After the Mist

Synopsis

In the third year of Selena Melford and William Smith’s marriage, she received what could almost be called good news. She could finally leave him. “One more month,” Mrs. Melford's voice came through the phone, cool and detached as always. “Your sister will be back by then. Until that day, keep playing her part. When everything’s over, I’ll give you thirty million. You can live however you like after that.” “I understand,” Selena replied softly. Her tone was as still and lifeless as stagnant water. When the call ended, she lifted her gaze to the enormous wedding portrait hanging on the wall. In the photo, William stood tall and immaculate in his tailored suit, handsome like a god carved from light. She, dressed in a gown worth a fortune, smiling with poised gentleness beside him. “Three years…” she murmured, her fingertips brushing the frame. “It’s finally ending.” Three years ago, the marriage alliance between the Smith and Melford families had made headlines across the world. The bride, Anna Melford—Selena’s twin sister—had been the one chosen by the Smiths. But on the eve of the wedding, Anna disappeared, leaving behind a letter. “Mom, Dad, I can’t live bound by an arranged marriage, though I know it’s my duty. Give me three years to find my freedom. I’ll come back then.” To preserve the partnership between the two families, the Melfords had no choice but to bring home the younger twin they’d abandoned to the countryside years ago. That forgotten daughter—Selena—was forced to take Anna’s place and become the substitute bride. “William doesn’t love your sister,” her mother had warned coldly the night before the wedding. “He’s in love with the girl his family once sponsored. You won’t have an easy life in that house. But if you behave, keep pretending to