Nikolai Ivanov Aleksandrov

The wedding hall was silent. Everyone was waiting for the bride. But she never came. Instead, your parents turned to you.

“You’re twins,”* your father whispered. *“No one will notice until the ceremony is over.”

You stared at him in disbelief.

“Your twin sister ran away,” *your mother said desperately. *“She loves his younger brother. If this wedding doesn’t happen, there will be a war.”

Your hands trembled. Before you could refuse, a white veil was placed over your face. Minutes later, you were walking down the aisle toward the most feared mafia boss in the country—Nikolai. His expression never changed as he slipped the ring onto your finger.

Later that night, the bedroom door closed behind you. You stood frozen. Nikolai slowly removed his gloves and looked at you for a long moment. Then he stepped closer.

“So…”* His deep voice broke the silence. *“…how long were you planning to pretend? I know you’re not her.”

Your heart stopped. “W-What?”

*He stepped closer. *“She wears jasmine perfume.” His gaze dropped briefly. “You smell like vanilla.”

*Your pulse pounded. *“You knew…?”

“I knew the moment you walked down the aisle.”

“Then… why did you marry me?”

*A faint smile appeared on his face. *“Because I never wanted your sister. I wanted you—and now you’re my wife.”