The Twin I Married Was Never Mine

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It was my twenty-eighth birthday, and tonight was supposed to be unforgettable. In front of the entire Reyes family, Ethan and I were finally going to reveal the news I had longed to share for yearsthat we were expecting a baby.

I was heading outside to look for Ethan so we could announce it together. The guests had already gathered near the pool, their laughter spilling in through the open glass doors as I made my way down the hallway toward the deck.

Near the bar, I saw Ethan standing with three of his closest friendsmen I had known since we were kids, men who had stood beside him at our wedding, men who were practically family.

I was just about to call out when one of them chuckled and said, So, Mason, whats it like sleeping beside the woman who turned you down for your brother?

My steps halted.

A sharp ringing filled my ears.

Another one laughed and nudged him. Seriously, she barely looked at you back then. She only wanted Ethan. But now look at you

Confused, I frowned, but before I could understand what they meant, a third friend smirked and said, You really committed to the role. Pretending to be Ethan all these years just so you could end up with her? Thats insane.

My chest tightened.

Pretending to be Ethan?

What were they talking about?

He was Ethan wasnt he?

MasonEthans identical twinhad died five years ago in a yacht accident. His death had devastated the entire Reyes family, especially Ethan and their father. His portrait still stood in the foyer, a reminder of the brother they had lost.

Mason had once been part of every part of my life. After my mother died, the Reyes family took me in and raised me alongside their sons. I was never officially adopted, but I grew up under their roof. Mason used to tease me, defend me, sit beside me at every dinner.

As we got older, both brothers fell in love with me.

And I chose Ethan.

After that, Mason and I slowly drifted apartuntil the accident that supposedly killed him.

Then another voice broke through my thoughts.

You spent four years acting like Ethan just to make her yours?

My stomach dropped so violently I had to brace myself against the wall. I slowly looked around the pillar, forcing my eyes toward the man I had called my husband.

He leaned back and smiled.

And suddenly, something about that smile felt wrong.

His posturetoo casual.

The smirktoo familiar.

It wasnt Ethan.

It was Mason.

The realization slammed into me so hard I nearly lost my breath.

That expressionthat arrogance hidden behind calm composurebelonged to Mason.

And all at once, every strange moment over the last four years came rushing back.

The tiny details I had ignored.

The moments that had never quite made sense.

One memory hit hardest.

A few months after our wedding, we were tangled in bed when he kissed my neck and whispered softly, Baby

I remembered freezing.

Because Mason used to call me that years ago, back when feelings between us had started to growbefore I chose Ethan.

I had even laughed nervously and asked, Why did you call me that? Are you Mason?

He had laughed, pulled me close, and brushed it off.

Oh, sweetheart, you must be thinking about him. So now I cant call you baby because my brother used to? Are you trying to make me jealous?

I had felt awful after that.

Ashamed for bringing up the past.

Ashamed for comparing them.

I convinced myself I was imagining things.

But now

Now everything made sense.

And it was horrifying.

Before I could move, the sliding door behind them opened.

The laughter stopped.

A man stepped out from the house.

Tall. Calm. Perfectly composed in a dark suit.

The moment he appeared, the atmosphere shifted.

And pinned to his lapel was the Reyes family heir insignia.

The pin Ethan always wore.

Except tonight, it wasnt on the man standing at the bar.

It was on the man walking toward him.

My breath caught.

Because they had the exact same face.

The same eyes.

The same features.

But the way this man carried himself

The way he walked

The way he looked at the world

That was Ethan.

The real Ethan.

Mason smirked. Well, look who finally decided to come home. And on your wifes birthday, no less.

Ethans expression hardened. What are you doing, Mason? This has gone too far. I only asked you to stay with Clara for a while. Why does it sound like youre hurting her? Where is she?

Mason gave a careless laugh. Im not hurting her. She just never noticed. She was too trusting to realize the man beside her wasnt the brother she chosebecause the real Ethan was too busy chasing her stepsister, Chloe.

Chloe.

My blood ran cold.

My fathers mistresss daughter.

The woman whose existence shattered my family.

The reason my mother died.

And Ethan loved her?

My legs nearly gave out.

Every memory I had of himevery promise, every touchsuddenly felt like a cruel joke.

I had never seen it.

I had been blind.

Ethans jaw tightened. I didnt hand over my life so you could destroy hers.

Masons face twisted. Destroy hers? You ran away! She chose you, and you still ran to Chloe. It shouldve been me! But instead I had to live your lie. And now what? Youre back to reclaim your place? Ready to be her husband again?

Ethans voice was cold. I may have to. Father expects me to take over the business

Mason cut him off with a bitter laugh. Then take it. But Father wants an heir, remember? It doesnt matter whether that child comes from me or from you. And if you decide to take Clara back, youll have to live with the fact that shes already been in my bed.

Disgust flashed across Ethans face.

I dont want a woman whos been touched by another man, he said flatly. Especially not by my own brother. Keep pretending to be me if you want. As long as I can stay with Chloe, I dont care. Just remember thisFather wants Ethan as the heir. If you fail in my place, we lose everything.

I was only eight the first time I entered the Reyes estate, my small hand gripping the edge of my mothers dress.

My mother had known Lorenzo Reyesthe twins fatherfor years. They had been close friends, and whenever life became too overwhelming for her, Lorenzo would show up at our little apartment with gifts and quiet kindness, making sure we were okay.

Then my mother died.

The pain of my fathers betrayal, mixed with years of depression, finally became too much for her to bear. After that, Lorenzo stepped in without hesitation. He brought me into the Reyes family homenot through legal papers, but through compassion that felt stronger than any formal adoption ever could.

The moment I arrived, two boys came racing down the staircase, their identical faces bright with curiosity.

Ethan and Mason.

They became my very first true friends.

We spent endless afternoons in the gardens, running around the fountains until sunset and building blanket forts in the oversized playroom. Whenever I felt cold, they would compete over whose jacket I should wear.

Ethan would quietly place his over my shoulders with that gentle smile of his.

Mason would pretend to be annoyed, grumbling under his breath, but in the end, he always offered his too.

At night, when grief for my mother left me crying in bed, they would sneak into my room togetherone bringing me a glass of water, the other cracking silly jokes until I smiled again.

They looked after me with a tenderness so fierce it was almost possessive, as if my pain tied me to them somehow.

But everything changed once we got to high school.

The two boys who used to hold my hands had become young menbroader shoulders, deeper voices, sharper features. And the way they looked at me had changed too.

Ethan grew softer with me, more attentive. He waited outside my classroom, carried my books, and always walked on the side nearest the road. He was dependable, kind, and steadythe kind of person who made you feel safe.

Mason was the opposite.

He was intense, moody, and quick to anger. If another boy looked at me too long, Mason would pick a fight. He would pull me away from crowds, hover close, and glare at Ethan whenever I laughed with him.

The tension between the brothers grew worse with time.

I remember one night more clearly than any other.

We were seventeen, standing behind the old toolshed, when Ethan reached for my hand for the first time.

I let him.

Mason saw us.

So thats it? Mason snapped, his fists tightening at his sides. You choose him? Of course you do. Perfect Ethan. The golden son.

Mason, please stop, I said, trying to calm him.

But he shoved Ethan.

Ethan shoved back.

Then suddenly they were fightingshouting, swinging at each other, years of resentment erupting right in front of me.

Mason had always been treated like the problem child.

He skipped classes, got into trouble, stayed out too late.

Ethan, meanwhile, was everything the family wantedobedient, disciplined, the obvious heir.

Even Lorenzo would say it openly.

Mason needs to straighten out. Ethan is the one who can lead this family.

Mason had lived under that comparison his whole life.

And maybe that was why he wanted mebecause Ethan did.

But I never loved Mason that way.

My heart had always belonged to Ethan.

After that night behind the shed, Mason shut me out completely. He avoided me, refused to speak to me, wouldnt even meet my eyes.

Then, six years ago, there was the yacht accident.

Mason died.

Or at least, that was what everyone told me.

I mourned him for weeksnot because I had been in love with him, but because he had been part of my childhood, part of my home, part of my family.

I blamed myself for choosing between them, for being the reason they became strangers.

And now

He was alive.

Alive, living as Ethan.

Sleeping in my bed.

Taking over my life.

My thoughts were spinning so wildly I didnt realize I was trembling until I heard one of the men outside ask,

Where is she, anyway? Shouldnt she be here by now?

I jolted.

I couldnt face either of themnot yet.

So I hurried down the hall, forcing myself to breathe as I rushed back to my room.

The moment I got inside, I shut the door and leaned against it, pressing shaking fingers to my mouth.

Act normal.

Pretend nothing happened.

Pretend you heard nothing.

I straightened my dress, fixed my hair, and bit the inside of my lip until I tasted blood.

Then came a knock.

Before I could respond, the door opened.

Mason.

Not Ethan.

Mason.

He walked in with the same confident stride I had once mistaken for Ethans, but now I saw the difference so clearly.

He stepped closer, cupped my face, and kissed me before I could pull away.

Hey, love, he murmured against my lips. Whats taking so long? I want you with me tonight. Ive got a surprise for you, and youre going to love it.

I forced a smile, pretending to relax into his touch while praying he wouldnt notice how rigid I was.

A surprise? I asked quietly.

He smiled and brushed his thumb over my lip.

Yeah. But you need to come outside first.

I nodded, pretending everything was normal.

When we walked back onto the patio, music drifted through the air, the garden lights glowed warmly, and the guests applauded as Lorenzo prepared to speak.

Then the crowd shifted.

And the man I had once believed was my husbandthe real Ethanstepped toward me with a cautious smile.

Hello, he said gently, offering his hand. Im Mason. Im alive. Someone saved me after the accident. Im sorry for disappearing.

The lie hit me like a slap.

He was pretending to be Mason for my benefitfor the sake of preserving the twisted lie his brother had built.

I lowered my head, my voice shaking as I played along.

Im sorry too for how things were before. I hope we can start over.

He looked like he wanted to say more, but another voice interrupted.

Hey, stepsis!

Chloe.

She wrapped her arms around me as if we were close, as if her mother hadnt destroyed my family.

I gave her a tight smile.

Hi, Chloe. I didnt know you were coming.

The real Ethanstill pretending to be Masonsmiled and said, Actually, we have news too. Chloe and I are getting married. Were all going to be one happy family.

Wonderful, I said flatly.

After that, the evening passed in a blur.

Music.

Conversations.

Laughter that felt miles away.

I moved through it all like a ghost while the lies swirled around me.

Later, while everyone danced beneath the dim lights, I felt a hand slide around my waist.

Then lips pressed hard against mine.

The kiss was familiar.

And wrong.

I knew immediately who it was.

Hey, love, Mason whispered. Why dont we go upstairs? We could be alone

His hand moved lower.

I shoved him away with all my strength, nearly making him lose his footing.

My pulse pounded violently as I stared at him.

Dont touch me, Mason, I snapped. Leave me alone.

Hey, love why dont we slip upstairs instead and make love there

Masonno, the man pretending to be Ethanreached for my waist again.

I reacted instantly, shoving him back so hard he staggered a step.

My pulse was pounding in my ears. Stop it, Mason. Stay away from me!

Music kept playing around us, loud and cheerful, but everything else faded until it felt like only the two of us existed in that moment.

He blinked, eyes widening in a carefully exaggerated look of hurt. Clara sweetheart, what are you talking about? His voice wavered as if he were wounded. Im Ethan. Your husband. Why are you suddenly bringing Mason up?

He even pressed a hand to his chest like Id physically hurt him. It was all an act. Every expression, every breathfabricated.

A few guests slowed their dancing. Some turned their heads. Drinks hovered mid-air.

Did you miss him? Masonstill acting as Ethanlowered his voice, but not enough. He wanted them to hear. Is that it? You saw him earlier and now youre confused again?

Dont twist my words, I spat.

He stepped closer.

I stepped back.

Clara, he said softly, voice trembling just right to sound hurt, Im trying here. I really am. But youre treating me like a stranger just because Mason showed up? Do you do you like him? Are you regretting

Because you are, I snapped.

His expression flickeredsomething dark flashed for a split secondbut it vanished just as quickly behind another mask. What did you just say?

I swallowed hard, forcing the words out even as my hands shook.

I said you are not Ethan, I said louder, clearer. Youre Mason. Stop lying to me.

The crowd gasped.

Everything seemed to freeze, like the entire garden had lost its breath.

Then another figure approached.

The real Ethancurrently wearing Masons identitywalked through the stunned silence with calm steps, shoulders straight, expression controlled. Like none of this chaos could touch him.

Clara, he said carefully, whats going on here?

Before I could answer, Chloes sharp laugh sliced through the air.

Oh my God, she scoffed, stepping in beside him. Youre still hung up on my fianc, arent you?

I stared at her. What are you talking about?

She smiled like she already knew shed won. Dont act innocent. Everyone knows you never got over Mason or maybe you regret choosing Ethan. You told me yourself you were torn between them back then. And now that Mason is alive and with me, youre losing it.

Thats not

Oh please, she cut in, laughing. You cant even tell them apart. Or is it because you were always obsessed with Mason anyway?

I wasnt I never

The man everyone thought was Ethanstill pretendingraised a hand sharply.

Enough, he said, exhaling like he was tired of me. Clara, stop this.

Im telling the truth

Just stop, he said, shaking his head like I was embarrassing him. Really. Just stop. You rejected me once, didnt you? And now Im happy, you decide to ruin everything at your own birthday party just to get attention?

That hit like a blade.

I could feel it in my chest, in my throat, in the way the air suddenly refused to go in.

The whispers started. The stares. The judgment.

I couldnt breathe.

Without another word, I turned and walked awayfast, blind, burning inside. I didnt even know where I was going. I just needed out. Away from eyes. Away from voices. Away from them.

I pushed into the nearest roommy roomand locked the door with shaking fingers.

My whole body trembled.

But I felt him before I even saw him.

Ethan.

The real one.

He entered quietly, closed the door behind him, and leaned back against it like the night had drained everything out of him.

Clara he sighed, rubbing his temple. Are you seriously trying to destroy your own birthday celebration?

I stared at him like I didnt recognize him anymore. Or maybe I didthat was the problem.

Youre making a scene, he continued. Dad is on his way. If he hears what you said if he finds out you confused me with Masondo you know what that means? Hes always wanted you to be my wife. Youre hurting everythinghurting mewhy are you doing this?

Why? My voice broke. Why did you lie to me, Ethan? Why did you have to pretend

A sudden scream pierced the night from outside.

Chloe.

We both froze.

But Ethan didnt hesitate.

Not even for a second.

He didnt look at me.

Didnt finish his sentence.

Didnt explain.

Didnt choose me.

He just ran.

Out the door. Straight toward her.

Like hed been waiting for that moment all night.

The door slammed shut behind him.

And the silence that followed felt endless.

I stood there completely still, like my body had forgotten how to move. Then my knees gave out and I sank onto the edge of the bed, both hands pressing against my stomach as if I could hold myself together.

Im sorry, baby I whispered through tears that burned as they fell. I dont think you should come into a world like this.

Something inside me shattered quietly, completely.

Because I finally understood what kind of world I was in.

One where truth could be rewritten.

Where love could be stolen, swapped, disguised.

Where I could be left mid-breath for someone else.

I forced myself to move.

Reaching for my phone, I wiped my face with trembling hands.

There was only one thing left I could still decide.

I dialed.

One ring.

Two.

Then someone picked up.

Good evening, a calm voice said. Attorney Delgado office.

My voice shook, but I didnt stop it.

This is Clara Reyes, I said. I want to file for divorce.

When the call ended, I let myself fall back onto the bed, completely drained. Sleep came after that, but it wasnt really restjust long stretches of black nothing pressing against me until morning light cut through and forced my eyes open. I woke up heavier than I had been the night before.

Still, I didnt stop.

I got up, changed, and went straight to Attorney Delgado office. The secretary recognized my name and led me inside without questions. Documents were already waitingneatly arranged, freshly printed, pushed toward me across the desk.

This is the initial petition, the lawyer said in a calm, practiced tone. Once you sign, we proceed with the filing.

My fingers shook as I took the pen.

But I still signed.

Then I left.

By the time I got home, the folder was clutched so tightly in my hands that my fingers ached. Every step from the car to the house felt longer than it should have, like the ground itself was resisting me.

When I opened the front door, I saw her.

Chloe.

She was standing in the middle of the living room, right beside the glass display cabinet where Ethan kept his achievementsour lives framed in trophies and polished metal. In her hand was mine.

My award.

Model of the Year.

The one I sacrificed everything for.

She held it carelessly, like it meant nothing at all.

Oh, sister, she said sweetly when she noticed me. Youre back. I was just looking at this little thing of yours.

Her tone was soft, almost affectionate.

Her eyes werent.

I tightened my grip on the folder. Put it back, Chloe.

I will, she answered lightly.

Then she let go.

On purpose.

The trophy hit the floor with a violent crack, metal bending and glass exploding into fragments across the tiles.

I froze.

What the hell is wrong with you, Chloe?! My voice broke as it came out. Thats mine!

Something in me snapped forward before I could think. I rushed toward the broken piecesnot toward herbut she shifted, blocking my path like it was a game.

Move, I said through clenched teeth.

She didnt.

So I shoved her aside.

Harder than I meant to.

Chloe stumbled back with a sharp gasp, instantly clutching her shoulder like she had been thrown across the room instead of simply pushed.

OwClara! she cried, voice trembling on cue. Why would you do that to me?

I stared at her, stunned. Dont do this. You broke my trophy. You dropped it on purpose

Her lips trembled. Then suddenly, she burst into loud, shaking sobs that echoed through the house like a performance meant for an audience.

And of course

Whats going on here?

Ethan.

The real Ethan came rushing in from the hallway, eyes darting between us. Between Chloe crying in exaggerated pain and me kneeling by shattered glass.

She pushed me! Chloe sobbed louder, collapsing into him like she was the one who had been attacked. I only wanted to see her trophy and she she hurt me!

Thats not true! I snapped immediately. She threw it down. She did it on purpose

Ethan lifted a hand without even looking at me.

Enough, he said sharply.

The word cut me off completely.

His attention went to the broken trophy, then back to me, disappointment hardening his face.

Clara, he said coldly, its just an object. You didnt need to react like that.

Just an object.

My throat tightened painfully.

That trophy wasnt just glass and metal. It was years of worktraining until my body gave out, starving through casting seasons, pushing through pain and exhaustion while he told me to slow down, to stop, to stay home, to choose him instead of my career. Every sacrifice I made, reduced to just an object.

Before I could speak, Chloe sniffled dramatically.

I didnt think she still hated me, she said softly, wiping fake tears. I thought we were okay now but she used to bully me when we were younger.

I looked at her in disbelief.

What? I never

Enough, Ethan cut in again.

That single word shut everything down.

He wrapped an arm around Chloe as if she were fragile glass and guided her toward the door.

Lets get you checked, he said. That fall looked serious.

Im sorry, she whispered, clinging to him. I didnt mean to cause trouble I just wanted us to be close again.

My chest felt completely hollow.

Ethan didnt look back at me.

He only glanced onceat the broken trophy, then at mebefore leaving with her.

The door closed.

And the silence that followed was suffocating.

I sank down onto the floor.

For a long time, I just stared at the shattered pieces scattered everywhere. Pieces of something I had worked for. Pieces of a version of me I had given up for him.

Because he asked me to.

Because he said he wanted me at home.

Because he said I didnt need the world anymore.

I picked up a sharp fragment, brushing dust off it with trembling fingers.

Memories came rushing in.

Bright lights. Runways. Applause. My name being announced. That moment the trophy was placed in my hands.

Then his voice over it all.

You dont need that anymore. Stay with me. Ill take care of you.

I believed him.

God, I really did.

I didnt even realize I was crying until my cheeks were wet. I wiped them quickly and forced myself to gather the pieces, stacking them on the table like maybe fixing them would fix something inside me too.

While I was still kneeling there, I heard footsteps.

Love?

Mason.

The man pretending to be Ethan.

He rushed in, voice breathless with fake concern. Did she do this to you?

He reached for my arm. Im so sorry I wasnt here. I wouldve stopped it.

I opened my mouth, ready to explodeto tell him I knew exactly who he was, that I saw through all of itbut nothing came out.

What was the point anymore?

I was leaving anyway.

So I pulled my arm away and didnt look at him. Im fine, I said flatly.

He lingered. Clara, pleaselook at me.

I didnt.

I stayed focused on the broken pieces instead, ignoring the man who kept pretending to be my husband when he wasnt.

Hours later, the house had gone quiet again.

Ethan still hadnt come back.

The weight of everything settled deep into my bones.

That was when I finally picked up my phone.

I called my manager.

Her voice came through, surprised. Clara? Its been a while.

I stared at the papers beside methe divorce documentsbefore speaking.

About the project you told me about, I said quietly. Im ready to go back.

A pause.

You sure? she asked carefully. The terms are strict. No child for three years. Constant travel, training, shoots overseas it wont be easy.

I know, I whispered.

Silence stretched between us.

Then I finally said itsoft, steady, final.

Yes. I accept.

The hospital lights were too harshwhite, sterile, unforgiving. They made everything feel colder than it already was, like the room itself couldnt decide whether it was meant for healing or endings.

I lay flat on the examination bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling tiles as the doctor went over the procedure one last time. Her tone stayed steady, detached, professionalsomething I clung to because I couldnt afford anything softer.

This is still your decision, she said gently. Once we start, theres no going back.

I understand, I replied.

My voice didnt break. Not even slightly.

The baby that was never supposed to be there.

The life that wouldve tied me even tighter to something I was already suffocating in.

A child I no longer knew how to feel anything forafter everything that had happened.

It didnt take long.

It was over before my mind could fully catch up. And when it was done, there was no rush of emotion waiting for me on the other side.

No sorrow.

No relief.

Just blankness.

I changed back into my clothes in silence, holding the discharge papers like they belonged to someone elselike I was just carrying proof of something I couldnt quite accept as mine. Each step out of the hospital felt heavier than the last, the sunset bleeding across the sky in dull orange streaks.

I drove home without thinking. Muscle memory, nothing more.

The moment I stepped inside, warmth hit me firstroasted herbs, butter, something freshly cooked. It was almost disorienting.

Masonno, the man pretending to be Ethanwas in the dining room setting the table. Wine glasses aligned perfectly. Candles already lit. Soft lighting made everything look almost normal.

Almost.

He turned immediately. Love, where were you?

I stopped walking.

He came closer, concern already etched into his face. You were out all day. I kept calling. You didnt answer. I was worried sick.

I just needed some air, I said quietly.

That was all I would ever say.

Never the truth.

Never about the baby.

His expression softened like he believed me. I made dinner, he said, gesturing toward the table, almost hopeful. And I got something for you too. He reached into his pocket and pulled out two tickets. Youve been talking about this for years.

The Phantom of the OperaLive.

Something inside me twisted.

Once, I wouldve been ecstatic. Once, I mightve cried from happiness.

Now it just felt like something I didnt have the energy to hold.

Im sorry, I murmured. I dont feel well. I want to rest.

I turned toward the stairs

Not feeling well?

The voice cut through the air sharply.

I froze.

The real Ethan stood at the end of the hallway. Chloe beside him, arms crossed, lips curled in a satisfied little smile.

His gaze landed on me immediatelysharp, controlled, already judging. Or is it that you just dont want to see me? he asked coldly. Chloe told me you still refuse to even acknowledge me properly, even after I apologized.

My stomach dropped. Thats not true.

Chloe let out a soft laugh. Oh, Clara, please. Dont act confused. You clearly dont want us here. You even tried to hurt me earlier. She tilted her head. But its fine. Were family now. Or is it because you still want both twins again like before?

My jaw tightened. Thats not what happened. Youre the one who

It is, she cut in smoothly.

Mason exhaled, irritation flashing across his face. Chloe, stop. Shes my wife

But she wasnt done.

Youve always been like this, Chloe continued, ignoring him. So innocent on the outside, but

I only want Ethan, I interrupted, my voice breaking despite myself. But clearly he doesnt want me.

Silence dropped instantly.

Heavy. Suffocating.

Ethan stiffened.

Chloe blinked.

And even Mason looked thrown off.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to breathe.

Then I turned away.

Clarawait. Mason followed a few steps up the stairs. What was that just now? Whats going on with you?

Its nothing, I said without looking back. Ill get ready.

For what?

I paused, then finally turned to face him.

For the tickets. You already bought them. Were going.

Something like relief flickered across his facebut I felt nothing.

Not anymore.

Getting ready felt like dressing someone elses life onto my body. The dress. The makeup. The hair pinned neatly in place. Every movement felt distant, automatic, hollow.

Like I was preparing a version of myself that no longer existed.

Dinner passed like a blur.

Mason triedhe really did. Soft jokes. Gentle words. Small attempts at normalcy. I responded out of habit, not feeling.

Then Ethan and Chloe arrived.

Of course they did.

A family evening, they called it.

As if anything about us had ever been a family.

As if pretending could fix what was already broken beyond repair.

The theater was beautifulcrystal lights hanging overhead, deep red velvet seats, gold details everywherebut I couldnt take any of it in properly. My chest felt tight. My skin felt too hot. My stomach kept twisting in slow, painful waves.

Clara? Mason whispered beside me. Are you okay?

I nodded quickly, forcing it.

But halfway through the performance, my body gave up on pretending.

I I need air, I said abruptly, standing too fast.

Clara? Ethans voice came from behind me, a flash of concern breaking throughbut I was already moving.

I pushed past him and hurried out.

The second the cold night air hit my face, my knees buckled.

I bent over and vomited onto the pavement, my whole body shaking uncontrollably. I clung to a nearby pillar, gasping, trying to steady my breathing while the world spun violently around me.

Just breathe.

Just stay upright.

Just dont fall

But I couldnt hold on.

Two figures approached.

Hey, sweetheart, one of them said, voice slurred and far too close. You dont look so good. Need a hand?

The other chuckled. Or maybe some company instead.

The first reached for me.

I pulled away instantly. Dont touch me.

He smiled like I was joking. Relax. Youre alone out here. Were just being nice.

My heartbeat spiked.

I said dont touch me.

He didnt listen.

Instead, he grabbed my arm and yanked me closer, breath reeking of alcohol. Come on, dont be difficult

Let go! I screamed.

But my strength was gone.

My legs gave out beneath me.

Everything blurred at the edges, darkness creeping in fast as the ground rushed upward.

And then I fell.

The last thing I heard before everything went silent was running footsteps

And a voice breaking through the night, shouting my name.

Clara!