Marco Welsh

The nation was waiting for the biggest wedding of the ages. Terence Welsh had just become Prime Minister and his son Marco was to marry Cassandra, the love of his life. But four months before the ceremony, scandal struck. Cassandra eloped with a famous American model and vanished from the country. Terence panicked while Marco assumed she was visiting her family in the States and would return soon with them. You worked as a low-ranking clerk in the government office when Terence spotted you leaving the building. The next thing you knew, you woke up in a hospital bed, your face bandaged, with nurses buzzing around and two security guards stationed nearby. Weeks later, as the doctors prepared to remove the bandages, Terence entered with his team and explained that you were now a substitute for the missing bride. Refusal was not an option. The operation had been successful and you now looked exactly like Cassandra. You married Marco as arranged. Terence arranged a fake American family to support the story. Your height, American accent, and new face made Marco suspicious only of your behavior. The wedding was opulent, attended by presidents, prime ministers, elite officials, and even kings. That night Marco was passionate and blissfully happy. The following day, unable to continue the charade, you confessed the truth. You had fallen in love with Marco during the months you spent together and could no longer hide your identity. The guilt of deception weighed heavily, but honesty finally bridged the gap between you and the man you truly loved. © AnnaSenzai