Angela’s POVI sat in silence, the phone call with Lyra still ringing in my ears, the bitterness swirling around me like a storm I couldn't control. I had congratulated her and played the part of the supportive sister, but inside, I was seething. My fingers curled into fists, my nails digging into my palms as I replayed her words.“He gave me the most beautiful ring… We’re engaged!” Her voice had been so full of joy, so naive. I could practically see her grinning like a lovestruck idiot as she twirled the ring around her finger. And the car? That “damn” car. A midnight-blue beauty? Of course, Kurtis would go all out for her. He was always that type. But now, it felt like he was throwing it in my face, everything I should’ve had.I clenched my teeth, trying to shove the jealousy down, but it was useless. The resentment boiled inside me. Lyra, my sweet, innocent twin, had taken everything I was supposed to have. The perfect man, the perfect life, and now, the ring. The ring that “shoul
Angela POVAs soon as I ended the call with Kurtis, my plan was already in motion. I felt the adrenaline rush through me, my heart pounding with a dangerous mix of excitement and rage. I knew what I had to do next, pay them a little surprise visit.The thought of seeing the look on Lyra’s face when I showed up unannounced, playing the role of the loving, supportive sister, sent a twisted thrill down my spine. She wouldn’t suspect a thing, not with how easily she bought into my act over the phone. And Kurtis… well, I knew he wasn’t that easy to fool. But it didn’t matter. I was confident enough to handle him.I grabbed my purse and keys, the drive to their place giving me plenty of time to rehearse my lines, to perfect the part I was about to play. I’d show up all smiles, full of congratulations and fake excitement. Lyra would eat it up like she always did, so desperate for my approval. Little did she know, I was already working to tear down everything she thought was hers.By the time
Kurtis POVThe minute Angela raised her glass and clinked it against mine, I knew trouble had already walked through the door. The way her eyes lingered on me, filled with hidden intentions, made my gut tighten with unease. Lyra, sweet and blissfully unaware, had no idea what her sister was capable of.I took a sip of the champagne, trying to mask my discomfort. Lyra, still glowing with excitement, leaned against me, her hand resting lightly on my chest as she rambled on about the wedding plans. I forced a smile, wrapping an arm around her, but my eyes were locked on Angela.She had barely said a word since the toast, but that smug look on her face said enough. I’d known her long enough to realize she wasn’t here to celebrate. She was here to cause chaos, to stir up something. But what? And why now?Lyra squeezed my hand. “Isn’t it just perfect, Kurtis? Having Angela here to see all this? I mean, it couldn’t be better timing.”I nodded, keeping my tone light. “Yeah, perfect timing.”B
Kurtis POVI stared at the door Angela had slammed behind her, my chest still tight, every nerve in my body on edge. Lyra was right there in front of me, standing so still that for a moment, I thought she was frozen in shock. Her eyes, wide and shimmering, seemed to be searching my face, looking for answers. My heart clenched, and I couldn’t stand the silence between us anymore.“Lyra, please,” I began, my voice cracking with desperation. I took a step closer, reaching out, but she didn’t move. “Don’t believe a word Angela said earlier. You know how she is, always twisting things, making it sound worse than it is. You *know* that it was Angela I was supposed to meet that day. She’s the one who told you to pretend to be her. That’s how we met! That’s how all of this started.”I watched her closely, bracing myself for her response, for more tears, for the painful look of betrayal that Angela had tried to plant in her eyes. But instead, something unexpected happened. Lyra’s lips quivered
The house was buzzing with life, a soft glow of lights spilling from the windows onto the garden, where our guests were mingling. Laughter echoed in the air, the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation surrounding us in a bubble of joy. It was the perfect evening to announce our engagement, and from the way Lyra looked tonight, radiant and glowing, I knew this was going to be a moment neither of us would forget.As I stood by the bar, watching her float from one group of guests to another, I couldn’t help but smile. She was in her element, talking and laughing with everyone, her excitement palpable. Her joy was infectious, and I felt it settle deep in my chest, warming me in ways I hadn’t realized I needed.“Hey, babe,” Lyra said, sidling up next to me. Her eyes sparkled with happiness as she wrapped her arms around my waist, resting her chin on my shoulder. “Everything is perfect, isn’t it?”I leaned down to kiss her forehead, inhaling the familiar scent of her perfume that a
Angela POV The news of Lyra and Kurtis’s engagement party was everywhere. I hadn’t expected it to be so... loud. It popped up on my phone like a cruel joke, headlines, pictures, everyone buzzing about their perfect night. Lyra looked stunning, glowing in that way only she could. And Kurtis, well, he always knew how to play the charming fiancé. The perfect couple.I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the pictures, no matter how much I wanted to. There she was, my twin, basking in the attention, her hand proudly showing off the ring Kurtis had given her. That ring should’ve meant something different. It should’ve been me standing next to him. I slammed my phone down, the screen going black as the bitterness in my chest flared. Lyra had everything now, Kurtis, the spotlight, the life I should’ve had. How did she always manage to take what was mine? Even now, I couldn’t shake the gnawing jealousy. He’d always had a soft spot for her, and with a little push, I was sure I could stir up some
Lyra's POVKurtis was pacing in the living room when I walked in, the excitement on his face impossible to miss. He turned toward me, his eyes gleaming with mischief and something else, anticipation.“Baby girl, I’ve been thinking,” he began, walking over to me, his hands finding my waist effortlessly as he pulled me close. “We haven’t really had time for ourselves lately. Everything’s been so... chaotic.”I smiled up at him, loving the way his arms felt wrapped around me. “I know. It’s been non-stop, hasn’t it?”He nodded, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. “So, I booked us a surprise trip. Just you and me, away from everything.”“A surprise trip?” My eyes widened in disbelief. “Where are we going?”“Somewhere beautiful. A charming European city, full of romance, just the way you like it. Think candlelit dinners, cozy walks by the river... I want us to get lost in each other.”My heart skipped a beat as his words sank in. The thought of escaping everything, just the two of
Lyra's POVI stood frozen, my heart pounding in my chest as James’s words echoed in my ears.“Miss you?”I blinked, unsure if I’d heard him right. His voice, that smirk on his face, everything about this moment felt surreal. After all these years, James, the man who had once shattered my heart, was standing in front of me like a ghost from my past.“Who the hell is this?” Kurtis’s voice cut through the tension like a knife, his grip on my waist tightening. His protective tone sent a shiver down my spine, but I couldn’t focus. My mind was spinning, trying to make sense of what was happening.James took a step closer, his gaze locked on mine, completely ignoring Kurtis. “You didn’t answer me, baby boo. Did you miss me?”I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. “What are you doing here, James?”He shrugged casually, as if this was no big deal. “What? I can’t visit an old flame? It’s been a while, Lyra. Thought we could catch up.”James smirked as he stepped closer, his confidence oozing