Wait...You look like me?!

<>

"Hello, Charlotte. We meet again."

I could see Charlotte stiffen at the sight of Samuel and me in her apartment. How we broke into her residence was supposed to remain a mystery as per my brother's request.

Ahem, order.

"You!" She exclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger at my brother. "What are you doing here and how did you break into the apartment in the first place?"

Then, her gaze fell on me.

Her eyes widened in shock. Clearly, when I first saw her, I was astonished too. It was quite rare to see one's own doppelganger right in front of them.

"W-Why do you look like me? Is this some sort of a sick joke?!"

Samuel raised his hands in defense, walking cautiously towards her. She took a few steps back in sync.

"Whoa, relax, we are not here to harm you."

"Yeah, right! What am I supposed to think when I walk into my own apartment and find out I have intruders who casually drink coffee-" She pointed me to which I put the coffee cup on the table. "-and the one I ran into telling me 'I'm completely harmless'?"

Samuel stared at me for seconds before mouthing, 'She's got a sharp mouth. I like her.'

I rolled my eyes.

"Hello...? Mind explaining what are you two doing here? Also, the fact that she somehow looks like me, cause it's really annoying."

Samuel took a deep breath.

"Liz, why don't you do the explaining?" He walked towards the single couch and slumped.

"Fine."

I stood up from my seat and walked towards Charlotte. Her gaze never leaving mine. Seeing her up close, I realized that we might look the same but we did not have anything in common.

"I have an offer for you, Charlotte."

"Charlie. It's Charlie." She corrected.

I ignored. "You allow me to switch places with you for a year and in exchange, I pay you enough to clear the hospital bills for your father."

She blinked a couple of times.

"You want me to switch places with you, why?"

I sighed. "You see, I am the Crowned Princess of Titania and as of next year, I shall be coronated the Queen. Hence, before the coronation I want to live my life- I want to have the freedom I deserve and understand the people well before I rule."

Her eyes widened in shock. "P-Princess. You mean like the ones we see on TV shows?"

Samuel laughed. "Yes, indeed."

"Why do you not do this without switching places with me? Who's stopping ya?" She asked.

"I cannot escape the castle walls for long. News in Titania spreads like wildfire. I'd be a disgrace to the family if they found out I ran away. They would not crown me, then." I paused, before continuing. "If I shall switch places with you, they would never know my absence. I can live my life freely without having the fear of being tracked down instilled in me."

She took a seat on the couch, staring at a distance, processing my words.

"What will I get in return, if I am to help you, Your Highness?"

"Please. Please call me Francine."

"Okay, Francine. Answer the question."

"We will help you to clear out the hospital bills of your father," Samuel answered, yawning.

"How did you....?"

Samuel shrugged. "I have my ways."

After a couple of minutes, Charlotte concluded. "Well, I do need the money, and if you're ready to pay the bills.... for what exactly?"

"Playing me while I play you," I replied.

Charlotte- sorry- Charlie stared at me for seconds searching my eyes for any signs of truth. After she thought she got what she wanted, she stood up.

Charlotte smirked, now clearly amused by the idea.

"When do we start?"