Chapter 4

Chloe's POV

Ever since the funeral, I had been staying at Hidden Creek.

The official story was that following the death of her twin sister, Serena Sinclair was so consumed by grief that she had to put all work commitments on hold and take an extended leave to recover.

There was no need to attend exhibitions anymore, and gallery collaborations were paused.

Interviews were declined, and even social media updates were halted.

The public expressed endless sympathy, praising Serena for her deep sisterly devotion, mourning so intensely for her sibling.

Only I knew this was merely Julian's arrangement.

He was afraid that, carrying Serena's name, I would make a misstep in public and ruin her reputation.

Locking me away was the safest option.

And I was more than happy to stay indoors.

After all, I could never pull off Serena's dazzling confidence or universally adored charm; the moment I opened my mouth, I'd probably give myself away.

The days drifted by. Aside from a few couriers delivering supplies, Julian never showed up.

In the blink of an eye, over a month had passed. I had almost started to think he had completely forgotten about this imposter.

One night, I had finally managed to fall asleep.

I had always suffered from insomnia, but after Serena's accident, it had gotten even worse. I often lay awake all night, easily startled by the slightest noise.

Suddenly, rustling sounds came from outside the door.

Any drowsiness vanished instantly. I sat up from beneath the blankets, every nerve in my body pulled taut.

I was the only person living in this apartment.

Security was airtight. Who could possibly be entering in the dead of night?

The sounds drew closer, reaching the living room.

Staring intently at the bedroom door, my breath came faster and faster.

In the next instant, a wave of terror washed over me as I remembered something.

I hadn't locked the bedroom door!

Gritting my teeth, I kicked off the covers and sprinted barefoot toward the door.

The footsteps outside were approaching just as fast.

Just as my hand touched the handle, before I could turn it—

"Click." The doorknob twisted from the outside.

My scalp prickled with dread as the door was shoved inward with tremendous force. A scream escaped my lips.

"Shh."

A familiar, deep voice floated down from above.

I snapped my head up.

The hallway sensor light was on, illuminating his face.

It was Julian.

His tie was loosened, his shirt wrinkled, and a heavy stench of alcohol washed over me.

My racing heart sank with relief, only to seize up in panic once more.

Why had he come here in the middle of the night, and why was he so drunk?

"You've been drinking?"

Gathering my wits, I asked softly.

"I'll go get you some water."

I stepped sideways to skirt past him.

As I brushed past, a hand clamped around my wrist, violently yanking me back.

"Serena..."

I stumbled into a scorching embrace.

My whole body went rigid.

"Julian, you have the wrong person!"

I shoved against his chest, but his frame didn't budge. Instead, his iron-like arms tightened around me.

"Serena..."

He called again, resting his chin on my crown and rubbing lightly. His voice was soft and slow, dripping with drunken tenderness.

I froze.

In all my twenty-two years, I had never seen Julian like this.

In my memory, he was always cold and aloof, a man of few words who radiated an aura warning everyone to keep their distance.

People said the heir of the Vance family was unfeeling and detached.

It turned out that was all a lie.

He, too, could say someone's name with such gentleness.

It was just that the name belonged to Serena Sinclair.

I pressed my lips together, a deep, pervasive ache spreading through my chest.

I envied Serena.

Outsiders only ever saw Julian's pride and coldness.

Such soft-spoken tenderness was reserved solely for Serena.

In the dark, a thought surfaced without warning:

"What if I could also..."

Jolted with horror, I ruthlessly crushed the thought.

What was I doing?

After staying in my place for so many years, was I really growing greedy now?

"Chloe Sinclair, that doesn't belong to you. Don't covet it."

"Don't betray Serena."

I was already useless enough. If I became so greedy that I tried to steal Serena's fiancé, I would despise myself.

I warned myself repeatedly, suppressing those forbidden impulses with all my might.

Serena was radiant and beloved by everyone, the center of attention wherever she went.

I was awkward with words, unloved, lingering in the shadows for twenty-two years.

How could I ever be worthy of Julian?

I wasn't worthy.

"Stop fooling yourself."

While my mind was reeling, a sudden heat pressed against my lips.

Julian was kissing me.

The sharp sting of liquor flooded my senses, his scorching heat searing into my lips with terrifying realism.

This wasn't a dream.

My mind went completely blank; I even forgot to push him away.

"Serena..."

His lips brushed against mine, his voice husky from alcohol.

"You taste... so sweet today."

A chill ran down my entire body.

He thought I was Serena.

He was drunk, mistaking me for someone else.

He believed the woman he held and kissed was his beloved fiancée.

[Paywall]