The Substitute Twin Bride

"Is this the place?" the woman murmured.

Rose stopped in front of a luxurious hotel and checked the address on the message she had received on her phone. It was correct-Rose's sister had indeed asked to meet her there.

It had been seven years since Rose Baxter had heard from her sister, and then this message came out of nowhere.

"What is she doing in a place like this?"

Rose entered the hotel lobby, only to be immediately stopped, more like intercepted, by security. Given her plain appearance, anyone accustomed to serving the upper class would instinctively block the entry of a mere commoner.

"Wait, miss, where are you going?" the guard asked.

Rose showed him the screen of her cell phone. "I'm Rose. I was invited by Romilda Baxter, who's staying here. In a suite."

The hotel staff's demeanor changed instantly. "Ah, yes. She specifically requested that you come."

Rose's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes, Miss. Please follow me."

As Rose followed the hotel staff, she thought, "Seven years wasn't that long to rise to the highest ranks of wealth. How had Romilda done it?"

Rose and Romilda were born into an ordinary, borderline-poor family. Financial struggles had been the root of their parents' endless arguments for years. Their father, a gambler and drunk, had run up debts everywhere.

Finally, their parents divorced seven years ago. Rose went with their mother, while Romilda went with their father.

Rose had tried to contact Romilda to reconnect as sisters. But the divorce had caused Romilda to treat Rose like a stranger. She never responded to Rose's messages.

Until last week, Rose had told Romilda that her mother was seriously ill and that her dying wish was to see Romilda.

After years of ignoring her messages, Romilda suddenly responded that day. She agreed to meet Rose at a five-star hotel.

Rose grew tense as the hotel staff stopped before a tall, grand door. What should she say? Should she give Romilda an immediate hug? Or start with small talk? Her mind was spinning with uncertainty.

"This is the room, miss. Please go ahead." The hotel staff rang the bell and promptly left.

Rose took a deep breath as the door opened. And...

She nearly screamed as she saw a half-naked man standing in the doorway. Rose's eyes widened, as did his.

"Shit! Honeeeey!!!" the man yelled.

"What is it?" came a voice from inside.

"She looks like you!!"

Rose froze and quickly covered her eyes, unsure of what to say. Had she walked into the wrong room?

"Hey, come on in. You're Romilda's sister, right?" the man said casually.

Rose nodded hesitantly and stepped inside.

The hotel suite was larger than her tiny apartment. It had a spacious living area with floor-to-ceiling windows, a sleek kitchen with high-end appliances, a center island, and bar stools.

The man gestured for Rose to sit on the plush and inviting sand-colored couch. She watched him disappear into the bedroom, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Rose hesitated