Chapter 4-On The Way

Malia Morris P. O. V

We settled inside Timothee's car after my makeover transformation, and I felt nervous as he drove towards the Crimson mansion where my sister lives.

The thought of meeting my real parents was daunting. But I have to remind myself that this is not the right time to reveal my true identity as my sister needs me.

"Hey, just calm down. I know you're going to do great. Just remember, you're Bianca Wilson, now. You're a top model and you've got this." Timothee reassured me with a sweet smile.

I nodded and took a deep breath, "Yeah, I'll try my best. But wait, I wanna know what kind of relationship Bianca has with her parents."

"Well, Bianca's parents are complicated. They have always been very demanding. They pushed her to be the best since she was a kid. They wanted her to be a success, no matter what the cost." he shared.

"That sounds tough. I had no idea they're treating her that bad."

"Yeah, it was. Bianca became a successful model but nobody knows how hard she had to work to get there. The pressure, the criticism, the constant scrutiny, all of it took a toll on her. And her relationship with her parents suffered because of it." Timothee added.

My mind flashed back to the times I had watched Bianca on TV, I admired her beauty and confidence. I dreamed of being like her, to have that kind of poise and sophistication. But knowing the price she had paid for her success, made me saddened.

"I feel bad for my sister." I mumbled, "So, how do I act around her parents?"

"Hmm, Bianca's not exactly known for being warm and fuzzy around her parents. You should be distant. Cold, even. Just be calm, and stoic, and don't let them get under your skin."

My eyes narrowed, trying to process his advice. I have always been a people-pleaser and I love to make everyone happy. The idea of being cold and distant was foreign to me.

"Like this?" I asked, attempting to put on a cold, bitchy face. Suddenly, Timothee burst out laughing.

"Malia, you're too adorable, but no, not like that. You look like you're constipated." he chuckled.

I pouted and then giggled, looking at my reflection in the mirror. "Damn it, I guess I need to work on my resting b*tch face."

Timothee grinned, "Yeah, maybe a little. I'll help you with everything, don't worry. Just remind yourself, you're Bianca and you're not impressed by anyone or anything."

We fell silent for a moment and I was wondering about something while Timothee drove through the winding roads.

"By the way, how does Bianca treat you? Is she only nice to you?" I broke the silence between us.

Timothee smiled bitterly and he gazed out the window, "To be honest, Bianca doesn't like me much. In fact, it's a one-sided thing but I'm trying to win her heart." he admitted.

"And why would she treat you like that? Don't tell me you also treat her bad?" I seriously asked, raising a brow.

"Nope, I'm the one who comforted her during her darkest times and can understand her attitude but maybe she's acting like it because I'm not good enough." Timothee shrugged.

I felt a flutter in my chest as I tried to process my sister's behavior. Wondering why Bianca would treat a kind-hearted man like Timothee James with such disdain.

I shook my head and turned to the iPad Timothee had lent earlier for me to learn about the Wilson family tree. I was scrolling through the photos of her family and tried to familiarize myself with their faces.

"Ugh, they look so perfect and intimidating," I muttered, my brows furrowing in distaste.

"That's because they're trying to present a perfect image, Malia. But there's no doubt, you'll fit right in."

"Are you serious, Timothee? I'm a total outsider here and what's with their faces? They all look like they're constipated or something."

Timothee shook his head, "The Wilson family do take themselves seriously, you can easily blend yourself because you have the advantage of being Bianca's twin."

"Gosh, but how can I answer them when they're going to ask me about why Bianca was gone for several months?" I worried.

"Simple. Just answer them the way Bianca would." Timothee grinned.

"And how's that?"

"Sarcastically, of course. Bianca's always been a bit of a smart aleck. Just channel your inner sass and you'll be fine."

My mind raced with all the possible scenarios that could play out. I was about to the Wilson family and I had no idea what to expect.

"Just be careful with your words, Malia. You don't want to give yourself away."

When we arrived at the Crimson mansion, I felt my nerves return. I took a deep breath as I tried to channel my inner Bianca, I could do this. I had to do this.

Timothee pulled up to the entrance and my heart skipped a beat as I saw the grandeur of the mansion.

"Are you ready, Bianca?" Timothee asked and it felt weird when he called me on my sister's name.

I just puffed out my chest and adopted a confident air. "Yeah. I'm ready."

When we got outside, I saw the imposing structure looming around me, the crimson walls seeming to glow in the fading light of day.

"You own this place, so don't be intimidated," Timothee whispered.

I placed my hand on his arm and together we stepped into the grand foyer. The sound of our footsteps echoed through the high-ceilinged hallway, drawing the attention of the family gathered in the distance.

My gaze locked onto the faces I had only seen in the photographs. My real parents waiting for Bianca and their eyes are filled with expectations.

I could feel something stuck in my throat, tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I had to fight the urge to reveal my true identity, to rush into their arms and confess the truth.

But I couldn't. Not yet. I also felt Timothee gently squeeze my hand, "Bianca Wilson never cries in front of other people."

The tears threatened to spill over but I bit my lip and held them back. I had to keep up the charade, no matter how difficult it was.