My One-Night Stand, My Husband

Lexi

“I don't think so, Miss Grant,” he replied, smiling. I was pretty sure I had met him, but I just couldn't place where.

“Don't mind my daughter, Mr. Wright,” my father beamed. “She tends to be like that sometimes.” Turning to me with a sweet smile, he added, “Darling, come down here and meet Mr. Asher Wright, the personal assistant to Mr. Blackwood.”

“Hi,” was all I could muster, my patience wearing thin. I needed to get this over with. How could my parents switch my identity with Alisha's just because I'm supposed to marry someone meant for her? She was the offender and here I'm serving the punishment meant for her.

The personal assistant to some supposedly ugly old man smiled, probably understanding my resentment.

“Come, sir. What brings you here to my abode?” Father asked, inviting him to sit on the sofa in the living room. Mr. Wright followed and sat down.

“Mr. Blackwood sent me,” he replied, taking the water from Ross, one of our house staff. “He wants this marriage done already.”

I scoffed. That’s never going to happen with me. If anyone is getting married next month, it will be Alisha. The real Alisha.

“Yes, Mr. Wright. We all, including Mr. Blackwood is aware that the wedding will be happening next month,” my father explained, his eyes focused on him. “We all are extremely prepared for it.”

“No,” the young man replied, his gaze travelling to me. “He wants the marriage to happen … today.”

“What?” That wasn't my voice. It was my father’s, my mother’s, and Alisha’s.

I stared in disbelief.

“Mr. Wright…”

“Don’t worry about the preparations. I have Miss Alisha’s wedding dress with me; the driver will bring it in.”

“This is insane!” I shouted, my eyes filling with tears. “What bride finds out she’s getting married without being informed?”

“Behave yourself, woman!” Father roared, still in shock. He sighed and turned to Mr. Wright, who still stared at me. “If that’s how Mr. Blackwood wants it, then I will have her Mother and sister dress her for the wedding.”

Mr. Wright nodded and stood up. I was too shocked to speak. All I wanted to do was run.

“Alright then. See you in an hour. Mr. Blackwood doesn’t like to be kept waiting,” he said, nodding at me before exiting the house.

“You heard her, Lexi. Go get ready immediately,” my father ordered, picking up his phone to make impromptu calls.

“Why?” I asked, halting his movement. “Why do you hate me so much?”

“What nonsense are you spouting, young woman? We were only given an hour, and the time starts now!”

“I’m not marrying him!” I screamed, tears streaming down my face. “I’m the youngest, yet I have to marry before my sister. She committed the crime; why do I have to pay for it?”

“Shut up this instant, you ungrateful girl!” my mother roared, slapping me across the face. “You should be grateful you have the opportunity to prove yourself to this family. You’re marrying a wealthy man who can plan a wedding in a few hours, a man who can change the course of our lives.”

I held my cheek, the pain from the slap nothing compared to the pain in my heart.

“You don’t want to be dragged through the mud after he finds out we tricked him with a girl who’s not a virgin!”

“Nonsense!” my dad yelled. “Your mother had you checked yesterday.”

I laughed dryly. “And you believe that from yesterday to now, I couldn’t have lost it?”

“You will do no such thing,” he said simply, walking up the stairs. “Your virginity test was sent to him. Whatever he finds out is your cross to bear. You will be Alisha until you die, and that’s final.”

“Meet me in your room now. I will dress you myself,” my mum announced and followed suit.

Alisha and I were left. The dress arrived with Rose, who bowed before leaving the room. Alisha walked up to me, a smug smile on her face.

“I’m the only productive one in the family. Surely you don’t want me to waste my time serving an old man.”

“Because I chose art over business, I’m useless, right?” my voice trembled.

“Be a good girl, Lexi. Don’t do anything stupid.”

I stared at her in disgust.

“You were right earlier,” I said, my view blurry from tears. “And you better tell our parents you knew I left the house yesterday.”

“I know, but there’s no proof,” she whispered. “I already cleared the CCTV. I won’t let you drag our name through the mud.”

I gasped. My gut had known my coming and going was too smooth. Alisha was always a step ahead of me.

Defenceless and hopeless, I walked upstairs to be dressed. We all then journeyed by car to where I would be married. I had lost my fight. Cassie would be shocked to learn I got married on the day we planned my escape. I regretted not running away last night.

The venue wasn’t the church I expected. It was an outdoor setting with people already seated, waiting for me. My father held my hand as my mother and Alisha found their seats.

My husband, whoever he was, wasn’t at the altar yet. The priest stood, smiling as I approached. Never had I witnessed a wedding where the groom met the bride at the altar. It was an evident show of superiority.

Still battling my inner turmoil, I heard resounding steps as someone walked towards me. The crowd seemed as shocked as I was when a young man in a fine black suit approached. Mr. Wright followed closely behind.

He walked to my side, and I met the unbelievably familiar blue eyes of the man from last night.

“We meet again, Kitty,” he whispered, his lips broadening into

a smile before facing the priest.

No way. My handsome one-night stand was my husband!