Chapter 2

Selene's POV

"Let us pray for the soul of Alexander Morrison, may he rest in peace in heaven."

The pastor's solemn voice echoed throughout the church as sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows onto the floor. The entire church was packed, filled with Texas political and business elites gathered to bid farewell to the "deceased" Alexander.

I sat in the front row, dressed in black mourning attire, a veil covering most of my face. On the surface, I was a grief-stricken widow; inside, I was coldly observing this absurd charade.

"Alexander Morrison was the pride of our family." Alexander sat beside me, his voice choking with emotion as he delivered the eulogy. "His death is a loss to all of us. As his brother, I will take on the responsibility of caring for his wife."

Such a performance, even managing to squeeze out tears right on cue. Though that statement is actually true—you will indeed 'care' for me, just like you did in my past life.

Whispers rose from the audience below.

"Poor Adrian, losing his twin brother."

"I heard the patriarch always favored Adrian more, and now with Alexander gone..."

"Well, that settles the Morrison family inheritance question."

I gripped my handkerchief tightly, and from an angle no one could see, the corner of my mouth curved up slightly. Alexander, this is your real purpose, isn't it? Not just for Jessa, but for that massive inheritance. Originally, the patriarch favored Adrian more. Now that "Alexander is dead," you can rightfully impersonate Adrian and inherit everything. Two birds with one stone—what brilliant scheming.

"Selene, my condolences." A society lady approached to comfort me.

"Thank you." I nodded, my voice trembling. "I just... still can't accept that he's really gone."

After the funeral ended, people gradually left. I told the others I wanted to pray alone for a while, then walked toward the back of the church.

As I approached the confessional, familiar voices drifted from inside.

"My God... Alexander..."

It was Jessa's voice. I held my breath and hid behind the door to eavesdrop.

Jessa's voice was filled with shock and fear. "You... why did you impersonate Adrian? Why deceive everyone?"

"Because of you." Alexander's voice suddenly became passionate. "Everything was for you."

I heard footsteps—Alexander was approaching Jessa.

"Remember when we were at SMU?" His voice grew tender. "You said you loved me, that you wanted to be with me."

"Alex..." Jessa's voice was weak.

"But what happened then?" Alexander's tone suddenly turned painful. "Then you discovered Adrian was more favored by Grandfather, more likely to inherit the family fortune, so you chose him instead."

So that's the truth! Jessa chose Adrian not because of love, but because of money!

I clenched my fists, nails digging deep into my palms. So that's why you came to me as a substitute. Because I look like her, because I'm gentle and easy to control.

"I... I was young then, I thought..." Jessa's voice carried a sob.

"You thought what? That I'd wait for you forever?" Alexander laughed coldly. "Do you know what it feels like to watch the woman you love marry your own brother?"

"I'm so sorry..."

"Sorry?" Alexander's laughter became even more harsh. "While you were being sorry, I could only find a substitute to comfort myself."

Substitute. He finally admits it.

Angry flames surged in my eyes.

"Selene, she..." Jessa asked weakly.

"She's just a SUBSTITUTE!" Alexander said without hesitation. "From beginning to end, you're the only one I've ever loved. She looks like you, has a gentle personality too. I thought I could love her as if she were you. But I discovered I simply couldn't do it."

Every word stabbed into my heart like a knife.

"Now it's different." Alexander's voice suddenly became excited. "Adrian is dead. I'm impersonating his identity, so I can inherit Grandfather's favor and fortune. More importantly, I can finally be with you openly and legitimately!"

"But this is too crazy! If we're discovered..."

"We won't be." Alexander's voice was full of confidence. "Selene already believes it, and so does everyone else. From now on, I AM Adrian Morrison, and you are my wife."

"Alex..." Jessa's voice was trembling.

"I've waited so many years, Jessa. I planned all of this for this moment."

Then I heard the sound of kissing.

Passionate, desperate kissing.

"Don't refuse me." Alexander murmured against her lips. "We can finally be together."

"This is a church..." Jessa protested weakly.

"So what?" Alexander chuckled low. "God forgives those who love each other."

More sounds of kissing and soft gasps came from the confessional.

How ironic. In this sacred church, at your brother's funeral, you couldn't wait to have your affair.

I quietly left the confessional area, a cold smile on my face.