Chapter 2

When I finally nodded in agreement, Vivian's face lit up. She grabbed my arm, shaking it with excitement.

"Really? Valerie, you’re really letting him go?"

She shook me so hard that a metallic, metallic taste rushed up my throat.

I forced myself to swallow the blood back down.

Mom shot me a sideways glance, her voice sharp.

"At least you have some self-awareness. Ethan is gentle and stable. He’s a much better fit for Vivian anyway."

"Didn't the local grocery store owner ask you out last week? He’s loaded. You should just say yes to him."

I thought of the grocery store owner who had sent 999 roses to our doorstep last week.

He was a bald, chubby guy seventeen years older than me.

In Mom’s eyes, that was the only kind of man I deserved.

Vivian tugged at Mom's sleeve, playing the saint again.

"Mom, don't say that to Valerie. I'm sure she can find someone much better."

Mom’s harsh expression softened.

She turned around, wrapped her arm around my shoulder, and playfully tapped my nose.

"I’m just teasing you."

"You wouldn't get mad over a little joke, right?"

I leaned into Mom’s embrace, greedily soaking in the tiny bit of warmth.

Like every other time she held me, it felt brief, like something I had stolen.

Actually, Mom was right. I wasn't mad.

Her words, whether sweet or cruel, were a prize to me.

Even if they were wrapped in thorns, I swallowed them gladly.

I had known since I was a little girl that Mom loved Vivian more.

Probably because Vivian was just like her.

I was born wild, loud, always getting into trouble. I never fit the mold of a "good girl."

Once, Mom bought Vivian a beautiful dress.

Vivian didn't like the color and threw it on the couch.

So, I took it and put it on.

The moment Mom saw me, she practically ripped the fabric off my body.

I lost count of how many times things like that happened.

Mom shook my arm, pulling me back to reality.

"What are you spacing out for?"

She frowned, her usual impatience returning.

"I tested Ethan yesterday. He can't tell you two apart at all."

"As long as you keep your mouth shut, Vivian can take your place and marry him."

"Don't worry. I'll help you find a better boyfriend later."

I looked down, not wanting to watch Vivian walk toward Ethan.

Could he really not tell us apart?

We were college sweethearts. We spent four years together, dated for three.

We slept in each other's arms for countless nights.

Even if Vivian and I were identical twins, he should have known.

Unless... he just didn't care.