She Stole My Face, But Not My Husband

The year I turned eighteen, I found out I was the real heiress to a powerful family.

But even after my mother, Vivian, took me from the foster care system, she still loved the fake heiress, Amber, more.

After I graduated college, I cut off contact with Vivian. That is, until she called me right before my wedding.

You always stole Ambers things, but stealing her fianc? Thats a new low!

I immediately pulled out my phone and saw a wedding photo Amber had posted.

What a coincidence.

The groom in the picture looked exactly like my fianc.

I stood outside Vivians house, knocking loudly.

Im right outside. Open the door!

She flung the door open and immediately spat,

I advise you to just give up. I know you love competing with Amber, but the Shen family is far beyond the reach of a mere influencer like you.

I flashed the massive diamond ring on my finger.

Well, sorry to disappoint you. My husband is far more influential than any Shen heir. Frankly, I wouldnt even look at him. My husband, Kamran, is a man of honor and values decorum. He sent me to personally invite you all to our wedding reception.

I turned to leave.

But Amber suddenly rushed out, grabbing my hand.

Comparing our hands side-by-side, our diamond rings were identical.

She immediately burst into tears, throwing herself into Vivians arms.

She even copied my ring! You really went all out just to spite me! Even the wedding invitations are identical! How long are you going to keep tormenting me?

Seeing Ambers tearful breakdown, Vivian lost all control.

SMACK!

A stinging slap landed across my face, leaving five fiery red finger marks.

I knew you were a shameless lunatic! I should have never acknowledged you!

I clutched my burning cheek, struggling to breathe, desperate not to let the tears fall.

I started out as a streamer. People always said I looked identical to Vivian when she was young, an actress. My followers kept pushing me to connect with her, jokingly.

It was just for content, initially.

But then, someone actually dug into it.

Turns out, I was Vivians biological daughter. Wed been switched at birth in the hospital.

Riding this wave of massive public interest, Vivian reappeared on the big screen.

Amber also capitalized on our sisterly bond, reaping all the benefits.

She slowly started her own accounts, siphoning off my followers and brand deals.

I thought Id finally found a real family, so I didnt pay it much mind.

But the moment I got into grad school at a prestigious university, encouraged by Amber everything changed.

I was branded a manipulative copycat, only capable of imitation.

No matter what I did, the internet would flood with accusations that I was just copying her.

I stayed out of the public eye for a long time after that, almost giving up entirely.

Vivian pointed a furious finger at me, her voice dripping with venom.

If you still want me as your mother, delete your Ins accounts now, apologize to Amber, and Ill pretend none of this happened.

I stubbornly lifted my chin.

Im your daughter too. Was there ever a single moment you wanted to believe me?

Perhaps my voice was too raw, too desperate.

For a split second, Vivians resolve wavered, and her eyes softened.

Amber cried even harder.

Stop faking it! How could two people look exactly alike?

Right.

If I hadnt grown up with Kamran, I might even suspect that Connor from the Shen family was deliberately teaming up with Amber to play a trick on me.

Kamran always valued decorum. Hed been pestering me to meet my parents.

Id always refused.

Now, it was time.

Believe it or not. In three days, Kamran will personally pay a visit.

For the first time since I walked in, I stared directly into Vivians eyes.

Will you give me an apology then?

But three days later, I was locked out.

Its almost funny, isnt it? My own parents house, and I didn't even have a key.

After an hour of waiting, Vivian finally appeared.

She looked genuinely surprised to see me.

Oh, Skylar, how long have you been waiting here?

Behind her, Amber was giggling, arm-in-arm with an elegant middle-aged woman.

The woman scanned me from head to toe.

So youre Skylar. I heard your fianc looks exactly like my Connor. I specially came to see. Where is he?

Amber covered her mouth and chuckled, a hint of disdain in her voice.

Aunt Victoria, only your kind heart would believe such nonsense. Three days? Even if she found someone to get plastic surgery to look like Connor, it wouldnt be ready in time!

I calmly took a sip of tea.

Kamran had an urgent flight to New York for a meeting yesterday. Hell rush over as soon as he lands.

Vivians eyes lit up instantly.

Sounds busy. What does he do?

Kamran was always low-key. Besides the few companies he owned, I actually wasnt entirely sure what he did.

Oh, he just works at his familys company.

At my words, the others exchanged knowing glances and a suppressed laugh.

The Mu family never heard of them. Did she not even have time to make up a background story?

Just then, the doorbell rang.

For a split second, I was ready to rush into his arms.

But when I saw the roses in his hand, and the missing mole beneath his eye, I knew immediately this wasnt Kamran.

Im allergic to roses; he would never forget that.

Im not late, am I?

No, youre just in time.

Amber took the flowers, then playfully kissed him on the cheek.

Connor rubbed his earlobe, a blush creeping up his neck. The gesture was exactly like Kamrans.

I noticed Connors gaze lingering on me, so Amber quickly stepped in front of me.

My mans here. Wheres yours?

Could it be that after seeing Connor in person, your actor didnt dare show up?

No new messages on SnapChat. His phone was still off.

My heart began to waver.

Were they really not the same person?

Suddenly.

The doorbell rang a second time.

I rushed to open the door, filled with hope.

But I only saw over a dozen delivery people, carrying gift after gift inside. Soon, the entire living room was overflowing.

Im sorry, Mr. Kamran had an emergency. He truly couldnt make it today. These gifts are a small token of his apology.

Amber burst out laughing.

You think well believe you if you just spend a little money? Skylar, youre such a joke.

Victoria grabbed her purse.

Alright, Ive seen enough of this charade.

She looked at Vivian, her eyes filled with thinly veiled threats.

If she has mental issues, she should see a doctor. If shes desperate to get married, she should find an old man. If she continues this ridiculous behavior, itll be the Shen familys reputation on the line.

In the end, Vivian bowed ninety degrees, smiling apologetically as she escorted Victoria out.

As I was leaving, she uttered one last sentence.

Skylar, you should have just died out there.

That night, Kamran knelt by my bedside for three hours straight before I finally cooled down.

Even with lingering doubts, we silently agreed not to bring up meeting my parents again.

We focused on planning our wedding.

Unexpectedly, while trying on wedding dresses, I ran into Amber again.

So what if someone else ordered it? Whatever shes paying, Ill pay double!

Brenda, the store manager, politely tried to explain, Its not about the money

Do you know who Im marrying?

The Shens.

Who in all of New York dares to go against the Shen family?!

When Brenda saw me, she looked like shed found a savior, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

This gown was custom-designed for Ms. Skylar. Its to commemorate their collaborative brands first appearance at Paris Fashion Week.

Ambers eyes turned even redder with envy.

Honestly, the dress isnt that great.

She leaned close to my ear, her voice a poisonous whisper. But if its yours, I will take it.

The next second, she switched to a pitiful sob, tilting her head and burrowing into Connors arms.

They all say Im just a fake heiress, that I dont deserve anything

Connor lovingly stroked her head, his voice soft with reassurance. No one bullies my wife. If you like it, well get it.

Brenda hesitated, looking at me with a troubled expression.

I nodded, silently agreeing.

After all, with Ambers waistline, which she'd been "fortifying" to ensure a boy, there was no way shed fit into it.

Sure enough.

Riiip!

A girls shriek echoed from the fitting room.

When Amber emerged, still furious, she deliberately stomped on the gown twice.

That was it.

The remaining crystals on the dress rained down like scattered beads.

Brenda quickly came over with the bill.

A crowd of onlookers watched, enjoying the drama.

Amber looked even more flustered and indignant.

Why are you rushing? I dared to try it, so of course Ill pay for it.

But the next second, when she saw the number on the bill:

What?! Ten million?!

Amber nervously glanced at Connors face.

She knew Victoria had only given him a budget of one million. No matter how much she pouted and begged, she couldnt justify multiplying that by ten.

Its this stupid dress! It scratched my waist, and I got so upset

Its fine, Connor said, signing the bill with a flourish. But youll have to explain it to my mom yourself, okay?

Ambers face froze. His tone seemed as doting as ever, but Connors eyes remained fixed on me.

Even Amber, who had been so smug just moments ago, sensed something was off.

Suddenly intrigued, I leaned close to her ear, mimicking her soft tone.

Tell me, do you think its possible that Connor is actually playing you?