy.

“Come on, girl. Just do your job. We’re here for money.” She giggles.

Athena just nodded and did her job, serving the guests around.

“Excuse me, miss. Can we have three tequilas? Our table is right there.” A gorgeous woman wearing a black dress showed up.

Athena slightly got jealous of her appearance.

“O-Okay. Noted ma’am” she smiled.

As the woman said, she served them their tequilas, but she was surprised to see a woman wearing such a sexy expensive red dress. The woman looks like her. Even when she wears makeup, she knows it.

“Hey, what are y—- Oh my gosh!” One of them even noticed.

The three looked at her and they all looked shocked.

“Sofia, why does she look like you? I didn’t even notice a while ago.” The woman wearing black dress chuckled.

“Who the hell are you?!” Sofia asked.

“OMG!! Sofia, you have a twin!!” Even Helda couldn’t believe it.

“There’s no way I’ll have a twin who is just a maid, Helda. And I am prettier than her, Stella.” She still looked stunned.

Athena cleared her throat. Sofia’s words hurt her.

“I am sorry. I think you’re wrong and she’s right. She doesn’t look like me.” She finally said it.

Sofia laughed and scoffed, glaring at her. Athena felt scared. Sofia’s aura is so scary that she couldn’t even breathe. Her stare is melting her.

“Sofia, we’re not mistaken. I mean, look at her! Her eyes, her nose, h— Stop it, Helda!” Helda bits her lower lip.

“Sofia, are you thinking what I am thinking?” Stella wiggles her eyebrows.

“What now?” she rolled her eyes.

Stella grabbed her away from Athena and Helda. Helda even pouted.

“Whatever. What’s your name, by the way?” She asked Athena.

“A-Athena, ma’am.” She looked at the floor.

Helda scoffed and drank her tequila.

“Nice name for such a maid.” That made her feel very ashamed.

Athena shyly smiled. She looked at Sofia and Stella, busy talking seriously. She noticed they aren’t paying attention to her which is her way out to leave.

“Sharon. I need to go now.” She was so scared.

“What? Why? The party’s not yet over.” But she just changed her clothes.

She couldn’t handle seeing Sofia and her friends again. She feels that she’s in danger and that she needs to run away quickly.

“You’re scaring me. Has something happened?” She was so nervous.

“I just feel nauseous, Sharon. Just tell your boss I went home. Okay?” She nodded.

Athena wore her cap and walked at the exit because she knew they might be looking for her. But while running, she bumped into someone. A tall and white handsome man wearing an expensive pair of silk.

“Are you okay, miss?” He helped her stand up.

“I’m okay. Thank you.” She lifted her head.

His eyes widened.

“Sofia? Where are you going and why… are you dressed like that?” Athena shivered in fear.

She didn’t say anything and ran away. When she felt she was safe, she rested for a while and tied her hair.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” She took a deep breath.

She looked around and it was already dark. It’s just a walk away from her small home so she didn’t waste her money for a cab. After walking for five minutes, she arrived.

“Thank God I’m home.” She sat on her small chair.

Athena napped for a bit because she got tired of running.

“Stella, what are you trying to say? Why do we need that maid?” Sofia scoffed and looked at her newly polished nails.

Stella smirked.

“Sofia, you’re smart. I know you know what I want to tell you.” she giggled.

Sofia gave her a glare.

“Are you kidding me? Do I need to ask you if I already know?” she shakes her head.

Stella just scoffed and took a deep breath.

“Alright. You will need her to be you, Sofia. You will ne---- I need her to marry Anton Almeda.” her eyes widened.

Stella sighed in relief.

“Yes, my dear. Athena will be playing your spot. But where the hell is she?!”

“You’re so stupid, Helda!! Why did you let her ran away?!” Sofia is so mad.

“I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t know she ran.” Helda felt so helpless.

Stella went out looking for Athena and she even asked the servant’s head.

“Damn it!” Sofia groaned.

“She’s nowhere to be found. She really left the place. She knows we’re up to something.” Stella catches her breath.

Sofia kicked the flower. She was so pissed.

“Hey, ladies. How’s the party going?” A guy showed up.

“Hayden, we’re upset.” Stella sighed.

Hayden is their friend and Helda’s cousin. Like them, he’s also rich.

“What are you upset about?” He asked.

“Your cousin upset me.” Sofia just answered.

Hayden gasped seeing her.

“S-Sofia? I thought… what?” they felt like he knew something based on his expression.

Stella and Sofia looked at each other, with their eyes communicating.

“Hayden, tell us. Have you seen her?” Stella asked him.

“Sofia, I saw you earlier. You’re wearing a cap, and you even bumped at me. I even asked you where you’re going but you just ran away.” They gasped.

They asked him for more information.

“That wasn’t her, Hayden.” Helda said.

His eyes widened and scoffed. He thinks they are joking but Sofia’s glare made him believe it.

“Sh*t. No way. You have a twin?!” Sofia quickly covered his mouth.

“No one needs to know about this. It’s just the four of us, understand?” She asked them.

The three of them nodded. Stella explained the reason why but still, Hayden couldn’t agree to their plan. He’s scared of it.

“What? I thought you wanted to marry him too.” He asked.

“No, Hayden. She just wants his money. Plus, Sofia thinks he might be ugly.” Helda scoffed.

Hayden couldn’t believe what he just heard, but who wouldn’t marry a guy they never met but rich, right? and rumors said that he couldn’t bear a child. To her, it’s useless. So she will use Athena. Athena is her trap to getting rich.

“Are you sure about this, Sofia? You will not regret it?” Hayden smirked.

Sofia made up her mind.

“Yes. Tomorrow, we will find that maid.” She grinned.

“Her name is Athena.” They all looked at Helda with a confused expression.

There’s a part of them that won’t believe her.

“What? I asked her, okay? Besides, I think she’s honest.” Helda shrugged her shoulder.

Sofia just closed her mouth while they are arguing about Athena. She is thinking of a way how to find her quickly before the wedding her parents arranged for her.

“There’s no way I will marry that ugly sick guy! I don’t care if he’s rich. Athena will help me.” She said in her mind.

She takes a deep breath and looks around. Her eyes stopped to the owner of the house and the party.

“Where are you going?” Stella asked her.

“Wait for me here.” She just said and walked away.

Sofia was successful of her plan. She is finally waiting for the person who recruited Athena to serve at the party. After minutes, a woman wearing a decent jean and shirt walked toward her. She looks shy but her face seems innocent.

“Who is she?” Hayden asked.

“Athena’s best friend.” She smirked.

They were all stunned but Sharon was more stunned looking at her.

“I know I look like your best friend. I just want to know her full name and where she lives.” Sofia made it straight.

Sharon thinks twice before answering.

“Are you the reason why she left in a hurry?” She bravely asked.

Sofia chuckled and rolled her eyes. Sharon looked hesitant, her brows knitting together in confusion. She glanced around, as if searching for some kind of escape, but Sofia's piercing gaze rooted her in place.

“I… I don’t know if I should tell you that.” Sharon stammered.

“Athena wouldn’t want me giving out her information.” Helda scoffed, folding her arms. “Oh, come on. We’re her friends, too. Why wouldn’t she want us to know?” Sofia’s lips curved into a charming, persuasive smile.

“Listen, Sharon, we have a very important opportunity for Athena. It’s something that could change her life,” she said softly, leaning closer.

“And if you help us, I will make sure you’re taken care of, too. I’m sure a little extra cash wouldn’t hurt, right?” Sharon’s hesitation wavered.

She bit her lip, her eyes flickering between Sofia and her friends.

“Athena… she’s been struggling lately.” Sharon murmured, as if trying to convince herself.

“But… promise me you won’t do anything to hurt her.”

“Of course,” Sofia replied smoothly, placing a comforting hand on Sharon’s shoulder. “We’re only looking out for her best interests.”

After a tense moment, Sharon nodded and gave them Athena’s address. Sofia’s face lit up in triumph, but she kept her smile soft, hiding her true intentions. Sharon had no idea what kind of trouble she had just delivered her friend into.

Later that night...

Athena paced around her small living room, trying to shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over her ever since the encounter at the party. She couldn’t erase the image of Sofia’s cold, assessing eyes or the strange sense of familiarity that had jolted through her. She had met all kinds of people working as a maid, but none had ever left her feeling as unsettled as Sofia.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on her door. She froze, her heart pounding. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Cautiously, she approached the door, her hand hovering over the doorknob as she tried to peer through the peephole.

But before she could even look, the door burst open, and Sofia, along with Helda and Stella, strode in as if they owned the place.

“What are you doing here?” Athena gasped, instinctively backing away.

Sofia gave her a cold smile, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

“Athena, we have a proposition for you.”

Athena’s stomach twisted with dread. She knew, whatever it was, it would not end well for her.

“What… what do you want from me?” she whispered, clutching her arms around herself as if that could shield her from the sudden, overwhelming threat in her own home.

Sofia stepped forward, a predatory smile on her face.

“I want you to become Sofia Monett… and marry Anton Almeda.”

Athena’s heart stopped, her mind struggling to grasp the words that had just come out of Sofia’s mouth.

“What? Be you and marry Anton Almeda?” she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sofia’s smile widened, sharp and unrelenting.

“You heard me. I think you would make a perfect fit for him. And once you are Mrs. Almeda, well… let us just say your life as you know it will be over. For the better, of course.” Her tone was silky, but the threat beneath it was unmistakable.

Athena took a shaky step back, her pulse racing as she searched for a way out.

“But… I do not even know him. Why would I—”

“You don’t need to know him,” Helda interrupted, her eyes glinting with amusement. “You only need to know what’s at stake if you refuse.” Athena’s gaze darted between them, a sinking feeling pooling in her stomach.

They were not here to offer her a choice. This was a demand, a veiled threat wrapped in Sofia’s polished charm. Sofia’s smile faded, her voice turning cold.

“Think about it, Athena. You are struggling, aren’t you? And let’s be honest… a girl like you don’t have many options. Marrying Anton would solve all your problems.” Athena’s fists clenched at her sides as her thoughts spiraled.

She could feel the walls closing in around her, the weight of their demand pressing down like a vice. She was trapped, and they all knew it. But there was one thing they didn’t know.

“But if I agree, I want something in return.” Sofia raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

“Oh? And what exactly do you think you’re able to demand?” Athena's lips curved into a defiant smile.

"More than you think." Sofia’s eyes narrowed, the predatory glint in them sharpening. She wasn’t used to being challenged, and the tension in the room thickened as they stared each other down.

“Very well.” Sofia replied, her voice low and dangerous.

“But remember, Athena, once you’re in… there’s no way out.” Athena’s defiance wavered, a chill racing down her spine.

She could feel the weight of Sofia’s warning lingering in the air like a dark promise, one that she would be foolish to ignore. But as much as she feared them, something inside her refused to surrender.

“We will give you one day to make your decision. Think carefully, Athena… because your life will never be the same.” Sofia’s smile returned, colder than ever.

Athena stood frozen in the middle of her small living room, her mind racing. The words Sofia had spoken echoed in her head like a death sentence, but before she could gather her thoughts, Sofia’s voice sliced through the stillness.

“Do you need more time to think about it?” Sofia asked, her tone still cold but with an edge of impatience. She wasn’t used to waiting.

Athena turned to face her, trying to steady the trembling in her voice.

“I don’t need more time.” she said, her words sharper than she intended.

“I just need to understand why you think this is something I’d even consider.” Sofia’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

“Because you’re desperate. You don’t have the luxury of turning down an opportunity like this.” Athena swallowed hard, anger flaring up inside her.

“I’m not desperate. I’ve made it this far without crawling into someone’s bed to solve my problems.” Helda laughed softly, a sound that sent a chill down Athena’s spine.

“Oh, sweetheart, you’re not crawling into bed with Anton. You’re marrying him. And trust me, it’s not as glamorous as you think. But you’ll be set for life. What’s that worth to you?” Athena’s eyes flashed with a sudden surge of courage.

“And what about Anton? What’s in this for him? Why would a man like him—” she paused, trying to find the right words.

“—want a woman like me?” Sofia stepped forward, her heels clicking sharply on the floor.

“Anton is not like other men. He doesn’t want a woman like you; he needs you. You’re the perfect match for his... situation.”

“What situation?” Athena’s brows furrowed.

Helda shot her a cold look.

“Let me educate you. Anton Almeda is... sick. The man is practically a ghost. He can’t have children, can’t even leave his house half the time. The rumors are true: he’s a monster. But his money? That’s as real as it gets.” Athena recoiled, the words hitting her like a slap. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“You’re asking me to marry a man who’s so... broken? What kind of life would that be? And why the hell would I want to be a part of whatever this is?” Sofia’s eyes darkened, the smile slipping from her face.

“There’s no other choice. You can either marry him and live like a queen, or you can watch everything you’ve worked for slip through your fingers. I’m giving you a chance—a chance that no one else in this city will ever offer you.” Athena took a step back, her pulse racing.

“I still don’t understand why you can’t marry him. If you’re so confident this is a good deal, why isn’t it you are standing in front of him?” Sofia’s face hardened; her smile gone for good.

“I’m not stupid, Athena. I’d rather die than be his wife. But you—” she gestured with an almost pitying look.

“—you have nothing left to lose.” Helda smirked.

“Sofia’s right. You’re the perfect choice. Just think about it, Athena. You could live a life of luxury, away from the mess you’re in now.” Athena’s breath hitched.

The weight of their words pressed down on her, suffocating her every thought.

“I don’t know if I can do this... I don’t know if I want to be a part of your games.” Sofia leaned in closer, her voice now a soft but threatening whisper.

“I’m not asking you to want it, Athena. I’m telling you that you will. One day, you’ll realize there’s no way out. And I promise you, when that day comes, you’ll be grateful for this chance.” The silence in the room stretched, thick and oppressive. Athena looked at the women before her, their smirks, their calculating eyes, and for the first time in her life, she felt like she was on the edge of something far darker than she could have ever imagined.

“You’ll give me one day to think about it?” Athena asked, trying to hold onto the last shred of control.

Sofia nodded slowly. Helda's lips curled into a sinister smile.

“If not, well, we’ll make sure you understand exactly why you shouldn’t have turned us down. Either way, it’s happening. You can’t escape this.” The door closed behind them with a finality that sent a shiver down Athena’s spine. Her legs felt weak, and for a moment, she leaned against the wall for support.

One day.

She didn’t know what she was going to do, but deep inside, she knew she couldn’t afford to make the wrong decision. And with that, Sofia turned on her heel, motioning for her friends to follow. Athena watched them leave, her heart pounding as the reality of her predicament settled over her.

“What should I do? Should I accept it? Sofia Monett, she’s rich. She has everything. She has no problem, but marrying an ugly stranger... I don’t think I can do it.”