ALICIA's pov:
Alicia Roman had always been the one who stayed.
When storms hit, Alexa ran headfirst into the rain, laughing, daring the thunder to chase her. Alicia stayed indoors, closing the windows, holding the curtains steady.
When their parents argued, Alexa shouted back. Alicia learned how to make herself small.
So when Alexa disappeared, it felt inevitable.
The night of her disappearance replayed endlessly in Alicia’s mind. The way Alexa had stood at the foot of her bed, suitcase already packed, eyes blazing with something between fear and resolve.
“I won’t marry him,” Alexa had said. “I won’t be sold to save them.”
Alicia had swallowed hard. “What about everyone else?”
Alexa’s voice softened. “That’s why I have to leave. If I stay, they’ll force me. And if they force me… I’ll break.”
Then she had reached out, cupped Alicia’s face, and whispered, “I’m sorry.”
That was the last time Alicia saw her sister.
By morning, the family was in chaos. Lawyers arrived. Phones rang endlessly. Their mother wept behind locked doors. Their father aged ten years in a single afternoon.
And by evening, the decision had been made.
Alicia would replace Alexa.
She was twenty-six years old when she became collateral.
“Alicia!!!!” I heard my name being called from downstairs and I sigh, what is it this time again.
I got downstairs and I looked around; everyone moody, no sign of Alexa.
“Where is Alexa?” I asked… I was met with silence no one answered me.
That's when I remembered, “Alexa, left… she isn't here anymore “
“Only God knows where she is… I hope she is okay wherever she is” I thought.
“ Alicia sit down. We have to speak to you about something” My dad said…
I knew what was coming….
“Pretend to be Alexa and get ready to marry Victor in 2 weeks time” my heart dropped,..
I don't even have a say in this; I've never had to counter my parents since I was born, I had to nod meekly “understood”..
I stood up and headed back to my room.
Pacing back and forth and ended up dropping on my bed, I cried my eyes out.
This wasn't the life I wanted….
I remember the call I had with Elliott yesterday before all this happened…
The day before…..
“Hello, my love” I said over the phone. I was speaking to the love of my life Elliott. I smile sheepishly as he replied, his early morning voice drives me crazy…. Arghh.
I and Elliot have been dating secretly for 3 years now. I plan on telling my parents about us tonight.
“How do you feel about telling your parents about us”, he asked and I zoned out completely.
The Roman’s, a rich and wealthy family. A family of four; my parents, my twin Alexa and I. Alexa, the outspoken one while I… Sigh, I'm just the quiet one no one pays attention to. My parents always picked Alexa over me, I am the least favorite in the house.
When problem arises, I will be the one solving it.
If Alexa gets into trouble, I'll be the one solving it just because we are identical.
“Alicia! Are you still there!” Elliott shouted over the phone, pulling me out of whatever daydream I was in.
“Are you okay?” he asked
“I am, my love” I said
I hope my parents take it well, I can't imagine life without Elliott in it.
“I have to go now, Elliott .. Let me prepare for the night ahead”
“Bye babe, kisses”
“I won't forgive Alexa. Not in this life or next I promise….” I slept off with this thought on my mind.
I woke up with a banging headache the next morning…. Suddenly hearing the doorbell ringing endlessly
“Who could that be, I thought” ….. It was Victor
“Shit” I need to get into character…..
