Chapter 1

My twin sister ran away just before her wedding. Our parents, desperate to maintain the alliance with the Taylor Family, insisted that I step in and marry Declan Taylor in her place.

After the wedding, Declan never laid a finger on me.

"Adeline, stop wearing those clothes to try and seduce me. You're just standing in for Hazel, so keep your little fantasies to yourself."

"If it weren't for the fact that you and Hazel have the same face, I wouldn't even look at you."

Declan had no idea, but he was about to get his wish. Fiona had already enjoyed her life outside. Before Declan returned, I sent a message to my father.

"I agree to the switch, but you need to set up a new identity for me."

"Alright, I'll transfer a hundred million dollars to you. Never come back to the country."

Was such a deal even possible? I laughed aloud at the message. Declan put on his coat, returning to his usual composed demeanor, and frowned at my cheerful expression.

"Adeline, what's so funny? Are you thrilled because I touched you today?"

I stopped smiling and looked up at him. "I was just thinking about Grandfather's upcoming 80th birthday."

Declan nodded, a hint of mockery in his eyes. "Another chance for you to seek favor."

"But no matter how much the Old man likes you, he'll always see you as Hazel."

My fingers dug into my palm. When I decided to take Fiona's place at the wedding, I was secretly pleased. After all, I'd been in love with Declan for fifteen years.

The Taylor Family has a rule: one can only marry once in a lifetime, and breaking it means expulsion from the family. I thought I was finally going to spend my life with the one I loved. On our wedding night, I couldn't wait to confess my feelings.

But he coldly pushed me away and left. The next day, he brought a series of outfits, all in Fiona's style.

"From today on, pretend to be your sister until she returns."

At that moment, I felt utterly ridiculous.

The phone rang. "You're back? Where are you now?" His voice was breathless with excitement.

"Okay, wait for me." He hurried out, and soon the sound of an engine starting downstairs could be heard. He sped off.

A few hours later, I saw a picture posted by Fiona on Twitter. "After all the detours, you're still the best."

The next day, he brought Fiona home and casually instructed me, "Pack your things and move to the secondary bedroom."

I didn't respond and pushed the suitcase I packed last night towards the door. But he suddenly stopped me, frowning.

"I meant for you to move to the secondary bedroom. Hazel just came back and isn't familiar with the Taylor Family. You must help her adjust."

"You've occupied the position of Mrs. Taylor for three years. You owe Hazel this."

Fiona whispered in my ear, "Dad said if you don't behave, he won't give you any money."

Declan hesitated a bit, saying, "If you don't want to leave the master bedroom..."

I didn't let him finish and spoke up. "No need, I'll stay in the empty nanny room on the first floor."

Declan looked surprised, trying to find a hint of insincerity on my face. But all he saw was calmness. He got angry and said:

"If you don't want to live in the secondary bedroom, go to the basement."

"Then it'll be inconvenient for my younger sister to live on the same floor as us."

Fiona said with a shy smile as she pulled Declan into the room. Soon, the sound of their kissing filled the air. I silently went down to the basement, feeling a bit desolate.

Declan had always been restrained. In the early days, I deliberately tried to provoke him, but he was like a monk. I'll never forget that night when he came home drunk and kissed me urgently. But in the end, he didn't touch me. From then on, he moved into the master bedroom, venting every night.

It's laughable that I once thought him using me to solve his needs was a sign of things getting better. What a fool I was.