Janelle Monroe, the oldest daughter of the wealthy Monroe's family met the shock of her life when she was forced to replace her sister, Jasmine Monroe, on her wedding day. She refused at first, but when she was told by the woman she believed is her mother that she was never a true heir of the Monroe, a family she believed was hers for 23 years. To force her to agree to the marriage, Roselle Monroe, her adoptive mother threatened to throw her out of the family and even kill her if she refuses. And also she threatened to stop treatment on their old maid, whom she knew is so dear to Janelle. Not having a choice she got married to the ruthless, irresponsible Leonardo Morley, the illegitimate son of the popular Billionaire family, whose dying mother's wish was that both families should be bound in a union between their children. In the course of the loveless marriage, Janelle got to know that Leonardo Morley is a feared billionaire Mafia boss known as "The Devil" and a series of secrets begin to unfold. How would she survive this hellhole called marriage. Let's see.
Chapter 1 THE WEDDING DAY
The most talked about day in the Monroe family is finally here, today being the 30th of September, the wedding day of the arrogant and ambitious Jasmine.
The Monroe wedding is set to take place in the grand ballroom of the renowned Sixty Rows Hotel, a lavish venue known for its breathtaking view and mind-blowing interiors. The hallway is adorned with ivory and blush pink. Crystal chandeliers shine golden on the polished marble floors, and a plush red carpet runs through the length of the corridor, guiding the guests toward the ceremony.
"I'm so eager to see how stunning and beautiful my younger sister will look in her wedding gown. Of course... It will be a gorgeous sight." Janelle was smiling from ear to ear, happiness could be seen all over her face, even in her DNA.
Janelle Monroe stood before the full-length mirror in her hotel room, smiling and admiring the beautiful gown she got herself for her sister's wedding today.
Today is supposed to be Jasmine's day -- the day her younger sister will get married into the Morley family.
"You're going to be a beautiful bride," Janelle muttered to herself, imagining her sister walking down the aisle in the elaborate gown their mother had spent months fussing over. Jasmine deserved happiness, even if her spoiled nature made her difficult at times.
The sound of hurried footsteps could be heard miles away from the most popular sixty rows hotel's hallway. Roselle Monroe, Janelle's adoptive mother, barge into the room with urgency in her movement "Janelle turned, her brow furrowing. "What is it, mother? Shouldn't you be with Jasmine, helping her get ready?" Janelle asked with a surprised look on her face.
"Janelle, darling," Roselle began, with a sweet sugar-coated voice, "I have something special for you."
Janelle blinked at the garment bag. "What is it?"
Roselle smiled-- the smile actually looked practiced and forced. The hollow expression that Janelle had long since stopped believing. "A dress, of course. I thought it might be a nice surprise for you to wear something truly stunning today. You deserve it, my dear."
"Really?" Janelle asked, caught off guard by her mother's seemingly thoughtful gesture. Her mother rarely showed such consideration towards her, which makes this scenario surprising to Janelle but she doesn't want her mother to feel she's unappreciative and decided to play along. "That's.....kind of you mum. But I already have my champagne-colored dress." She gestured towards the gown on the hangar.
"Nonsense child," Roselle said, hardening her tone just slightly so Janelle would see how loving she could be. "This one is better. Trust me."
Before Janelle could respond, Roselle sent for a maid to come get Janelle to the dressing room. Janelle followed the maid without arguments.
The next room was busy with activity when Janelle arrived. Two stylists immediately approached her, their hands full of accessories and makeup brushes.
"Let's get you ready, Miss Monroe," one of them said cheerfully.
"Ready for what?" Janelle asked, silently hoping it was not what she thought they were trying to do.
The other stylist gestured to the wedding gown. The bag Roselle headed over to one of them was kept on the bed; it was unzipped, revealing an extravagant wedding gown.
"For the ceremony, of course. We've been instructed to help you into the dress."
Janelle's pulse quickened. "The ceremony? What ceremony? This is Jasmine's wedding day, not mine!" Janelle said with a smile saying... No! You all made a mistake.
Janelle froze. "Wait. What?" Totally shocked at the appearance of a wedding gown! "What is happening here?" She asked the maid and the stylist, looking at her like she needed to beg them before they spilled.
The stylist exchanged nervous glances. "We're just following Mrs. Monroe's Instructions," one of them said cautiously.
"No," Janelle said firmly, shaking her head. "There's been a mistake. I'm not putting on that dress. Get my mother. Now."
The stylist hesitated before one of them hurried off to find Roselle.
"Huh!" Janelle, confused at what was happening, asked. "Wait a minute, I thought today was supposed to be my sister's wedding. Emphasis on my... sister-- she gestured her two fingers in the air. So when did I get hooked up as the bride without my knowledge of it?" Daam it... She drew the bag she was holding on the floor. "Somebody get me, my mother; I need some explanation because I'm not going into whatever that is on the bed," Janelle screamed and demanded her mother the second time without knowing someone had already gone to get her. She drew the side chair and sat down, panting heavily with furiousness and curiosity plastered all over her face. Her face almost turned red.
Janelle couldn't understand the situation; in a confused state, she stood up, pacing around the room; her mind wasn't at rest. None of this made sense. Was this some kind of elaborate prank? Why should mother insist on me wearing a wedding dress?
The door opened, and Roselle stepped into the room, her expression cold and unreadable. "Everyone out," she commanded.
The stylist hurriedly gathered their things and left, leaving Janelle alone with her mother.
"What is going on, Mom?" Janelle demanded, crossing her arms. "Why would I be wearing a wedding gown? Jasmine is the one getting married!"
Roselle's eyes hardened, and immediately, the pretentious mask she was wearing disappeared, revealing her true mean expression that was hiding. "You're wearing it because you're the one getting married today, Janelle."
Janelle's heart stopped. "What?"
"You heard me," Roselle said, her voice was now icy. "You're replacing Jasmine. You're the bride now."
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