Angela POV I spent days at Sophie’s, trying to clear my head and figure out what I wanted. Every morning, I’d wake up to the smell of fresh coffee and the sound of birds chirping outside her window. It was peaceful, a world away from the tension that had become my life with Alex. But no matter how much I tried to focus on myself, my thoughts always drifted back to him. The way he looked at me, the way he held me, and the promises he made that he’d change.Sophie noticed, of course. She could tell that I was struggling. One morning, as we sat in her garden, she finally said what she’d been holding back.“Angela, I can see it on your face. You’re thinking about going back to him, aren’t you?”I hesitated, knowing she wouldn’t like my answer. “I don’t know, Sophie. Maybe. He’s been texting me every day, apologizing, saying he’ll change. What if he means it this time?”She sighed, putting down her cup of tea. “You can’t be serious. Angela, you’ve seen this pattern before. He promises to
Kurtis’s POVAs I lay there with Lyra, it felt like everything else vanished. The world around us blurred into the background, leaving just the two of us in this perfect moment. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The soft light from the setting sun gave her skin a warm, golden glow, making her look almost unreal. She was so beautiful and peaceful that it took my breath away.I reached out, my fingers gently weaving through her hair, feeling its softness between my fingers. Each strand seemed to catch the light, shimmering like gold in the evening sun. I couldn't help but marvel at how stunning she was, how every little detail about her seemed to be touched by some kind of magic.Her eyes, half-closed in contentment, sparkled like the ocean just before dusk, reflecting the love and trust we shared. I traced my thumb along her jawline, taking in the smoothness of her skin, the gentle curve of her lips, and the way her chest rose and fell with each calm breath.I tightened my hold on Lyra,
Lyra’s POVI was lost in thought, feeling like I had everything I could ever want with Kurtis by my side. Despite everything, I was still grateful to Angela, my twin, for bringing him into my life. The warmth of Kurtis’s body against mine, his arms wrapped securely around me, made me feel grounded like everything in the world had finally fallen into place.We were quiet for a while, just enjoying the peace of the moment, but I could sense that Kurtis had something on his mind. He tilted his head down, his gaze meeting mine with a look that was both curious and tender.“Tell me more about yourself, Lyra,” he asked softly, his fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. “And about Angela. I want to understand everything about you.”I felt a lump form in my throat at his request. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to share, but talking about Angela always brought up a mix of emotions I wasn’t sure I was ready to face. Still, the sincerity in Kurtis’s eyes, the way he held me a
Angela POVI tried, I did. After that night, I decided to give Alex the attention he was craving. We started spending more time together, doing all the things couples do when they’re trying to make it work. We went out for dinner, watched movies, and even took a weekend trip to the coast. On the surface, everything seemed fine. We laughed, we kissed, we held each other close, but deep down, something was missing.As the days passed, the unease in my chest grew stronger, gnawing at me like an unwelcome guest who refused to leave. It wasn’t just a fleeting feeling anymore; it was a constant presence, shadowing my every thought and action. I found myself overanalyzing every interaction with Alex, searching for the connection we once had, but it always seemed just out of reach. I’d smile when he cracked a joke, but the laughter felt hollow, echoing in the empty spaces between us.Every time he reached out to hold my hand or kiss my cheek, I felt a slight hesitation, a flicker of doubt tha
Angela POV But every word felt like a stab to my heart. I wasn’t great. I wasn’t fine.“Angela, are you sure you’re okay with all of this?” Lyra asked, sensing the tension. “I know it’s complicated, but you’ve been through so much lately. I don’t want this to hurt you more.”I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “Of course, I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be?” The lie came out so easily, but the pain underneath it was undeniable."Because I know you, Angela," she said softly. "I know when you're hurting, even if you try to hide it. I just don't want to be the reason you’re unhappy."Her words hit hard because they were true. I was in pain and had been for a long time, trapped in a relationship with Alex that felt more like a prison than a partnership. Seeing her happiness only made it worse. She had done so much for me, pretending to be me, lying to Kurtis, yet here I was, stuck with Alex while she lived the life I walked away from.."It’s not about you, Lyra," I said, my voice quieter now, almo
Lyra’s POVThe phone call with Angela left a heavy weight on my chest, one that I couldn’t shake off no matter how hard I tried. As much as I was thrilled with how things were going with Kurtis, hearing my twin’s pain was like a cold splash of reality. I could feel her misery through the phone, her words laced with so much sadness that it seeped into my own happiness.Kurtis noticed my silence as I sat on the edge of the bed, lost in my thoughts. His warm hand slid over mine, pulling me back to reality. “Baby girl, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice gentle yet firm, like he wasn’t going to let me brush it off. Every time he called me that, I felt so loved, but right now, the weight of Angela’s words still hung heavy on my heart.“It’s Angela,” I whispered, still processing everything she’d said. “She’s... she’s really unhappy, Kurtis. She’s stuck with Alex, a guy she met and fell off heel for him but now she feels trapped. I don’t know what to do to help her.”Kurtis frowned, his thum
Kurtis’s POVLyra’s trembling breath warmed my chest, but I could feel the storm brewing beneath her calm exterior. Her concern for Angela was eating away at her, and as much as I wanted to be patient, the thought of losing what we had over her sister’s problems made my blood boil.I held her tighter, trying to push away the frustration that threatened to overwhelm me. She was everything to me, and the idea that our happiness could be tainted by someone else’s misery was infuriating. I needed to make her see that our relationship was worth fighting for, even if it meant being a little selfish.“Lyra,” I murmured against her hair, my voice low and filled with a raw edge of desperation, “I love how much you care about your sister, but you can’t let her problems consume you. We have something real, something special, and I won’t let anything, or anyone, oioooodestroy that.”She looked up at me, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “I just don’t know how to let go, Kurtis,” she whispered, h
Angela's POVI threw my phone across the room, watching it clatter against the wall before it finally settled on the floor. How could I have been so blind? How could I let my twin take what should have been mine? Lyra was always the quiet one, the one who lived in the shadows, content with whatever scraps life tossed her way. But now, she's the one living my life. Kurtis should have been mine, he was mine before I let him slip through my fingers. And now, he's hers.I couldn't sleep a wink all night, my thoughts racing, my anger simmering just below the surface. How had I let this happen? My twin, my other half, was living the life I was supposed to have. I could see them now, laughing together, Kurtis looking at her the way he used to look at me. It was a nightmare, but the worst part was that it was real.When the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, I forced myself out of bed. There was no point in lying there, drowning in my misery. If I couldn’t sleep, I could at leas
Lyra's POV Later that evening, as the hospital quieted down, I sat by Angela’s bedside, my mind a storm of thoughts. The air felt heavy, not just from the day’s events but from something I’d been holding back, something I needed answers to. I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to bring it up. Angela’s eyelids were drooping, but I knew she wasn’t asleep yet. “Angela,” I said softly, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “I need to ask you something… and I need you to be honest with me.” Her eyes fluttered open, and she turned her head slightly to look at me. “Of course. What is it?” “It’s about James.” At the mention of his name, her expression shifted, a flicker of guilt flashing across her face. She didn’t say anything, so I pressed on. “You’ve been around him more than I have lately. You must know something about his intentions. What’s he planning, Angela? What does he want from me?” Angela hesitated, biting her lower lip. “Lyra… I don’t know if” “Do
Lyra’s POVThe cold, sterile smell of the hospital hit me the moment I stepped inside. My heart was pounding so hard it drowned out every other sound—the murmur of voices, the beep of monitors, the shuffling of feet. Angela. Critical condition. The nurse’s words rang in my ears as I approached the counter, my voice trembling as I asked, “Angela… Angela Hayes. Where is she?” The receptionist barely glanced up, typing away on her computer. “Room 115. Down the hall, second door on your left.” I didn’t wait for her to finish. My feet moved before my mind could catch up, rushing down the hallway, my breaths coming in short, panicked gasps. My legs felt like jelly, but I pushed forward, ignoring the ache. When I reached the door marked *115,* I paused, my hand hovering over the handle. I wasn’t ready to see her like this—to see my sister, my twin, lying broken and vulnerable. But I had to. I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my breath catching in my throat at the sight be
Angela’s POV The door slammed behind me as I left Lyra’s house, but the sound didn’t drown out the storm in my head. The cold evening air wrapped around me like a punishment, but it was nothing compared to the icy distance Lyra had put between us. I climbed into my car, letting the silence close in, but the quiet only gave space for my thoughts to scream louder. My hands clutched the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles turning white as I sat there, reliving every moment of the last hour. I had gone there to apologize, to mend the bridge I had set on fire. Instead, I’d been met with something far worse than anger, indifference. When she opened the door, her face was unreadable. For a moment, I thought she might slam it shut again, but she stepped aside, her cold eyes fixed on me. “What do you want, Angela?” she asked, her voice void of emotion. My heart had twisted at her tone, but I forced myself to speak. “I came to say I’m sorry, Lyra. I know I’ve been… awful. I know I’v
Lyra POV I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorway as I tried to keep my emotions in check. Angela was standing there, disheveled and broken in a way I hadn’t seen before. A part of me softened, but the wounds she’d left were too fresh to let her off the hook. “You’re sorry,” I repeated, my voice flat. “And what exactly am I supposed to do with that?” Angela’s hands fidgeted at her sides, her usual confidence nowhere in sight. “Lara, I know I can’t undo what I’ve done, but I’m here because I can’t carry this guilt anymore. I’ve been a terrible sister, and I need to make things right. Please, let me try.” I stepped aside, letting her into my apartment without a word. As much as I wanted to shut the door in her face, a part of me needed to hear what she had to say. Angela hesitated before stepping inside, her eyes scanning the space as if looking for something to anchor her. She turned to me, her lips trembling. “I messed up, Lara. I let my jealousy and anger control me,
Lyra’s POVA knock on the door startled me. It was late, and I wasn’t expecting anyone. My heart sank, a mix of unease and curiosity prickling at me. When I opened the door, the last person I expected to see stood there, Angela. She looked… different. Her usually composed face was drawn and pale, her eyes red-rimmed as if she’d been crying. “What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. Angela swallowed hard, her lips trembling. “Lyra… I came to say I’m sorry.” Sorry? That single word made my chest tighten, but I refused to let my guard down. “Sorry for what, exactly?” “For everything,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “For all the pain I caused you.” I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorframe. “You’ll have to be more specific than that, Angela.” She nodded quickly, as if she’d expected this reaction. “I’m sorry for… for kidnapping you on your wedding day, for taking Kurtis, and for siding with Alice to blackmail you.” Her voice cracked, te
Angela’s POV The sunlight poured through my bedroom window, golden and soft, but it did little to ease the weight on my chest. I stared blankly at the ceiling, my thoughts a tangled mess. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, but I ignored it. I wasn’t ready to face anyone, not yet. The silence was suffocating, but it gave me nowhere to hide. Memories crept in, sharp and relentless, playing in my mind like a movie I couldn’t pause. Lyra and I, once inseparable. Lyra and I, laughing until we cried, wearing matching outfits, sharing dreams and secrets. Lyra and I. How had it come to this? I sat up, rubbing my temples as the past clawed at me.We were kids, maybe six or seven, sitting cross-legged on the living room floor. Mom had just finished making us matching blue dresses with tiny white polka dots. “Twins should always match!” she said, grinning as she held up the dresses. Lyra had squealed in delight, grabbing my hand and pulling me to the mirror once we were dressed. “Loo
Kurtis POV Lyra’s trembling fingers tightened around mine as I held her close. Her warmth, her trust, it was everything to me. But tonight wasn’t about comfort. It was about strategy. I leaned down, brushing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Lyra,” I murmured, my voice firm but tender, “we’re going to fight this, but we need to play it smart. For now, you have to keep pretending we’re not together.” She pulled back slightly, her eyes widening. “What? Kurtis, why? I thought” I pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her gently. “I know, baby girl. But if James or Alice catches even a hint that you’re not under their thumb anymore, they’ll escalate. They’ll come at you harder. We can’t risk that.” She looked torn, her brows furrowing as her lips parted to argue, but I cut her off again. “Lyra, trust me on this. Let them think they still have control. Meanwhile, I’ll be working behind the scenes to tear their entire empire apart.” Her lips quivered, but she nodded, her voice bar
Lyra POV As I looked at Kurtis' determined face, I knew he was up to fight, so I asked him again. “Kurtis,” I said softly, pulling back to look up at him. “What do we do now?”His arms tightened around me as if shielding me from the weight of the world. His eyes burned with unwavering determination, his voice low and steady. “We fight back,” he said.Before I could ask what he meant, he pulled his phone from his pocket, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen. The sound of each tap echoed in the silence, amplifying my nerves.“Kurtis, what are you doing?” I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.He paused for a moment, his gaze meeting mine, filled with resolve. “I’m calling someone who can help us. You’ve been running for too long, Lyra. That ends now.”He raised the phone to his ear. “Dpo,” he said firmly when the call connected, his tone sharp and commanding. “It’s time. Pull everything we have on James and Alice. I want every shred of dirt they’ve ever tried to bury. Ba
Lyra POV As I looked at Kurtis' determined face, I knew he was up to fight, so I asked him again. “Kurtis,” I said softly, pulling back to look up at him. “What do we do now?”His arms tightened around me as if shielding me from the weight of the world. His eyes burned with unwavering determination, his voice low and steady. “We fight back,” he said.Before I could ask what he meant, he pulled his phone from his pocket, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen. The sound of each tap echoed in the silence, amplifying my nerves.“Kurtis, what are you doing?” I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.He paused for a moment, his gaze meeting mine, filled with resolve. “I’m calling someone who can help us. You’ve been running for too long, Lyra. That ends now.”He raised the phone to his ear. “Dpo,” he said firmly when the call connected, his tone sharp and commanding. “It’s time. Pull everything we have on James and Alice. I want every shred of dirt they’ve ever tried to bury. Ba