The Changed Plan

Celine looked at herself in the mirror and nodded negatively. It's one week to her sister's wedding and she has been the one taking care of everything. Unfortunately she can't complain to anyone as she is the eldest and it's her responsibility to take care of her sister.

She had Dark circles below her eyes, a clear indication that she hasn't had enough sleep for a while. Tonight is the meeting night or let's say introduction as the two couples were going to meet for the first time.

Till now Celestine hadn't arrived and this worried Celine as it would cost their family a lot if she doesn't show up. She may be treated differently but she still loves the family and wants the best for them. A knock that was planted on her door jerked her from her thoughts. 'The door is open,' she said calmly without turning.

Mrs Laura pushed the door gently and entered the room. 'Is everything ready? The visitors should find everything in order,' Laura stated sitting on the edge of the bed. 'Yes, everything is ready. I just wanted to lay down a bit before evening,' Celine told her mom. 'Before you lay down I want to talk to you about something very important, have a sit,' she patted beside and Celine obliged. 'What is it mum?' she asked calmly.

This has always been her, the calm and kind girl of the family. Always puts others first before herself. 'Celine, you know you are our first daughter and our pride. We love you so much and thank you for always standing in the gap for the family. Right now Celestine can't make it and I'm here to beg you to stand in the gap for her. Please you are our only hope, if we back out our family would be in ruins,' Laura begged holding her hands together.

The whole night they had been talking about this issue. There are so many things surrounding this decision. They can't allow their daughter get married to someone like Jeremy. Despite him being a billionaire and a heir, he is still a well known playboy. In his latest interview he said he got a woman in his heart and when the time comes he will show her to the world.

They won't their daughter to be married to someone who loves someone else though the media won't realize. Their daughter was also engaged with someone and she seemed happy but that didn't mean they could loss all that money. Their job was to get someone else and Celine could do it for the family without questions. 'But I don't know him,' Celine said. 'I know that but it's just for a while. You cab divorce as soon as our family business is back to its feet. Please I know it's too much to ask but you are our only hope,' Laura explained. 'Why is Celestine not coming?' she raised her brows at her.

The question Laura had been avoiding as she didn't have an answer. 'Her exam which was supposed to end yesterday was postponed and she isn't sure if she'll make it on the wedding day,' she formed the lie immediately something she has been doing since her childhood so it wasn't a big deal to her. 'It's just for a while?' Celine asked and she nodded immediately. 'OK I will,' she obliged to her request. 'Thank you so much, I should let your dad know. He was really worried of the loss and even wanted to disown your sister. You can't imagine I long I spent just begging him to reconsider and think of what next to do. You know your sister can't miss her final exam yet this marriage is just planned. What will happen after divorce with no papers to look for a job,' Laura kept on explaining, just in case she thinks of changing her mind she will have more reasons not to. 'You can go talk to him, I'll take my test now,' Celine dismissed her. She was too tired and needed to lay her body down.

Having spent the night looking at what had arrived and what had not, arranging the house after all she was an interior designer with no job yet. She was just working with recommendations and though she didn't earn a lot since she didn't have a job every week but at least she had some savings of her own. Her dream was to start her own interior design company but the money was not yet full. 'I was so worried and forgot to tell you, I checked the dinning and it's wow,' Laura commented making her smile.

it's the first time they complimented her work and she felt accomplished and proud like she had grown two heads or maybe wings. She was on the skies. 'Thanks mum,' she grinned. 'Have your rest, I'll wake you up when the dress arrives,' Laura patted her back and walked away.

Laura locked the door behind her and released the breath she had been holding, she made a silent prayer before walking to the study room where her husband, Charles was. 'Did she accept?' was the first question Charles asked when he felt someone enter the room.

He didn't need a prophet to know who was in the room as Celine rarely enters the study. It's either she's in her room, the garden, the kitchen or watching the television downstairs. 'She did and it wasn't even hard convincing her,' Laura smirked. 'What did you tell her?' Charles asked. 'Just a small lie that's all,' she answered casually like it was nothing to her. 'This deserves a drink,' Charles smirked and walked out. After Laura left Celine laid on the bed facing the ceiling but she couldn't get any sleep. She took the chain on her neck in her hand caressed it. She can't tell where she got it from but deep down she feels like it holds so much meaning. She woke up there years ago on a hospital bed with this family and she can't recall her past nor what happened to her and the only thing she got was the chain. It was a pendant necklace and though it was old it was still precious and shiny.

She has tried remembering but she ends up with a chronic headache that makes her get admitted. 'I wish I can recall my past,' she mutters calmly standing up since she couldn't sleep.

She pulled the draw beside her bed and removed her diary. Where she writes her experiences, painful or happy moments. She also got some of her nightmares and imaginations which the doctor said may be from her past. 'Dear diary, I know getting married is not part of my plan right now but I have to do it for my family. It's just for a while as I wait for my Prince Charming,' she wrote down and returned the diary in the drawer.

She heard movements outside her room and she jumped on her bed pretending to be asleep. 'She's asleep, just place the clothe there once she's awake you can come and help her prepare,' she heard her mom's voice. 'As for you place the food on the table, she'll eat later,' her mom said again.

She wanted to open her eyes to confirm she wasn't dreaming, it's to first time her mom has been kind to anyone and it surprises her. They all walked out and she opened her eyes.

That evening...

Celine sat in front of the mirror not recognizing herself. The artist had done magic on her, hiding the dark circles and the dress made her look like a princess. She never knew she was this beautiful. 'Are you done? The visitors are here,' Laura said nervously entering the room. 'I'm done,' the artist announced with a smile. 'You look nice, princess,' Laura complimented not believing her eyes. 'Thanks mum,' she answered. 'The visitors are here, let's go,' Laura told her. 'Sure thing, I'm behind you,' this got Laura as she thought that maybe she had changed her mind. 'Wait a moment, add this,' the artist handed her a big necklace enough to hide her pendant. 'Thanks,' she said to her. 'You can go,' Laura dismissed the artist. 'Don't change your mind, they are already here,' Laura pleaded with her. 'I'm not changing. I'm just nervous don't worry,' Celine smiled at her and she sighed with relief. 'I'm waiting for you at the door,' she said and Celine nodded.

She walked to the window and stared at the garden only to spot a figure seated on the bench. Due to fear she closed the curtains and followed her mom.

Introduction

Minutes earlier....

When Laura saw Jeremy get out of the car, she for once regretted switching the bride. He was more handsome than what she always saw on the television but it was too late. Before going to see Celine she went to her room and called Celestine to see if she had changed her mind and was coming. 'Are you sure you don't want him?' she had asked her daughter for the hundredth time but got the same reply. 'Mom he is a player, I know the marriage is arranges and all that but at least I deserve respect. I can't stay with a man knowing fully well that he has another woman. He even said that. In fact I have a man whom I love so much and very soon I'll be bringing him home for introduction. We would be getting married soon,' Those were Celestine's words a clear indication that she wasn't going to change her mind any time soon.

That was why she went to check on Celine.

Charles was happy seeing the Lawson's family. This meant a lot to him and she didn't regret giving Celine after all she wasn't her favourite daughter. It wasn't a bad idea keeping her since she helped him get a lot of money. For his reputation, name and business. Who won't want that, but everything comes with a price.

They both welcomed them in before his wife went upstairs to bring their daughter. He sat with them in the sitting room talking as they waited for the table to be set. Jeremy went out to the garden to leave the men have some private time.

When Celine came out of the room Laura texted her husband to inform him. They wanted a grand entry to maintain their pride. Jeremy was called as they waited for the entry of the bride.

The sound of the shoes made him look up and was astonished at the beauty. She looked like some goddess or a fairytale princess and something in him was awakened. He had this feeling that they have once went just that he couldn't tell where.

As she walked closer, he saw Nicole's face. He thought it may be because he really needs to see her that he has started hallucinating or he just misses her. The girl who saved his life years ago and promised to stay with him. They promised to get married, he would be the prince and she would be the princess then they have their own family and play together but when he woke up she was no more. She left him with no explanation and the only thing he can use to remember her was a pendant necklace he gave her. It was given to him by his grandma and he really treasured it just like he treasures her. Though she left, he still loves her and will listen to her explanation.

He is sure she got an explanation. She also had a diary they had written the promises and signed including the number of kids they'll have.

All the girls he has met, dated or even had a, one night stand, none is like Nicole. She was different, kind, calm, humble, caring and with a big heart. He is in this marriage because of his grandpa but he had already explained things to her. Once she meets the girl he wants he will marry her and he accepted.

He looked at her neck but she had a large necklace, that means it isn't her. She had promised never to remove it. 'What do you think, Jeremy?' his, grandpa's voice interrupted his thoughts. 'About?' he asked curiously. 'Jeremy is just surprised by her beauty that he lost his mind. He is your wife to be just few days and she'll be all yours,' His grandpa joked and chuckled immediately making the others in the room chuckle except Jeremy and Celine.

They didn't find anything funny in whatever was said.

Images were running through Celine's mind that she didn't understand. First she saw two kids seats under a tree talking but their faces were blur. She then saw the boy being carried in an ambulance. She then saw the girl in a hospital searing beside the boy in tears.

Her head had started aching so she pushed the images away. 'Let's go eat as we talk before it gets cold,' Laura suggested.

Celine's face showed she was trying to recall her past and they couldn't risk such to happen. 'We are in the spirit because I'm starving,' Lawson smiled breaking the tension in the room.

Celine remained behind and was the last to get to table. She sat on her seat silently and didn't comment on anything they said.

Jeremy was as well as silent. They both had a lot of thoughts with Jeremy having a lot of questions.

The others seemed happy. 'I think we should give the two sometime alone to know each other,' Lawson suggested after dinner. 'That's a good idea,' Charles added. 'We will go to the garden, if you won't mind,' Jeremy said. 'Of course not you can go,' Lawson dismissed them.

Celine led the way to the garden without uttering a word.

Jeremy stared at her and wanted to ask her questions but stopped himself. She is the one supposed to explain and not him to ask questions. Those were his thoughts so he just gave her time. 'I'm Jeremy Lawson, your soon to be husband,' he stated sarcastically. 'I'm Celine Darvis,' she said staring in the space. 'I know we are all caught up in this shit and there is nothing we can do. We can both create a conducive environment for us to stay. You deserve respect and I also do, so because of that I can promise I won't cheat on you but if I meet the woman I've been waiting for you we divorce. Then I will give you everything you need to make you look nice in front of the media, just don't cross my path. We can live as sister and brother or maybe friends,' he gave his conditions. 'OK that's favorable,' she replied calmly. 'Then we have a deal,' he stretched his, hand for a greeting.

They both walked inside surprising Charles and Laura. Laura expected Celine to be angry but she was calm meaning the conversation went well. 'Does that mean he isn't a bad person?' Laura thought to herself.

She started regretting her decision but couldn't change it now. They had already introduced her. Jeremy was as well calm and seemed to have no problem with her. 'What did they talk about?' Charles muttered to himself.

The both of them were confused, nothing was going as they had planned.

The Lawson family left and Celine walked to her room not uttering a word. Charles pulled his husband to the study room. 'What is going on?' Charles asked immediately he locked the door. 'I don't understand, I thought he was a bad person but they seem to have gotten along,' Laura opened her mind. 'Do you think it was a bad idea?' Charles asked. 'I think so,' 'What if we tell her to come for the wedding. They may not look a like but there is still a similarity between them. Don't you think so?' Charles asked. 'That's a good idea,' Laura smirked as different thoughts ran through her mind.

She just needed to interview Celine to find out the kind of man he is, beg Celestine to come back before Saturday and then use the same make up they used on Celine. The plan was just perfect. 'I'll be back, let me go and see Celina first before we decide,' she told her husband and walked out.

When she got to Celine's room, she was busy drawing her designs. 'Can we talk for a while?' she asked humbly. 'Sure,' Celine nodded without looking at her. 'How is he?' she went straight to the point. 'Who?' Celine asked back.

If it was a normal day she would have slapped her but she restrained herself. 'Jeremy, what did you guys talk about?' she raised her brows at her. 'He said we will live in peace if I don't cross his path and he won't cross mine. That means he won't question what I do neither should I question what he does. If we maintain that the house will be conducive for the both of us,' she replied still drawing. 'Are you okay with that?' Laura asked again. 'I don't love him, he doesn't love me, why should I worry about what he does? As long us I'll continue with my work then I'm okay. He can do whatever he wants,' she said not giving the whole information.

Celina wanted to tell her mom the truth but something she couldn't place a finger on was restraining her. 'I'm sorry you have to go through all this,' Laura faked pity. 'It's just for a while, everything would be fine,' Celina assured her.

The Interview

The next morning...

An interview with the media...

Celine woke up early to prepare for the interview they had. She wasn't really for the idea but there is nothing she could do about that. Someone placed a knock on her door, she quickly put away her drawing book and went to open the door. 'Good morning ma'am,' the lady at the door greeted her with a smile. 'Morning, how may I help you,' she asked and smiled back.

She asked because she was new. She had never seen her or she can be a new maid hired because she is leaving, that was what she thought. 'I'm Mira, a makeup artist hired by Mr. Jeremy to prepare you for the interview,' she introduced herself and Celine nodded absentmindedly. She checked her wrist watch and it was one hour before the interview started. 'Let me take a shower, you can wait for me,' she moved aside creating space for her to enter. 'I can help you prepare your bath water,' Mira suggested. 'I don't think he also hired you for that. I can do it myself,' she denied her offer and walked to the bathroom.

She didn't spend a lot of time in there as she wasn't washing the bathroom but herself. She came out and met Mira looking admiring her designs. She wanted to stop her since she doesn't like people invading in her private life but she stopped herself.

To her Mira didn't seem like a bad person and letting her admire won't hurt. 'I'm done,' she announced after some minutes. 'Sorry, I didn't hear you coming. These designs are so pretty, did you draw them by yourself?' Mira apologized and asked. 'It's okay and yes I drew them,' she smiled proudly. 'They are pretty, actually, my brother built a house for my mom and it's complete on the outside so he was looking for an interior designer and decorator to do the work. Can you do it? I know your fiancee is rich and you don't need the little pennies but just help me, please,' she pleaded holding her hands together. 'OK no problem I can do it after the wedding, I can come to check out the house tomorrow then work on it after, and don't worry, they are not pennies. It's the little that adds up to much. I'm an independent woman, I don't depend on Jeremy don't worry about it,' Celine smiled at her and patted her back. 'Thank you, you are different from the girls I've met. I guess I understand why he loves you,' Celine almost choked on nothing because of those words. They are not in love, this is nothing but an act. 'I have been working for him for a while now and I'm the one who used to do the makeup on his previous girlfriends and I can assure you that you are different. He loves you, from what I heard him talk with his mom, he really praised you. You are lucky,' at some point Mira envied her.

Being the bride of such a family and the talk of the town isn't something to joke about. If she was the one in her shoes then rest assured she would be walking in the sky. When she was called for this work she came for two missions, to see the girl who will have the honor to marry the man of her dreams, and if she doesn't like her she had made the perfect plan on how to make them break up. Meeting her she found out she was different and will make Jeremy happy and since she is not selfish she is going to allow them to get married. 'Thank you, but I don't really think I'm lucky,' Celine smiled at her. 'Of course, you are, imagine sharing a bed with him, waking up with him every morning, hugging him, tasting his lips, like gosh that's amazing,' she said dreamingly. 'You are crazy,' Celine commented touching her beck but her pendant was gone. 'Have you seen where I placed my necklace? It's made of tiny pendants,' Celine asked and explained to her. 'You didn't have any when I came in,' Mira answered her. 'I had it last night, I can't recall where I left it. It's so precious I can't lose it,' 'He won't be mad if you don't have it. He is rich he can get you a new one. Let's go because the driver has arrived already,' Mira joked.

Celine walked behind her sluggishly. She couldn't explain how she was feeling but something in her told her she had lost something treasurable. She kept touching her neck until she got downstairs. 'What is it? Is something wrong with your neck?' Laura who was watching the television asked her. 'Did you by any chance see my necklace? The one I always wear?' Celine asked her. 'No, I haven't but you didn't have it since yesterday,' Laura replied which pained Celine. 'How can I be so careless and lose it?' she kept on asking herself. 'OK, I'll just come and look for it,' she muttered calmly and walked out. 'Enjoy yourself,' Laura shouted behind her. 'Have a wonderful time, I'll be on my way,' Mira bid her goodbye when they got out. 'Thanks for the job,' Celine thanked her before entering the car.

The drive to the interview was calm and silent as she kept on thinking about her necklace.

Jeremy arrived minutes earlier and waited for her few meters from the place. They are known to be a couple so they needed to arrive together. 'Ma'am we are here and Mr. Jeremy said you should wait for him here he is coming to pick you,' the driver announced and Celine just nodded. 'You can call him to inform him of your arrival,' he suggested and that got Celine unawares.

She didn't take his number and she couldn't allow the driver to know that all this was nothing but a plan. What if he revealed the truth to the media? Then her reputation and that of Jeremy would be ruined. She wasn't that wicked. 'Can you call him please I left my other phone in the house because I don't want disturbance and the one I have I forget to buy credit so it's flat,' she pleaded to pray that her excuse doesn't sound awkward. 'No problem, I'll just call him but do you know his phone number of head, this is a new phone I got on my way to your house. I don't have his number, I lost my other phone so I just renewed my SIM card,' the driver said and she knew she was doomed.

She wished the ground should open and swallow her.