Swapping identities with my twin sister

chapter 1

"Since he's better now, you don't have to pretend to be me anymore."

My twin sister, Emily Garden, stood in front of me, her lips curled into a smug smile as she held a tiny pink pill bottle, acting as if it were a treasure. "This stuff's amazing. It took me a lot of effort to get it, but if I just slip a pill into his drink, I'll become Mrs. Edmund in no time!"

She looked so pleased, as if she had succeeded in her plan to sleep with Barton Edmund, the most wanted rich heir in Jezelton. She was already picturing herself living the high life as his wife.

I stayed calm. I didn't try to talk her out of it like I had in my past life.

"Okay," I said lightly. "Good luck."

But Emily wasn't letting me off that easily. She grabbed my arm and leaned in close, whispering, "Don't forget. You've been pretending to be me for a whole year. There's so much I don't know about him and the people in his circle. Until I reach my goal, you're sticking by my side."

Then she tossed me a pair of sunglasses and a mask. "Cover your face. If anyone finds out the truth and ruins my plan, you're dead."

I just gave her a little smile. "Got it."

After a year of being Barton's caretaker, I knew the truth: He wasn't some clueless rich boy. As the heir to a wealthy family, he was sharp and ruthless. Emily thought she could outsmart him, but she was walking straight into her own grave. And I wasn't gonna stand in her way.

Emily strutted toward him with that special glass of wine. Barton drank it without a second thought, and within minutes, his handsome face turned red, his body unsteady.

Emily, now back as his nurse, rushed to help him upstairs.

I slipped her a hotel keycard on the way. "I got you Room 800."

Her eyes lit up. "Guess you're not totally useless. Once I'm Mrs. Edmund, I'll hook you up with a driver or a bodyguard. That should keep you comfortable for life.

"Help me stand guard outside. Don't let anyone ruin this. If I fail, I'll make sure Mom and Dad tear you apart."

I didn't argue. I just followed upstairs, then quietly stood across the hall instead of by her door.

Minutes later, there was a loud thud from inside. Then the door swung open, and Barton stumbled out.

Barton's breathing was rough, his whole face tight with anger. He looked as if he was about to explode.

Meanwhile, Emily was sprawled on the floor, knocked out cold with a bleeding cut on her head.

I knew it. I knew there was no way she'd ever be able to pull this off.

She only got a beating now. But when Barton sobered up, who knew if she'd even live to see another day.

I let out a slow breath and turned to leave quietly when suddenly, someone grabbed my wrist.

The next second, Barton yanked me into the room next door.

I still had on a mask. My eyes, wide with fear, met his.

The hotel lights were dim, stretching shadows across the walls. He pinned me against one, his voice low and hoarse.

"Your scent, your figure... they feel so familiar. Do I know you?"

I froze. No way could I answer him. We'd spent a whole year togetherif I spoke, he'd know it was me.

I couldn't let anything happen between us. If I did, I'd end up just like Emily.

I fought to break free, but even when Barton was drugged, he was still way stronger than I was. I didn't stand a chance.

I opened my mouth, ready to scream for help, when he leaned down suddenly, whispering, "Your eyes... They're beautiful..."

I went stiff. For a second, I thought he'd recognized me.

Then, he ripped off my mask and kissed me.

Panic shot through me. I quickly switched off the lights, but after that, there was no chance to escape.

Hours blurred together. Five, maybe six. By the time it was deep into the night, Barton finally let go, his strength fading.

Every part of my body hurt, but I forced myself up and put my clothes back on.

I wasn't like Emily, living in some fairytale, believing a rich man would fall for a nobody like her. I wasn't about to get myself caught in a mess I couldn't climb out of.

So while he slept, I slipped out. I didn't hesitate or look back. I would just pretend that nothing had happened.

But the second I stepped out, I saw a heavyset, greasy-looking man stumbling out of the next room.

When he spotted me, he let out a low whistle.

I looked past him into the room. Clothes were scattered everywhere, and Emily was on the bed, her dress torn, completely out cold.

As I recalled how she had murdered me in my past life, I just shut the door quietly and walked away.

When I got home, my parents rushed to greet me, both carrying plates piled with food, their faces glowing with joy.

"Emily, darling, you're finally back!"

But then their smiles froze.

"Cecilia? Why are you here? Where's Emily?

"Didn't we tell you? You're supposed to stay by her side and protect her, make sure it all goes according to plan!"

I stared at them, amazed at how deep their favoritism ran. If Emily and I didn't look exactly alike, I'd really believe I was adopted.

My face stayed cold as I walked past them. "I'm just here to pack my stuff. I'm moving out."

My mother's face twisted, ugly with anger. "What the hell are you talking about? How are you gonna afford rent?"

As I folded clothes into my bag, I spoke slowly, almost calmly, "If Emily really ends up marrying Barton, his family will come to visit. What if they saw me and figured it all out? But I can stay if you want."

The moment they realized my being around could ruin Emily's chances, their attitude flipped. They quickly chased me out.

"Get out! You're bad luck anyway. I wouldn't want you ruining a good thing for Emily and bringing our family down with you!"