Chapter 1
- I woke up in a strange room with a severe headache. That wasn’t new—me waking up as if my head were being hammered like a nail. The sunlight streaming in through the window almost blinded me, so I had to use the back of my hand to cover it.
- I had already anticipated this sickness. I drank myself to death the night before. However, what I did not expect was to wake up somewhere else. I recently bought a condo. Now, what the hell was I doing on someone else's bed and not on my recently purchased bed?
- I slowly get up from bed as I reminisce about what happened last night. It was the most unforgettable night. The day that I left for home. I went to a bar and wasted myself for the first time. Who guessed that freedom would taste so good that I came close to touching it last night? If my father learned about it, he would definitely beat me to death. He’s kind of conservative and strict—the overprotective one. But he cannot touch me now because I have left.
- Which was, I guess, the best decision that I had made in my years of existence.
- Before I could process everything, the door in front of me suddenly opened. A woman in her forties walked in. Two younger maids were following her, their heads looking down. They were holding baskets and white blankets.
- My head frowned at their sudden entrance, and by the way, where exactly was I?
- “Finally, you are awake Veronica. Your husband and son have been waiting for you in the dining room for breakfast,” the woman declared, which made my jaw drop. Wait, what did she say?
- I was taken aback. Husband? Son? I couldn't recall being married or having a child. My mind raced as I tried to piece together what was happening, but everything felt like a blur.
- The woman gave a signal to the maids. The maids put down the things they were holding and rushed towards me. Before I could protest, the maids grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the bed. It was so forceful that I almost stumbled if only I had not grabbed the hem of the maid’s skirt.
- “Hey, I can move on my own, you know! ”I protested when they had to pull me towards the door, which I think was the bathroom. If only I didn’t have a hangover, I might have shouted and fought back.
- The maids forcefully pushed me inside and opened the shower. When cold water splashed, I screamed, “What the hell?!? ”It was done on purpose! My headache worsens, and I shiver to death.
- I was about to grab their hair and pull them with me, but they rushed out of the bathroom and shut the door behind them. I scowled with irritation and kicked the door.
- While drying my hair I couldn't help but feel confused. My hearing aren't confusing me right? I really heard that woman call me Veronica.
- But my name is Kassandra.
- Is this mistaken identity? They must have thought I was that Veronica.
- But how?
- That's impossible. Unless, someone stolen my identity and married someone else. The thought sent shivers down my spine
- I came out from the shower and saw the maids fixing the bed. The woman, who I assume the head maid signal the two to leave.
- Now, we are left alone. I took that opportunity to ask for explanation because everything was a mess and I shouldn't be here.
- I was about to say something when she said something that utterly shocked me.
- “I'm only going to say one thing," she started. "Now that you’re back, Veronica, I hope that you have finally thought things through and ended your affair with another man. I understand that marriage is difficult to handle, but think about your son. Have you no shame? Haven’t you ever considered your son's feelings? "
- The woman's words hit me like a ton of bricks. I was taken aback by her accusations, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
- From the looks of it all, they must have really mistaken me for that woman. How displeasing is it to be mistaken for a woman like her?
- I grinned as I combed my hair upward. I couldn't help but chuckle again, knowing that her words were not really meant for me.
- I couldn't help but feel disgusted towards her. How could someone be so careless with their family and reputation?
- "I'm sorry, but I wasn't Veronica," I stressed. "I don't have a child or a husband. My name is Kassandra Ympress, and you all probably mistook me for her."
- To my surprise, the woman raised her eyebrows skeptically, as if she didn't believe me. I felt a bit of frustration but kept my cool. I believe that this mess can be talked about calmly. I don't have to panic and make everything worse.
- “Stop pretending to be anything. Do you think I’ll believe that after you pretended that you lost your memories just last month? You cannot fool us anymore," she replied harshly.
- She turned away after saying that, leaving me in a state of panic.
- “Wait! I’m not lying! I can even show you my IDs and cards! ”I pleaded, searching frantically for my bag.
- I found it on the side table. I poured out the contents of my bag onto the bed to find my wallet. All my identification was kept in my wallet.
- I was slowly losing my mind as I kept on searching, but the wallet was nowhere to be found.
- “N-no! Where’s my wallet? I'm not, Veronica! "I mumbled, panicking, and my chest started to pound fast.
- Exhausted, I stood still as my eyes fixed on the chaotic mess of scattered belongings. My mind was blank, and I don't know what to do anymore.
- Aside from my wallet, my phone was also gone. I feel like someone is messing with me.
- A wave of uncertainty washed over me as the gravity of the situation began to sink in.
- Am I going to get trapped here? Am I going to take on the role of that woman and be the one to face the consequences of her actions? This wasn't fair. I did nothing wrong.
- I shook my head in frustration, trying to shake off the sense of helplessness that threatened to overwhelm me. This can't be happening. I had to find a way out of this mess.
- "Just talk to your husband," she mutters when she notices my confusion. "He was mad, and that's understandable. But for the sake of your son, he will treat you nicely. I hope that you do the same."
- How could I talk with a man who saw me as a cheating wife? He probably wants me dead.
- My mind races with thoughts of escape. Being helpless makes my blood boil. I hate it.
- I stepped closer to the woman and shook her hand. "Please, you have to believe me," I begged, my voice trembling. "I'm not Veronica. I don't belong here. I need to leave."
- My mind raced with worst-case scenarios. What if Veronica's husband was violent or abusive? What if he blamed me for his wife's infidelity and wanted to punish me? The thought made my heart pound with fear.
- "Please," I plead again, my grip tightening on the woman's arm. "Let me go. I promise, I won't tell anyone about this. Just let me leave."
- The woman yanked her arm away from my grip, shooting me a look of anger and disbelief. "After the betrayal that you committed, Veronica, no one would believe your lies anymore. Just go downstairs and tell your husband what you're saying," she spat.
- Panic set in as I realized that I had somehow stumbled into a situation that was not meant for me.
- My chest heaved with rage. "You can't keep me here! This is against the law!" I shouted, and I stormed out of the room.
- I have to talk to that man and settle this once and for all. I just hope that he isn't like that woman who firmly believes that I am Veronica. Are we even that alike to insist I was her?
- My heart raced as I made my way down the stairs, my mind racing with the possibility of what could happen next.
- It’s a miracle I didn’t get lost in the large house. The grandeur of the house didn't go unnoticed as I made my way to the living room. My eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail.
- To my right, I saw the entrance to the dining room and kitchen. I took a deep breath and prepared myself for the confrontation that awaited me.
- I took a large step forward. Let’s get this over with quickly! I can’t wait to get out of here and seek my freedom once again!
- I fully anticipated myself wreaking havoc in that dining room. In my mind, I imagine myself punching the table and screaming at the man as soon as I walk in.
- But I felt like I was hit by lightning. I did not imagine that the man was this good-looking and hot.
- Now, all my reasonable thoughts fly outside the window.