"Make a wish! Make a wish!" My best friend excitedly encourage me as she held my birthday cake for me to blow on the candles.
And as I closed my eyes to make a wish, I muttered "I know it is impossible, but... If there is way, please make me someone who can make a change into someone else's life for the better... Perhaps someone who isn't selfish as I am..."
Then, I took my sweet time and wish some more possible ones before I fully open my eyes and blow the candles out and with the thin smoke from it, my eyes suddenly comes into a blur and the next thing I knew, I fell asleep.
--
Waking up, I am expecting to be scolded by my best friend who was the only one who showed up for my birthday, but as I opened my eyes, I was shocked and confused to see that I am not in my room or somewhere in my apartment.
"W-where am I?" I asked myself, sitting up and looking around.
It was then my eyes caught on something strangely familiar, a picture frame. Waltzing towards it, I heard a notification bell.
"Welcome host, my name is Belle. I welcome you to the interactive novel world of Urbania, where you are summoned to be a substitute bride for a this world's hottest bachelor and CEO named Zane Adams." It explained.
"Interactive Novel World? But why?" I asked, my brows furrowed, still lagging behind.
"Pardon me host, but Belle doesn't know too. I am just here to guide you and give you options as you unfold the story." It replied.
Groaning and shaking my head in uttered disbelief, I closed my eyes to process things then, I realized that this might be brought upon my birthday wish.
"Belle, will you tell more about this Zane Adams?" I commanded.
"Yes, host." It paused a bit before speaking again. "Zane Adams is a 28 year old bachelor, the CEO of a company called Adam's Eve, a company who develops AI software that focuses on companionship."
Nodding, I processed the information in silence before asking Belle. "Anything else I need to know?"
"For him, none. But please note that your name is Lucky Evans, 25 years old and you will be meeting Mr.Adams in an event you had organized." Belle replied.
Taking mental cues, I started to process its words a lot better and faster now. "Does this mean Lucky Evans is somewhat an Event Coordinator or an Event Planner?"
"Yes, host. You are an event coordinator and this event will be happening tonight. So please make prior preparations now." Bella briefly explained.
Sighing, I looked at the clock then down, trying my best not to be overwhelmed as it was my biggest problem as me in the real-world, so with a deep breath, I then stood by the full view mirror, looking up and down at my reflection.
Seeing a petite yet fine looking lady with long black hair, a pair of black doll eyes, a supple kissable lips and a skin that is fair white.
"Gosh! She's so pretty and yet she's just some substitute bride?!" I groaned to myself, pinching my cheeks and some skin, to feel it some more before hopping into the bath to get ready.
"Belle, could you tell me more about Lucky? like her upbringing and some traits? You don't want me going wild in this body when she's someone demure, don't you?" I asked in the back of my mind since it's what she's been doing with me anyway.
After sometime of silence, Belle finally decided to speak up. "All I can tell you now is that, Lucky has always been a seflless person, she always put others first before herself but, rest assured my host, you can alter her personality in which way you want, as long as you could give her a good ending."
Pleased with what I heard, I nodded and started to hum a happy tune and as I get off the bath, already planning on how should I make sure to present her character in a way that she won't and willn't be treated like some second best.
Well, I might sound like some pushover right now, but believe me or not, I just know how it is to settle for less and now that I am given a chance to change one's life for the better, I will make sure that it won't go downhill like my life in the real world.
"I promise." I mumbled as I open the closet, but I didn't even know what kind of event will be I going to attend so how do I suppose to decide on what to wear. "Belle!" I called.
Giggling in the back of my head, Belle speaks up. "Sorry for not telling you, my host. You just look like so determined earlier and I feel like I'm gonna ruin the moment."
Embarrassed, I covered my face. "Just tell me now, will you?"
With a light giggle, Belle oblige, but her tone immediately shifted.
"The event you organized is the wedding of Mr. Adams and a lady named, Zea Hudson, Zane's childhood sweetheart, his first love.
But with an unknown reason, Miss Zea won't be showing up in the wedding and you'll have to stand with Mr. Adam's side as his substitute bride and if you're wondering how will it be possible, its simple. Make him!"
Hearing the command in Belle's usually soothing and friendly voice, I knew myself that what will happen tonight is not an easy feat, not only because I am stepping in as a character, but becuase it will be the basis of the story I am in.
So with the information i was given, I once again faced the closet and with a strong conviction, I pulled out a white evening gown, laid it down to the bed before I sat by the vanity to do my hair and make up.
Once done, I carefully slid in to the gown, wear my stilettos, and grab my purse to make my way to the event hall myself, and of course, with Bella's directions that is.
Arriving at the hall just in time, an employee of mine (I figured) came running to me and said. "Miss we got a big problem." It said.
"Hm? and what is that?" I asked casually, knowing exactly what the problem is.
Biting its lips, it leaned in to whisper. "The bride seemed to stood up the groom."
Feigning a gasp to express my shock, I asked. "Oh no! That can't be, where is he?"
My employee then point to the back side of the stage, so I give its shoulder a quick pat before making my way to meet this Mr. Adams.
Reaching the backstage, I then see a tall, slim and handsome man, dressed up in a black suit, punching the wall as hard as he can, its knuckles are already bleeding.
"S-Sir." I called to it.
Its gaze met mine and suddenly, he hid his bloody hands from me and stood there, acting all composed yet cold, his eyes boring into my soul, filled with anger and confusion.
"Miss Evans. I'm sorry to say this but, I don't think this wedding would be happening... My bride..." His voice cracking, a clear sign that he isn't comfortable to admit his defeat.
Gently placing my index finger on his lips, I muttered. "You don't have to say it, Sir. I think I know what is happening now, but it's not too late to have change of plans."
His eyes widened as his breath hitched. "Change of plans?" He asked.
Nodding, I leaned into whisper. "I think marrying a substitute bride will be better than to announce that your fiancee ditched you in your wedding day."
I heard him gasp into the thought. His hidden bleeding hands now on my arms. "A-are you saying that you'll be my substitute bride?" He asked, his anger now replaced with some sort of desperation.
With a smile, I carefully held his hands down and clasped them together, saying. "Yes, Sir. But for now, let's get your hands treated, we don't want to go trending with it."
Now looking at me like some tamed mad dog I held Zane down to a chair, while I discreetly called one of my employees and deal with his hands, while I told my remaining employees regarding the changes.
And as soon as Mr. Adams' wounds were dressed, he got back to his place while I made my way out to make my entrace as his substitute bride.
"Ready to be married, host?" Bella asked.
Nodding, I then clipped the veil on my hair and put it down like on any other brides, and as the door opens, I slowly walked down the aisle, feeling the confused and judging eyes of the guests but I couldn't care less as I have mission to do so, and that is to be Zane Adams' substitute bride.