Deception

Prologue

The royal family of Argo were rulers of a small, picturesque country and it was known as Solferra. Solferra was so serene and beautiful. Their castle is located near the rolling hills and a shimmering lake.

Clara as the only princess was fated to married a noble and gave birth to the next heir of Solferra. Her parents wanted a grandson but unfortunately they had twin daughters. It was a bad omen for everyone living in Solferra to have twins and to revoke this, one must be sacrificed to ensure the strength and prosperity of the other. It was said that the weaker twin’s life essence would transfer to the stronger, ensuring her health and vitality. To many, this was an unthinkable act, but to the royals of Solferra and it's citizen, it was a sacred duty to maintain the balance of power and tradition.

Clara, the daughter of Solferra’s king and queen, found herself trapped by this tradition when she gave birth to twin daughters. The joyous moment of holding her babies for the first time quickly turned into dread when the royal advisors reminded her. Her parents are believers in tradition, insisted that one of the girls be sacrificed to uphold the sanctity of their lineage.

Clara, however, could not bear the thought. She had always been a loving and compassionate soul, and the idea of choosing between her daughters was not her plan. Her husband, Alfred, shared her sentiments. He was a man of principle and kindness, unwilling to let any shit superstition dictate the fate of their family. Together, they made a decision that would change their lives forever, they would flee the palace and raise their children in secret.

When everyone was already settled, Clara and Alfred packed their belongings and escaped the royal estate with their newborn twins. When everyone from Solferra found out that they flee, from that day, the royal family declared them as traitors and they were already dead in their perspective. They are already not allowed to stepped in Solferra and if they do they would kill them.

Clara and Alfred fled to different countries. And after that they decided to settle and are now living in a small country named Cascadia, far from the prying eyes of the court as they raised their daughter with love and care.

With the gold and jewels they brought with them, they started a new life and slowly build their name in the business world. Clara and Alfred started from hotels and as time goes by they also dominated the commercial, industrial, and other professional activities.

Lauren and Laura, the twins, grew up unaware of their royal heritage. They didn't know the reason why they are being hidden to everyone. And to protect their identities, the twins use Lau Madrigal as their name whenever they go outside. No one suspected that they are different people.

And as years passed, the twins grew into remarkable young women. Lauren was shy and reserved, but she loves the spotlight so much. Despite her introverted personality she quickly rose to fame as a model. While Laura, on the other hand, was bold and independent and she deals with their business and was excelled as its vice president.

Though their lives seemed worlds apart, Lauren and Laura remained deeply connected. Whever one of the twins are going outside one would stay inside. It became their life for years and they completely deceive everyone.

When suddenly the President of the Grover Inc. asked for Lau's hand.

"Are you sure that he want to marry me?" Lauren asked and Clara nodded softly. "Are you sure that he is talking about me?" Laura agrresively raised an eyebrow because of that remark.

"Yes, they specifically said that she wanted to marry Lau whom he met at the fashion week in Federal."

"But I don't remember talking to him." Laura sipped on her tea and was about to leave when Lauren bring up her name. "Laura and Gregory talked, maybe she was the person he was looking for."

"Don't bring my name in this mess, Lauren." She firmly said and crossed her arms. "Why don't you just marry him, you two would make a good couple."

"May I remind you that we have a same face?" Her angelic face crumpled. But Laura's face remained blank.

"Aish, just don't bring up my name in this marriage. I don't have plans on marrying some guy I don't know."

"And so do I!" Laura shake her head and sighed. She fixed her sleeves and look at her twin sister. Laura felt that she was looking at the mirror herself the only difference is how they talked, their personality and the way they dressed. Her twin sister was wearing a beautiful fitted red dress that reaches up to her knees, she also paired it with red bottoms. Her face was all dolled up and her hair was also was neatly curled.

While Laura was wearing a white long sleeve that is folded and tucked in her black slacks, she was not wearing any make up and her hair was tied in a messy bun. Lauren was so pretty like an angel, while Laura screams power.

"I'll go now I still have a report that I need to finish."

"Laura we're still not done here." Lauren pointed out and she sighed.

"I am not the girl he was talking about so I'm out of this. Please don't disturb me while I'm working. And I won't be eating dinner, I'm already full."

"But baby, you've only eaten a small portion of your lunch. How could you work properly?"

"Nah, I can still work pretty good. Bye mom." She kissed her mom's check and look at Lauren. "Smile Lauren, are you not happy that you are marrying Gregory? He is not a bad catch."

"I hate you."

"No you don't," she smiled sweetly at went to her side. She gently pat her head. "Take care outside. I love you."

"Laura... Please." Lauren called her sister affectionally but it was not effective. Laura didn't look back and silently went to her office. "Mom, I don't want to get married." Clara was alarmed when she Lauren was about to cry.

"Shush, don't cry or your face will get ruined."

"Stop this marriage. Please?"

"Okay, I'll do something about this."

"Yes please. I don't love him, Mom."

—IAmRoseee