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.”

Athena just woke up and quickly grabbed her phone.

“I already made up my mind.” because she’s so ambitious, she decided to accept Sofia’s offer.

After dialing Sofia’s number, she takes a deep breath and touch her chest.

“I guess you already made up your mind, huh?” Sofia smirked.

“You’re right. I don’t need more time to think about it. Just promise me your word.” Athena sighed.

Sofia promised and ended the call after telling her to wait for them to pick her up. After two hours, Sofia and her friends arrived and took her to a private salon. Athena needs a huge transformation because she exactly needs to copy Sofia’s hair and styles.

“Can I just be like this? Besides, we have the same face.” but Sofia scoffed.

“That’s a big NO. Sofia is very expensive. If her parents saw you, they will notice you are not their daughter.” Stella rolled her eyes.

Helda agreed. Athena has no choice. While they are busy transforming her hair, face, and nails, Sofia and Stella went to shop clothes for her.

After hours...

“Wow. I didn’t expect this to happen. She really looks like you for now, Sofia.” Stella grinned.

Helda clapped walking around Athena. Athena is wearing a black short dress and a high heel. Good thing she slightly knows how to wear heels.

“What do you think, Sofia?” Helda asked.

“Impressive. Now, we need to talk about the things you need to know about me, my parents, and my life.” and they all followed her.

The four of them headed to Sofia’s condo. Athena is smart and she memorized everything they told her already, but what she couldn’t do is how to act toward Sofia’s parents. Athena grows up as an orphan. She’s worried that she might be clingy to them, which in fact Sofia isn’t that way toward them.

“I’ll try my very best to do what I need to do.” she smiled genuinely.

“Good. And you’re going to stay here from now on. We will take care of your old things and place.” Sofia said.

Athena’s eyes widened.

“What?! But ...” she mumbled.

“Starting from now on, you’re Sofia Monett.” she just nodded.

Athena looked around while they are murmuring at the living room. Sofia gave her time to adjust and to see if she needs anything, but everything seems to be complete.

“And by the way, the wedding is in the next few days. Remember what we told you.” Sofia is behind her.

“Okay. But your friends, are they coming over?” she asked.

Sofia chuckled and made it clear that they will not go either. They will go to Japan and hide there for the meantime. Sofia noticed how she become nervous and scared.

“You don’t have to feel worried or nervous, Athena. Remember, Sofia Monett isn’t afraid of anything. Put that in your mind.” it’s the first time she smiled at her.

Athena nodded and sighed.

“Yeah, but I am not you.” she shyly said.

“You’ll figure it out, dear. Time will make you.” Sofia winked at her.

That’s the first time she feels her warm heart. She was right. Sofia isn’t really bad or mean. She just didn’t want to marry someone she doesn’t know and love.

“Let’s keep this as a secret. I have a boyfriend that is why I didn’t want to marry Anton. I love him, Athena.” her eyes widened.

Looking into her eyes, she is really in love. She’s actually doing this for love and not for money.

“Your parents... they don’t know?” Sofia shakes her head.

“They do, but they want me to break up with him. They think JM is not good for me, because he’s my parents’ enemy’s son.” Athena feels so broken with what she said.

Stella called Sofia cutting their conversation. Sofia took a deep breath and looked into her eyes.

“I am so grateful that I met you, Athena.” she feels her honesty.

“Let’s go?” Stella asked her.

Sofia nodded and they walked toward them. Sofia looked around her condo. She surely will miss her favorite place every time she argues with her parents.

“Everything you need is inside the bedroom. Don’t worry. You will be fine here.” that’s Sofia’s last words to her before leaving.

Athena locked everything and headed to the bedroom. Her eyes widened to see Sofia’s cards, cash, and expensive things inside. She couldn’t believe she’s in that spot already.

“Oh God. What did I just get into?” she sighed deeply.

A loud buzz startled her. It’s Sofia’s phone and her mom is calling. Athena’s eyes widened. Her hands as trembling as she picked it up.

“You can do this, Athena. You’re Sofia right now.” she cleared her throat and answered the call.

“What now?” she tried to copy Sofia’s angry voice.

Sofia’s mom just sighed and took a deep breath.

“Sofia, can you stop being mad at us? Your dad and I just got home, and we missed you so much. Can you go home and have dinner with us? And we will also talk about your wedding.” her voice is so calm that touches Athena’s heart.

“Mom, you know I am so busy right now. Got to go. Bye!” she ended the call and massaged her fingers.

It was her first time being rude to elderly which she feels so much regret. Athena couldn’t help why Sofia has to be like that to her parents? They are still her parents. She’s so lucky that they gave everything to her.

Few days later...

Athena already got used to Sofia’s life. She spent her days inside Sofia’s condo mastering everything about Sofia; the way she walks, laugh, talk, and everything. Not until the wedding day arrived.

“And that’s how you both agreed to toy me?” Anton glared at er.

Athena quickly shakes her head.

“I... I didn’t mean to and she didn’t mean to as well, Anton. I agreed because I got tired of my old life. I got tired of struggling, and Sofia... she loves her boyfriend a lot.” she looked at the floor.

Anton nodded and drinks his wine. He was even generous to hear everything from the beginning.

“I will trust you but it’s for now.” he stood up.

“Please don’t tell anyone about this! I begged you.” but he just scoffed.

Looking at her, she felt hopeless.

“I will not as long as you will do everything I say, do you understand?” he smirked.

Anton couldn’t sleep and watches his wife sleeping beside him. He couldn’t believe there is another Sofia. And he couldn’t even believe that they actually believe the rumors about him being a monster, ugly, and sick. Anton doesn’t care if she’s not the Sofia, what he cares is that Athena should give him an heir. He wasn’t supposed to marry Sofia if not for his parents who chose her for him. But he hates her knowing that she is rude, a party goer, and always shops.

A few days later, Anton is giving her such a cold aura ever since he found out the truth. He doesn’t even want her to leave the mansion if he didn’t say so. He didn’t even allow her to work.

“I missed my old life.” she mumbled.

She thought being a rich guy’s wife is something, but she was wrong. While walking around the mansion, she saw a room to the corner. Athena tried to open it but it was locked.

“That room is locked for how many years, ma’am.” Tony, the housekeeper said.

Tony is already on her 35th and Anton told her that she had been working with his family for eight years already.

“Why? What’s inside this room?” she’s just so curious.

“I am sorry but I also don’t know, ma’am. Even the others don’t know. All I know is that Anton cherished the room a lot. That’s where he kept his memories.” she said.

Athena nodded. Because of her curiosity, she was so eager to know about it. She even asked Tony if she knows where is the key to that room, but she doesn’t know where Anton hid it.

“Ma’am, your lunch is ready.” Tina, the maid told her.

Athena took a deep breath making them to look at her curiously.

“Can you guys stop calling me that? I think ma’am is too much. Just call me by my name. I am fine with that.” she sighed.

Tina and Tony looked at each other curiously.

“No, it’s fine. Really.” she repeated.

“O-Okay, S-Sofia.” they said in unison.

Athena is so happy about it, but she’s not happy that it’s not her real identity. While she’s eating, Tina called her because someone called for her.

“Who is it?” she asked.

“Her name is Athena.” Tina said making her eyes widen.

She quickly stood up and took the phone from Tina. She waited for Tina to leave before answering the phone.

“It’s me.” she sighed.

“How’s life going on? Did they notice something or whatsoever?” it’s the real Sofia calling her.

Athena remembered the night Anton confronted her. If she will tell Sofia about it, she will get mad at her and might ruin her which she is scared about.

“Nothing to worry about. I’m actually doing fine. How about you?” she cleared her throat.

“I’m actually fine here. I live with JM. By the way, I called you because Helda and Stella are going to pay you a visit.” it’s the first time after how many weeks she called.

Athena took the initiative to stop her from talking.

“Sofia, there’s something you need to know.” she will tell her the truth about Anton’s real identity.

“No time for that, Athena. I need to go now. JM and I are going out.” before she speaks, Sofia ended the call.

Athena helplessly fixed the phone and went back to the dining.

“Is something the matter?” Tony asked her.

“I’m fine, Tony.” she smiled.

Athena spent her time getting bored inside the mansion. Even the maids didn’t want her to work as per Anton said. She even planned to sneak out to visit Sharon, but Anton hired more guards outside the gate. Until she gave up and just play the piano. Anton just got home and heard the piano.

“Who is playing?” he asked Tina.

“Your wife, sir.” his eyes widened.

The melody seemed so familiar to him. It’s his first time hearing someone playing that song. He stopped and watched her.

“Oh my God. You’re home.” Athena stopped playing and stood up.

“Who taught you that song?” he asked.

Athena got nervous because of the way he looked at her. She thinks she did a mistake and regretted it.

“No one.” she said.

Anton walked toward her and held her hand tightly hurting her.

“Ouch! Please let go of me. You’re hurting me.” with a teary-eyed, he still doesn’t care about her.

“Where did you get that piece?!” he yelled at her.

Athena doesn’t understand what he said. Anton let go of her and looked for the piece on the piano, but he never found anything. He looked at her madly.

“How did you know about that song?” he asked her again.

Athena massages her hand and scoffed.

“What are you saying? I already told you that I know that ever since I was young, okay?! You didn’t have to hurt me too.” she was about to cry making him feel guilty.

He could see that she was honest. Athena walked out and ran to their room. Anton looked at Tina.

“Is she telling the truth? Or did she steal it from upstairs?” he asked her.

“No, sir. She spent her day here. In fact, I was always watching her as you told me. She didn’t steal anything.” Tina said.

Anton still don’t believe them. He’s just so curious how did she know the piece his ex-girlfriend made for him before.

“There’s no way I am going to apologize to her.” he rudely said.

On the other hand, Athena wiped her tears looking at the hand mark Anton did to her a while ago. It hurts her a lot. The door burst open and she didn’t dare look at him.

“Tell me honestly, where the hell did you stole what you just played downstairs?” he still doesn’t get it.

Athena looked at him with a glare.

“What part of my answer don't you understand?! I know you hate me because I lied and deceived you but you don’t have the guts to tell me I stole that piece! You want the truth? Fine! I created that piece while I was young at the orphanage.” his eyes widened.

“W-What?” his voice became weak.