Veiled In Deception

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.